Netflix preps first music competition

Streaming giant Netflix has commissioned its first music competition show, Rhythm + Flow, to discover the next US hip-hop star.

Chance the Rapper

The series will comprise 10 episodes available in late 2019 and will feature artists Cardi B, Chance the Rapper and TI acting as the main judges as they seek fresh talent and help aspiring hip-hop performers pursue their dreams. They will be accompanied over the series by additional, as-yet unnamed stars and industry experts.

Auditions will begin this autumn in cities across the US, including the judges’ home towns of Atlanta, Chicago and New York. In each audition city, established rappers from there will serve as guest judges.

The series is produced by Jesse Collins Entertainment, Get Lifted Film Co and Gaspin Media and will be produced and exec produced by musician John Legend, Jeff Gaspin, Jesse Collins, Nikki Boella, Jeff Pollack, Mike Jackson and Ty Stiklorius. The main judges will also serve as exec producers.

In related news, Netflix has partnered with South Korean telecoms carrier LG U+ to provide access to the streamer through U+tv, LG U+’s IPTV set-top box.

From November 16, U+tv users will have their boxes automatically upgraded so they can access Netflix via their remote control or the box’s home menu. Users will be able to pay for Netflix subscriptions through their LG U+ bill.

Since May, LG U+ has been offering a three-month Netflix subscription promotion for those signing up for its unlimited high-speed mobile plan. The company will now expand the promotion to U+tv subscribers as part of the Netflix partnership.