Atlanta has a new king of the mic as Georgia State University senior Dre Jones, stage-named DreTL, clinched the second season of Netflix's "Rhythm + Flow," bringing home a hefty grand prize and undeniable street cred in the rap game. Fox 5 Atlanta reports that DreTL's victory came after a series of intense performances and rap battles that culminated in a finale that saw him standing out as the cream of the crop with a $250,000 windfall.
Mentored by hip-hop heavyweights DJ Khaled, Latto, and Ludacris, DreTL navigated the competition's rigorous demands, often Atlanta-filmed, and emerged victorious. A special guest appearance by Eminem ramped up the stakes, as portrayed by DreTL during a high-stakes battle when he had to battle his Georgia State University alum friend K'Alley to advance, as noted by GSU News.
"Winning 'Rhythm + Flow' feels surreal, but the word that comes to mind most often is 'destined,'" DreTL said, reflecting on his triumph and the journey ahead, as per GSU News. With a Bachelor of Science in Music Industry, specialized in music production and recording almost in his grasp, DreTL is not shy about his educational ambition, placing significant emphasis on the value of his college experience in his music and personal narrative.
Despite the past struggles with incarcerated parents, DreTL used music as a creative outlet, according to Georgia State University News, a journey that led not just to change his own circumstances but to hone his craft. Proudly, first-generation college graduate for DreTL will soon hold that title, the value of which has been bolstered by his hands-on education and real-world experience. Professor of Practice Ben Yonas remarked, "Dre represents everything Georgia State’s music industry program is all about — authenticity, artistry and the hustle it takes to succeed in this industry," as detailed by GSU News.
With an already significant local following and a growing national profile, DreTL's ascent to rap acclaim is a testament to Atlanta's vibrant music scene. His win on "Rhythm + Flow" could very well be the prelude to an illustrious career, with a mix of raw talent, hustle, and a well-timed education powering his journey forward. Indeed, his music, which he promises will be packed with purpose and love, seems poised to make waves far beyond the Georgia state line.
