Who got next? That’s for Rhythm + Flow to decide, as the Season 2 contestants must prove they have what it takes to become rap’s next superstar.
Of course, they’ll have to win over the panel of judges — DJ Khaled, Latto, and Ludacris — who are searching for a sound unlike anything that’s come before. But just picking up the mic won’t cut it, as the trio of hip-hop legends are laser-focused on the bars and the person spitting them. “I’m looking for the full package,” Latto says during auditions. “I want somebody who can survive in this new generation.”
After the cutthroat audition rounds, 22 artists from all over the nation are moving forward in hopes of claiming the $250,000 grand prize. And while each contestant has their own unique story, they also represent the deep roots of hip-hop in this country — and some of its regional differences. “The South is known to be more vibey and slow, while the East Coast tends to be super lyrical, cerebral, and very no-nonsense,” executive producer Dionne Harmon tells Tudum. “The West Coast is generally laid back. It’s like sunshine, palm trees, play-it-in your-convertible-driving-by-the-beach type of energy. And then there’s a real grit to the Midwest, Chicago, Detroit.”
“But it’s hard to put people in boxes,” Harmon adds. “What I love so much about our finalists is that everyone is so completely different. They just lean into, ‘This is who I am. Take it or leave it.’ ” See for yourself below by watching clips from each of the artists’ auditions and initial group challenge. Plus, get to know more about each competitor — from the cities they rep and their social media handles, to the rap legends that helped shape their sound.
Who are your top five favorite rappers?
Kanye West, Jay-Z, André 3000, J. Cole, and Drake.
What is your ultimate goal as an artist?
I want to be undeniably one of the greatest rappers and artists of all time. I want to be both commercially successful and culturally relevant and give the game some of the best albums of all time.
Why do you think you have what it takes to be a household name in hip-hop?
I have the lyrical ability to rap as well as the greats in hip-hop, but I can also sing and write hooks that have crossover appeal to reach a wider audience. I also have the look, charisma, and personality to be a star, and the work ethic to out-perform my competition. I didn’t grow up being a performer or have natural talent. I learned everything by myself.
What sets you apart from other rappers out there?
Lyrically I’m on another level than the majority of the rappers who are currently popular. My lyrics are more poetic — anybody can write punchlines, but painting a picture with my words and extended metaphors sets me apart.
Who are your top five favorite rappers?
Black Thought, Kendrick Lamar, Ganxsta Ridd, Anderson .Paak, and J. Cole.
What is your ultimate goal as an artist?
My ultimate goal as a rapper and music artist is to live a life where, when I take my final breath, I can say that I fearlessly explored every opportunity and pushed the boundaries of my creativity to the fullest extent. I aspire to reach a point where I can dedicate myself entirely to my art, free from the necessary distractions that often accompany life, allowing me to focus solely on my craft.
Why do you think you have what it takes to be a household name in hip-hop?
Within my community, I've already earned that recognition. It’s a testament to the resonance of my music and my ability to connect with people on a deep level. Furthermore, I’m committed to continuously refining my craft, evolving as an artist, and reaching a broader audience. This determination, combined with the support of my community, positions me to make a significant impact in the hip-hop world.
What sets you apart from other rappers out there?
What sets me apart from YOU rappers out there is I’mnot the one. If I feel challenged with a hit, best believe I’m going to make a hit for me and my fanbase.
Who are your top five favorite rappers?
Kendrick Lamar, J. Cole, Nas, Saba, and Jaywop.
What is your ultimate goal as an artist?
Impact, reach, and visibility.
Why do you think you have what it takes to be a household name in hip-hop?
I’ve maintained the essence of being true to hip-hop as well trying to push the needle. Putting that with a story that’s real as well as relatable gives you an advantage.
What sets you apart from other rappers out there?
The experience of life being so different but so common at the same time. As the vessel, we decide where we land.
Who are your top five favorite rappers?
Nicki Minaj, Lil’ Kim, Tupac, Biggie, and Foxy Brown.
What is your ultimate goal as an artist?
My ultimate goal as a rapper is for my music to impact people and bring change. I also want to bring hope to people to know to keep going and not to give up on their dreams.
Why do you think you have what it takes to be a household name in hip-hop?
My style and sound is very different and I know my gift and resilience can bring forth something that’s never been done before.
What sets you apart from other rappers out there?
In my opinion, what sets me apart from other rappers is my lyrics and my sound.
Who are your top five favorite rappers?
Lauryn Hill, J. Cole, Eve, Kanye West, and Tupac.
What is your ultimate goal as an artist?
To truly inspire young girls, grown women, and everyone in between. I want people to know that they aren’t alone when it comes to life’s struggles and that strength comes from adversity.
Why do you think you have what it takes to be a household name in hip-hop?
My originality and creativity. The rap game needs a female rapper like me who’s ready to break the mold.
What sets you apart from other rappers out there?
What sets me apart from other rappers is my originality and deep lyrics.
Who are your Top 5 favorite rappers?
Kendrick Lamar, Lil Wayne, J. Cole, Jay-Z, and Lil Uzi Vert.
What is your ultimate goal as an artist?
To educate some of the younger people about the Black American music that is jazz, and of course to create sonics people can exist to.
Why do you think you have what it takes to be a household name in hip-hop?
I care about the craft and what came before me, but I’m also dedicated to developing a new sound. People say, “You never seen this before,” and we always have. I really don’t think a lot of people have seen a skilled rapper and trumpet player. I rap rap and I play jazz jazz. I can swing and I can spit bars. On top of all that, I know the importance of entertaining.
What sets you apart from other rappers out there?
I have never seen another rapper play the trumpet — and if there is someone out there, I’ll go toe to toe with them in jazz and with the bars.
Who are your top five favorite rappers?
Rhome, J. Cole, Kendrick Lamar, Lauryn Hill, and Drake. I listen to the biggest because I have to know who my music is going to be competing with when it’s all said and done.
What is your ultimate goal as an artist?
To reach as many people as I possibly can. Music is special, and it belongs to the world. I’ve had songs help me through real-life moments and I know there's hella people out there that feel like they're moving through life just like me — on theirown. I gotta find those people, and as a creative, it’s my obligation to tell our story.
Why do you think you have what it takes to be a household name in hip-hop?
Longevity. Every move I make, I’m thinking about the future and building the kingdom brick by brick. I'm also from LA, which gifted me the hustle and primed me for stardom. To keep it a thousand, I just really feel this shit in my bones. It’s in me.
What sets you apart from other rappers out there?
I work. Everything in my life I’ve had to go get, and because of that, my passion for the work trumps all else. I don’t wanna get in my bed and rest my eyes if I feel like I left something on the table. Godfidence. That’show I move. I'm going to make it because I know I am.
Who are your top five favorite rappers?
Missy Elliott, Tupac, Kendrick Lamar, A Tribe Called Quest, and Lauryn Hill.
What is your ultimate goal as an artist? My goal is to inspire and leave a legacy for the next generation. Not just as an artist, but by using my platform for philanthropic causes as well showing our young and gifted Black youth that the possibility to succeed is boundless.
Why do you think you have what it takes to be a household name in hip-hop?
I write, produce, and perform. Due to my size, I’m not seen as a threat to parents, but I’m adored and respected by my peers. Also, I’ve been a part of the media since my early childhood, so I’m not immune to fame — however, I'm not one to get caught up in it.
What sets you apart from other rappers out there?
My musical and lyrical acuity. Not only do I want you to feel what I’m saying, I want to give you something of substance that’s going to make you scratch your head. Now mind you, at times, I love being simplistic as well. But Lauryn Hill, Biggie, Lil’ Kim, Tupac, Missy Elliott, Jay-Z, Left Eye [Lisa Lopes] and LL Cool J didn’t become legends on the sheer strength of being simple. They also made you step back and replay what they said because they provided food for thought.
Who are your top five favorite rappers?
Tupac, Jay-Z, Lil Wayne, Kendrick Lamar, and Eminem.
What is your ultimate goal as an artist?
To use my gifts to bring people together in the world, inspire people, and lift them up during bad times. Music has always been my therapy, and I just wanna pay it forward. And of course, break generational curses in my family by being the first to truly make it out the city and create generational wealth.
Why do you think you have what it takes to be a household name in hip-hop?
If my voice can be used to promote the biggest brands in the world, why can’t it be used to create the biggest brand in the world? The biggest artists in sync with licensing are always the biggest artists in the world, and I’m on my way.
What sets you apart from other rappers out there?
My strongest skill is my versatility. I know a lot of artists think they are versatile, but I literally can go from freestyling street bars on Hot 97 to making a funk song for the new Disney trailer. I really do that every day. My day job is making all styles of music for major brands. Most rappers don’t even speak my language.
Who are your top five favorite rappers? Kendrick Lamar, Tupac, Biggie, André 3000, and Jadakiss.
What is your ultimate goal as an artist? My ultimate goals as a rapper and music artist is to represent those that can’t represent themselves and to speak my truth to people who can relate.
What sets you apart from other rappers out there? What sets me apart from other rappers out there is my professional stage presence and consistency.
Who are your top fivefavorite rappers? Meek Mill, Nicki Minaj, G Herbo, Westside Boogie, and Kodak Black.
What is your ultimate goal as an artist? My ultimate goal as a music artist is to take my career to the top.
Why do you think you have what it takes to be a household name in hip-hop? I believe I’m memorable. I’m someone with a unique essence that you won’t forget.
What sets you apart from other rappers out there? I really rap and have substance to my music — for the most part.
Who are your top five favorite rappers?
Jay-Z, André 3000, Tupac, J. Cole, and Lupe Fiasco.
What is your ultimate goal as an artist?
My ultimate goal is to become an international touring act. I want to share a story that isn’t commonly shared in hip-hop music on a global scale. I also want to leverage the attention and wealth that I will create to make a positive change through development and infrastructure to my home country of South Sudan.
Why do you think you have what it takes to be a household name in hip-hop?
It takes focus, creativity, relentless grind, a dedicated team, steady investments of time and money, connections, a clear plan and strategy, and so much more. Overall, it’s about being able to create music that captures the attention of the masses and moves people.
Who are your top five favorite rappers?
Kanye West, Drake, Kendrick Lamar, Eminem, and Future.
What is your ultimate goal as an artist?
I want to become one of the greatest of all time.
Why do you think you have what it takes to be a household name in hip-hop?
I’m willing to do whatever it takes.
What sets you apart from other rappers out there?
I just rap better than everyone else. I’m simply the best, and my style is so original and unique.
Who are your top five favorite rappers?
Eminem, Lil Wayne, André 3000, Childish Gambino, and Joyner Lucas.
What is your ultimate goal as an artist?
To do a show where everybody knows the words and my music made them feel good.
Why do you think you have what it takes to be a household name in hip-hop?
Because my pediatrician told me so. Also because I’m personable. I make music for everyday people.
What sets you apart from other rappers out there?
I can make any type of music — not just rap or hip-hop.
Who are your top five favorite rappers?
Left Eye, Chika, Nicki Minaj, Doja Cat, and Busta Rhymes.
What is your ultimate goal as an artist?
I just want a seat at the table. As long as people know who I am, I’m grateful.
Why do you think you have what it takes to be a household name in hip-hop?
Nobody is like me in the game. I mean correct me if I’m wrong, but who’s rapping like me and can also sing like me? I’ll wait. No cocky shit. I just wanna know who?
What sets you apart from other rappers out there?
My story is the only thing that sets me apart from others. I think that applies for anybody. I have my own story to rap, so the flavor is gonna be different. We don’t have the same Kool-Aid.
Who are your top five favorite rappers?
Tupac, Kendrick Lamar, Lil Boosie, Nipsey Hussle, and Drakeo the Ruler.
What is your ultimate goal as an artist?
Elevate my career to a level where my voice impacts the people in a major way, so I can enact change in our community.
Why do you think you have what it takes to be a household name in hip-hop?
It’s my destiny. Time is almost up for a lot of these fake, put-together, and manufactured artists. I’m bringing in a whole new era.
What sets you apart from other rappers out there? I’m a master at marketing. I know how to show people what they like — or even better — what they hate because hate blows up quicker than love. I know the ins and outs of how to maneuver through social media. Also, my music has a real message. It’s well thought out and put together. I’m a walking oxymoron, contradiction, and juxtaposition. It really sets me apart and gets my audience riled up. One day, I wake up and want to save the world. The next day, it’s fuck the world. It makes my music sound interesting and always evolving. Everything I do can be looked at as controversial. When I’m at the top, I’ll be the most controversial artist.
Who are your top five favorite rappers?
Queen Latifah, XXXTentacion, Missy Elliott, Lil Wayne, and Nas.
What is your ultimate goal as an artist?
My ultimate goal is to spread my story and message to the world and to put my family in a good stable position financially.
Why do you think you have what it takes to be a household name in hip-hop?
I bring something to the table that rappers are not bringing nowadays, and that is longevity.
What sets you apart from other rappers out there?
My versatility because I can make actual songs no matter the genre. My style — the way I dress and wear my hair — and my creativity. I can play the viola, and I can rap in Spanish a little bit.
Who are your top five favorite rappers?
50 Cent, J. Cole, Big K.R.I.T., Joey Badass, and Kendrick Lamar.
What is your ultimate goal as an artist?
I want to be considered one of the GOATs. I want to sell out a stadium. I want my songs to be able to help someone.
Why do you think you have what it takes to be a household name in hip-hop?
I make relatable music. I have substance. My songs are not just a wave or a phase. They’re a way of life. There will always be someone that can relate to what I’m saying.
What sets you apart from other rappers out there?
I’m me. I don’t follow trends or ride waves. I do what I love and what speaks to me.
Who are your top five favorite rappers?
Kendrick Lamar, Lil Wayne, Nicki Minaj, J. Cole, and YoungBoy Never Broke Again.
What is your ultimate goal as an artist?
To be considered one of the greats.
Why do you think you have what it takes to be a household name in hip-hop?
I’m something they have never seen before: fat, fabulous, and free.
What sets you apart from other rappers out there?
I am authentic and original. I’m 360 pounds but can move like I’m 150. When I rap, I make people feel good. I speak to the soul. I do what I want and not what someone else wants. I create my own.
Who are your top five favorite rappers?
D.Beezy, T.I., Lil Wayne, Lil Baby, and Megan Thee Stallion.
What is your ultimate goal as an artist?
To create generational wealth for my family. I want to leave them a real legacy. I want to be able to touch the people and heal them through my music. I want my music to lead to investments, movies, deals, and bigger opportunities all over the world.
Why do you think you have what it takes to be a household name in hip-hop?
I believe God chose me to be here. I refer to myself as the “Chosen 1ne,” because I could easily not be here. I could’ve given up years ago when we didn’t have heat and hot water as a small child. I could have been the one to be murdered instead of my brother, but I’m still here. I work extremely hard on my craft. I do my own treatments, makeup, styling, etc. I write rap and R&B music. I have the look. I’m built for this.
What sets you apart from other rappers out there?
My hunger. I’ve been through so much, and I never gave up. I can make real music, party music, twerk music, street music, etc. My ability to adapt to any situation is what sets me apart. I don’t want to look or sound like anyone else but Detroit Diamond.
Who are your top five favorite rappers?
Drake, Nicki Minaj, Kanye, J. Cole, and Latto.
What is your ultimate goal as an artist?
My ultimate goal as an artist is to have people in other countries recognize my face and make a name for myself worldwide. I aspire to be a household name, selling out venues not only in the United States. Alongside financial freedom, I want to open doors and opportunities, serving as an inspiration to other “misunderstood children” to show them that their dreams are valuable and worth pursuing.
Why do you think you have what it takes to be a household name in hip-hop?
I’m a dedicated student of the genre, focused on genuine talent rather than gimmicks. I work tirelessly to refine my craft. My versatility and skills set me apart, and I’m confident in my ability to compete with the best in the industry.
What sets you apart from other rappers out there?
I shine as an artist due to my exceptional flow and versatility. I can adapt any track to my unique style without sacrificing its quality. Plus, I can engage a crowd with a cappella rap, a somewhat overlooked art in today’s music scene.
Who are your top five favorite rappers?
Kendrick Lamar, Ab-Soul, Rapsody, Lauryn Hill, and Lil Wayne.
What is your ultimate goal as an artist?
To change the world.
Why do you think you have what it takes to be a household name in hip-hop?
I believe I offer something brand new to music, and I want to inspire more women with my story.
What sets you apart from other rappers out there?
My voice and my story.
