Georgia State Senior Dre Jones, Known as DreTL, Wins Second Season of Netflix Series ‘Rhythm + Flow’
Monday, December 9th, 2024
Georgia State senior Dre Jones, who performs as DreTL, is the winner of the second season of Netflix’s groundbreaking music competition series “Rhythm + Flow.” The announcement comes ahead of a special watch party hosted by the College of the Arts, GSU’s student-led music company MTM Standard and the Popular Culture Collective. The watch party is at 6 p.m. Dec. 4 at the Rialto Center for the Arts.
The majority of “Rhythm + Flow’s” second season was filmed in Atlanta, the heart of the global hip-hop scene. Judges DJ Khaled, Latto and Ludacris provided mentorship and guided contestants through grueling rap battles and performances leading up to “discovering the next generation’s rap superstar.”
This season featured a special guest appearance by Eminem, who joined the competition during a high-stakes battle. In that episode, DreTL was forced to battle his friend and GSU alum K’Alley (Tyler Hightower, B.B.A. ’21) to advance in the competition.
(Read an interview with DreTL about winning the competition and performing in front of Eminem, his favorite rapper.)
DreTL’s final performance of “Nobody,” produced by Hitmaka, received unanimous praise from the judges, and earned him the title and the $250,000 grand prize. For DreTL, it wasn’t about fame or money — it was about rising above his circumstances to create something meaningful.
“Winning ‘Rhythm + Flow’ feels surreal, but the word that comes to mind most often is ‘destined,’” DreTL said. “I can’t wait to keep fulfilling my purpose and spreading love wherever this journey takes me.”
DreTL will graduate later this month with a B.S. in Music Industry with a concentration in Music Production and Recording.
Growing up in the heart of Atlanta, DreTL relied on music as a creative outlet to cope with the struggles in his life. His parents were incarcerated when he was growing up, a point he references during the filming of "Rhythm + Flow." He chose to go to college not just to change his circumstances but to hone his craft. His music tells his life story of survival, ambition and the fight to rise above.
“This journey has been nothing short of transformative, and I will forever cherish the friendships formed, the memories made and the invaluable lessons learned along the way,” he said. “Most importantly, I hold dear the education I received here — something that no one can ever take away from me. As a first-generation college graduate, this moment is even more meaningful and I’m proud to be a positive example for the next generation.”
“Dre represents everything Georgia State’s music industry program is all about — authenticity, artistry and the hustle it takes to succeed in this industry,” said Professor of Practice Ben Yonas, co-director of MTM Standard and DreTL’s faculty adviser.
Georgia State University Watch Party
To celebrate the season’s grand finale, Georgia State will host a watch party at 6 p.m. Dec. 4 at the Rialto Center for the Arts in Atlanta. Students, fans and members of the Atlanta music scene are invited to watch the final episodes. The event will be hosted by DJ Holiday with special guests D Smoke (winner of Season 1) and Season 2 contestants Detroit Diamond, Dono, Jaxs and GSU alumnus K’Alley.
What: “Rhythm + Flow” Season 2 Final Episodes Watch Party
Where: Rialto Center for the Arts, 80 Forsyth St. NW, Atlanta, GA 30303
When: Wednesday, Dec. 4, at 6 p.m.
Tickets: FREE and open to the public until filled to capacity.
