Rhythm + Flow Season 2: Everything You Missed—New Judges, Atlanta’s Champion, And Where The Finalists Are Now

The long-awaited return of Netflix's premier hip-hop competition, *Rhythm + Flow*, finally delivered a massive second season, culminating in a dramatic finale in early 2025. After a multi-year hiatus following the debut season in 2019, the show officially returned on November 20, 2024, with a completely revamped panel of judges and a new city focus, cementing its status as a major platform for discovering the next generation of rap talent. This season, the competition was fiercer than ever, focusing heavily on the vibrant and influential Atlanta music scene. The second installment saw a significant shake-up, replacing the original star-studded panel—Cardi B, Chance the Rapper, and T.I.—with a fresh trio of global superstars: Latto, Ludacris, and DJ Khaled. With the season now complete as of December 2025, fans are looking back at the journey that crowned a new champion and launched several promising careers into the mainstream.

Rhythm + Flow Season 2: Key Facts and New Panel Biography

The second season of the Netflix reality competition series marked a major change in direction, shifting its focus and judging panel to reflect the current landscape of hip-hop and maintain a fresh perspective.

The New Judges: Latto, Ludacris, and DJ Khaled

• Latto (Alyssa Michelle Stephens): The Grammy-nominated rapper from Atlanta, Georgia, brought a contemporary, sharp perspective to the judges' table. Known for her hits "Big Energy" and "Muwop," Latto's presence emphasized the importance of mainstream appeal and lyrical precision in today's hip-hop.
• Ludacris (Christopher Brian Bridges): A legendary rapper and actor, Ludacris is a cornerstone of the Atlanta hip-hop movement. His deep industry experience and understanding of longevity in the music business provided invaluable mentorship to the contestants.
• DJ Khaled (Khaled Mohamed Khaled): The ubiquitous record producer and media personality brought his signature energy and "major key" philosophy. As a judge, DJ Khaled focused on star power, performance, and the ability of a contestant to create a global anthem.

Season 2 Overview

• Platform: Netflix
• Premiere Date: November 20, 2024.
• Judges: Latto, Ludacris, and DJ Khaled.
• Former Judges (Season 1): Cardi B, Chance the Rapper, and T.I..
• Primary Filming Location: Atlanta, Georgia.
• Season Winner: DreTL (Dre Jones).
• Executive Producer: Dionne Harmon.
• Prize: A significant financial award and a career-launching platform.

The decision to film the majority of the season in Atlanta was a strategic one, recognizing the city's undeniable status as the "heart of the global hip-hop scene". This setting immersed the contestants in an environment rich with rap history and industry connections.

The Champion Crowned: DreTL’s Journey to Victory

The competition was fierce, with contestants battling through grueling challenges focused on cyphers, music videos, battles, and collaborations. The new judges guided the aspiring artists through every stage, ultimately narrowing the field to a group of finalists showcasing incredible diversity and skill. The winner of *Rhythm + Flow* Season 2 was DreTL, a Georgia State University graduate known for his dynamic stage presence and compelling lyrical content. DreTL, whose real name is Dre Jones, impressed the panel with his consistency and ability to adapt to the show's high-pressure demands. His victory, announced in February 2025, signifies the show's commitment to finding authentic, well-rounded hip-hop superstars. The final rounds featured some of the most memorable moments of the season, with guest appearances and industry veterans offering mentorship and critiques. The final four contestants, according to executive producer Dionne Harmon, were celebrated for their inability to "be put into boxes," highlighting the unique artistry each one brought to the table. DreTL’s win is a major milestone, following in the footsteps of Season 1 winner D Smoke, who has since achieved significant recognition and career success.

Where Are the Season 2 Finalists Now? The Post-Show Impact

One of the most compelling aspects of *Rhythm + Flow* is its ability to launch careers, regardless of whether a contestant wins the grand prize. The exposure on a massive platform like Netflix provides an immediate boost to the artists' profiles, leading to new opportunities, collaborations, and a rapidly growing fanbase. Since the season concluded in early 2025, the music world has been watching to see which of the finalists and standout contestants would capitalize on their newfound fame.

The Rise of the Season 2 Class

The hip-hop talent show is designed to identify commercial viability, and the Season 2 finalists have certainly demonstrated it. The show's executive team has emphasized that the goal is not just to find a winner, but to create a graduating class of artists ready for the industry.

• DreTL’s Post-Win Momentum: As the reigning champion, DreTL has been busy establishing his brand. His music is currently seeing an uptick in streaming numbers, and he has been actively pursuing collaborations and live performances, leveraging the $250,000 prize money to fund his burgeoning career.
• The Final Four’s Continued Success: Even those who didn't win have gained crucial exposure. The final four contestants from the Atlanta-based season have been noted for their unique sounds and refusal to conform, a quality that producers specifically praised. They are now using their appearances to secure record deals, book tours, and expand their reach across social media and streaming platforms.
• Industry Entity Engagements: The show has a history of attracting major industry players. Following the Season 2 finale, various talent scouts, A&R executives, and producers have been actively engaging with the contestants, a testament to the show’s power as a rap talent pipeline.

The shift in judging panel, which included the contemporary star Latto and the legendary Ludacris, provided a perfect blend of old-school wisdom and new-school relevance. This combination ensured that the critiques were both technically sound and commercially relevant, preparing the artists for the realities of the modern music industry. The success of DreTL and the entire Season 2 class proves that *Rhythm + Flow* is more than just a competition; it is a vital, Netflix series platform for the global discovery of emerging hip-hop artists. Fans are already speculating about a potential Season 3, eager to see which city and which new set of judges will be tasked with finding the next rap superstar.

Detail Author:

• Name : Austyn Bosco
• Username : madisen37
• Email : walter38@bode.biz
• Birthdate : 1995-11-29
• Address : 768 Deborah Park Margeville, AL 90707-6498
• Phone : +18385648239
• Company : Jacobs-Kessler
• Job : Welding Machine Tender
• Bio : Est quod rem eveniet commodi. Voluptatem et perferendis cupiditate. Sed repellat perspiciatis aut at velit.

Socials

linkedin:

• url : https://linkedin.com/in/norene7102
• username : norene7102
• bio : Qui totam vel quibusdam qui at consequatur ullam.
• followers : 5383
• following : 944

twitter:

• url : https://twitter.com/pollichn
• username : pollichn
• bio : Corrupti maxime omnis aspernatur consequuntur neque officiis dolore. Est molestiae sit ex tempore cupiditate sed. Dolorem quibusdam cum et sit.
• followers : 3899
• following : 1220

facebook:

• url : https://facebook.com/norene2762
• username : norene2762
• bio : Qui temporibus quibusdam voluptas earum tenetur praesentium.
• followers : 3227
• following : 920

tiktok:

• url : https://tiktok.com/@pollichn
• username : pollichn
• bio : Facere tenetur iusto similique dicta error.
• followers : 6832
• following : 2057