RHYTHM AND FLOW TV
All of these episodes feel stylistically different, and huge props must be given to the production team for giving the often rudimentary genre of reality TV a nice prestige polish. The first four episodes take place in different cities - episode one starts in Hollywood, and then we move to each judge’s home city (New York for Cardi, Atlanta for T.I., Chicago for Chance).
From a formal standpoint, the show looks handsome. They’re brightly, flatly lit, cutting haphazardly to obtrusive reaction shots, and narrowing down complicated issues into palatable puzzle pieces. Most of the network competition reality shows feel airbrushed to an inch of their lives. But where the show excels beyond its competition is in its execution. So far, these rhythms sound like beats you’ve heard a hundred times before. Finally, our esteemed judges confer, offer words of encouragement (and sometimes Simon Cowell-esque barbs), and either send the contestants to the next round or back home. We also get slices of each contestant’s personal life and struggles, expanding the “narrative scope” beyond the stage.
Contestants appear before regular judges T.I., Chance the Rapper, Cardi B, and an onslaught of dope guest judges to show off their sweetest 16s, stickiest hooks, and illest stage presence. While guest judge Snoop Dogg announces “This ain’t The Voice, motherfucker” within minutes of the first episode, folks familiar with The Voice, or any other talent-based reality show, will find familiarity in Rhythm + Flow’s formula. The formula for Rhythm + Flow is, in some ways, well-tread territory. You’ll still find something to flow with. Are you not as plugged into hip-hop? Watch anyway. From the murderer’s row of established talent working as judges, to the relatable conversations the would-be superstars have (you’ve definitely debated who the greatest rappers are with your friends, and you will shout at the TV when they do), Rhythm + Flow is an impeccably constructed, refreshingly unsanitized contribution to hip-hop culture. Netflix’s new hip-hop talent competition reality show is pure catnip for hip-hop heads. If you’re into hip-hop, you must watch Rhythm + Flow.
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