‘Rhythm + Flow’ Season 1 Finalists: Where Are They Now? Refresh Your Memory Before Season 2
It may be hard to believe, but five years have passed since Rhythm + Flow hosts T.I., Cardi B, and Chance The Rapper took their seats and began sorting through a collection of emerging, talented artists in search of the next big thing in rap music. When the beats stopped playing and the microphones were turned off, Inglewood’s own D Smoke secured the victory and a grand prize of $250,000 in the Season 1 finale in 2019.
On November 20, the previous judges will swap their seats with DJ Khaled, Ludacris, and Latto as the second season of Rhythm + Flow kicks off. Along the way, they’ll enlist Busta Rhymes, Eminem, and a few other high-profile acts to offer their advice and insight to a new crop of aspiring stars. (Get a glimpse of the Rhythm + Flow Season 2 cast in the video teaser above).
Before a new winner is crowned, catch up with the Season 1 finalists and find out where they’ve landed since.
Rhythm + Flow, Season 2 Premiere, Wednesday, November 20, Netflix
Rae Khalil
No, Rae Khalil didn’t make it to the finale, but she’s doing pretty well for herself. Less than a year after Rhythm + Flow debuted, the COVID-19 pandemic hit. While the world was locked inside, the Torrence, California native developed a strong relationship with Anderson .Paak, who served as one of the judges during the season. Together, they wrote the Grammy Award-winning anthem “Lockdown.” Since then, the two have continued to work together across several projects and, most recently, .Paak signed her to his label. In August, Rae Khalil released her major label debut album, Crybaby, with guest appearances from Freddie Gibbs, Benny The Butcher, Zacari, Tiana Major9, and, of course, .Paak.
Sam Be Yourself
Sam Be Yourself finished just outside the top five, but he hasn’t let that stop him from growing his fan base and evolving as an artist. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Michigander told the Detroit Metro Times that he’d made a concerted effort to “really connect with [his] fanbase and even grow [his] following by constantly dropping new freestyles.” Four years later, the proof is in the pudding. He’s released an album called Die With A Buzz with Nathan Hui-Yui, launched his own podcast, released countless freestyles on Instagram, and even got married. Right now, he’s pushing his recently released mixtape, Masterful.
Caleb Colossus
For the last three decades, the greater Atlanta area has churned out a litany of generation-defining artists, including Big Boi, Andre 3000, Future, Young Thug, T.I., Ludacris, and Lisa “Left Eye” Lopes, to name a few. Caleb Colossus has attempted to carry on the legacy of those artists through his artistic style and creativity. Since finishing fifth on Rhythm + Flow, he’s steadily built his fanbase through social media, sharing new music and behind-the-scenes footage daily. Along the way, he’s earned the support of Atlanta greats like Waka Flocka Flame and T.I. Not to mention, he’s appeared on legendary Real 92.3 in Los Angeles and FOX 5 in Atlanta. This fall, he teamed up with Shady Records’ Westside Boogie to release the “Heaven Made” remix.
Troyman
Throughout the first season of Rhythm + Flow, no contestant brought more energy to the stage than Troyman. Five years later, nothing has changed. The Bay Area entertainer has continued to lure in new fans with his infectious presence and charisma while releasing new music with fellow Rhythm + Flow contestants Londynn B, Flawless Real Talk, and D Smoke. Two years have passed since he released his last album, What’s Not To Love?, but he appears to be back on track after releasing a new single in February.
Londynn B
Finishing in the top three, Londynn B was a standout throughout all 10 episodes of Rhythm + Flow‘s first season. Since the show ended, her online presence has ballooned, amassing nearly one million followers on Instagram and more than 20,000 monthly listeners on Spotify. However, her musical output has declined as she hasn’t released a new single since 2023 or a new album since 2019.
Flawless Real Talk
Rhode Island isn’t known as a hotbed for hip-hop, but Flawless Real Talk is doing his best to change that. He’s been on a roll since finishing second in Rhythm + Flow, releasing freestyles, singles, and more. Not to mention, he’s appeared on the Come Up Show with Cosmic Kev and worked with prominent rappers like Conway the Machine and King Los. This summer, he released his latest album, Gratitude, through his independent imprint, We The Label Inc.
D Smoke
As the Season 1 winner, the Inglewood native has catapulted himself into the limelight. He’s not only picked up two Grammy nominations and collaborated with legends like Snoop Dogg and Jill Scott, but he’s also appeared in Peacock‘s Bel-Air and Paramount+‘s Mayor of Kingstown. With nearly 700,000 monthly Spotify listeners, a trio of critically acclaimed albums, and a dynamic skillset, D Smoke has set himself up to be one of the West Coast’s most consistent mainstays for years.
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