Rhythm + Flow Season 2 Reviews: 5 Shocking Takeaways From The New Judges, The Winner, And The Fan 'Scandal'

The long-awaited return of Netflix's premier hip-hop competition, Rhythm + Flow, finally hit screens in late 2024, but its conclusion has sparked a firestorm of debate across social media and fan forums. As of today, December 15, 2025, the dust has settled on Season 2, which premiered on November 20, 2024, and wrapped up its intense three-part run on December 4, 2024. The new season, which sought to crown the next face of hip-hop, delivered raw talent, high-stakes challenges, and a shocking finale that has left fans divided, with many claiming the wrong artist walked away with the grand prize.

Replacing the iconic original panel—Cardi B, Chance the Rapper, and T.I.—the new season introduced a powerhouse trio of judges: the legendary Ludacris, the chart-topping Latto, and the ubiquitous DJ Khaled. This shift in judging personnel, coupled with a highly controversial final decision, became the central talking point of the season, overshadowing the incredible talent of finalists like DreTL, Jay Taj, Yoshi Vintage, and Detroit Diamond. Here is a deep dive into the most talked-about elements of Rhythm + Flow Season 2, from the new judges' performance to the undeniable fan "scandal."

The New Judges: Latto, Ludacris, and DJ Khaled’s Critical Reception

One of the biggest questions leading into Season 2 was how the new judging panel would measure up to the chemistry and star power of the original cast. The decision to move the search for hip-hop’s next star to Atlanta, a city deeply rooted in the culture, made the selection of Atlanta natives Ludacris and Latto a natural fit.

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Ludacris: The Veteran Voice of Reason

Ludacris, a veteran rapper and actor with decades of industry experience, was generally received as a "decent judge" by the fanbase. His critiques were often seen as grounded in technical skill and real-world longevity, providing the kind of mentorship that contestants needed. His presence brought a necessary balance of old-school respect and modern relevance to the panel.

Latto: The Fresh Perspective

Latto's inclusion was noted as "fascinating" by critics, representing the current wave of successful, independent female rappers. Her recent rise to fame gave her a unique, fresh perspective on what it takes to break through in the current music landscape. She was able to connect with the younger contestants, offering insights into branding, social media, and contemporary sound. However, some fans expressed a general disappointment, wishing for the return of the original judges, particularly Cardi B.

DJ Khaled: The Polarizing Producer

DJ Khaled's role was the most polarizing. Known for his ad-libs and producer prowess, his judging style—often focused on "anthems" and "vibes"—was a point of contention for some viewers who felt his feedback lacked the technical depth of the other judges. The shift in judges led to a broader critique from some fans who questioned the overall qualifications of the new panel to make the final, career-defining decisions for the contestants.

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The Controversy: Did Jay Taj Get Robbed? Fan Outrage Over The Finale

The biggest headline from the conclusion of Rhythm + Flow Season 2 was the intense fan reaction to the winner. DreTL, a Georgia State University graduate, was officially crowned the Season 2 champion, securing the $250,000 prize and a huge career boost. However, the victory was immediately met with a massive wave of fan outrage, with social media platforms declaring a "scandal" and asserting that contestant Jay Taj was "robbed" of the win.

• The Jay Taj Phenomenon: Jay Taj was consistently highlighted throughout the competition for his lyrical complexity, stage presence, and ability to "dominate that whole competition," according to a significant portion of the fanbase. Many viewers felt he "executed every week" and was the more technically proficient and commercially ready artist.
• The DreTL Argument: While DreTL’s talent was undeniable, with critics noting his strong personality and compelling narrative, the consensus among many viewers was that his overall performance trajectory did not match the consistency of Jay Taj. This led to accusations of producer bias, with some speculating that the show favored DreTL’s more underdog narrative over Jay Taj's polished, ready-made star quality, which already had a significant social media following.
• A Repeat of Season 1?: The controversy drew comparisons to Season 1, where some fans felt the winner, D Smoke, was favored over other strong finalists. The debate over the final decision highlights a recurring tension in reality competitions: the choice between a technically superior artist (Jay Taj) and an artist with a compelling personal story and commercial appeal (DreTL).

The intense debate surrounding the final episode, particularly the fate of Jay Taj and fellow strong contestant Jax, has cemented Season 2 as one of the most talked-about reality TV conclusions of the year, driving significant engagement and a high level of curiosity among both casual viewers and hip-hop purists.

Format, Challenges, and Guest Appearances: The Season's Structure

The structure of Rhythm + Flow Season 2 also underwent scrutiny from reviewers. The season was released in three parts over three weeks, a common Netflix release strategy, with Part 1 (episodes 201-204) on November 20, Part 2 (205-207) on November 27, and the finale (Part 3) on December 4, 2024.

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Critics noted that the pacing of the season felt "weird," with the lengths of the auditions and various challenges appearing "random" and sometimes disrupting the flow of the competition. Despite this structural criticism, the season was praised for its ability to showcase "raw talent and musical evolution," successfully turning underground artists into potential stars.

Key Entities and Guest Appearances

To maintain its high production value and industry credibility, the show featured a stellar lineup of guest judges and industry heavyweights. These appearances added topical authority and crucial mentorship to the contestants.

• Eminem: The legendary rapper made a highly anticipated appearance, adding immense weight to the judging process and generating significant pre-show buzz.
• Producers: Executive producers John Legend and Mike Jackson continued their involvement, ensuring the show maintained a high standard of musical quality.
• Contestants: In addition to the final four (DreTL, Jay Taj, Yoshi Vintage, Detroit Diamond), the season introduced a wide array of talent, including Jax, who also garnered a strong fan following and was considered by some to be "robbed" alongside Jay Taj.

The challenges themselves, which tested the artists' versatility in areas like lyrical composition, performance, and music video creation, were instrumental in separating the contenders. The final decision, however, will forever be tied to the polarizing outcome, ensuring that the debate over Rhythm + Flow Season 2 will continue well into 2026 and beyond.