Troyman finished fourth place in the final episode of Netflix’s Rhythm + Flow, which also won HipHopDX’s Top TV Show of The Year Award.
Four finalists — D. Smoke, Flawless Real Talk, Londynn B. and TroyMan — contested for the grand prize of $250,000 after weeks of being critiqued and judged. Undeniable lyrical skills, freestyles, live-performance, and creative direction were parts of the criteria required by judges T.I., Cardi B. and Chance The Rapper.
Executively produced by Grammy Award-winning singer John Legend, the 10-episode Hip Hop competition aired on October 9, 2019, and consisted of musical challenges and guest appearances. The first three episodes of the show followed the award-winning judges to their home cities of Atlanta, New York, and Chicago to discover talent.
The winner of Rhythm + Flow’s inaugural season was Los Angeles rapper D. Smoke, who also happens to be the brother of Top Dawg Entertainment artist SiR. Coming in second place of the rap competition was Rhode Island’s Flawless Real Talk, in third place was Londynn B. the only female rapper, and in fourth place was Troyman, a versatile rapper channeling the Bay Area and Dirty South.
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Atlanta’s Troyman took time to speak with HipHopDX, in which the 27-year-old reflected on his experience rapping for megastars like T.I., Cardi B, and Chance The Rapper on the show, as well as the new music he’s been creating for his debut album with high-profile production.
HipHopDX: How does it feel knowing that Rhythm + Flow won DX’s Top TV Show of The Year Award?
Troyman: Oh we did? Aye that’s lit! I didn’t even know! It feels great being apart of something that people truly love and appreciate enough to receive awards of any kind is truly a blessing. I’ve followed HipHopDX pretty much my entire career, and now to be noticed even in the slightest means the most.
HipHopDX: On the show you were very transparent about struggles in your life growing up. Who was Troyman before the show Rhythm + Flow? What used to keep you up at night?
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Troyman: I was this exact person before the show as I am now. The only difference at this point is the pressure to be successful and the amplified appreciation of my supporters. Before the show my team kept me up at night with great ideas, and now they keep me up at night with constructive criticism and contracts. I couldn’t be more grateful.
HipHopDX: How did your relocation from California to Atlanta as a teen ultimately benefit your music career?
Troyman: The move from the Bay to the A provided diversity. The left ear belonged to the West Coast; the right belonged to the East. I know what both sides like, and plan to be loved by all states in between.
HipHopDX: How did you find out about the auditions for the show?
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Troyman: I saw the show via Chance The Rapper, Cardi B, and T.I.’s Instagram. I sent a freestyle, got a follow-up email and the rest is history.
HipHopDX: What was it like performing in front of T.I., Chance, and Cardi B?
Troyman: Performing for T.I., Cardi, and Chance was intense but looking back now, a bit of a blur. I just felt like I was meant to be there. I appreciate them for opening their ears.
HipHopDX: Have any of the judges reached out to help you since the show ended?
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Troyman: All of them have reached out. There’s only one that has consistently kept in touch. It’s an Atlanta thing.
HipHopDX: What are the major life changes you’ve had since the show?
Troyman: Going out in public now, places get congested quickly. It’s wild. I love it! I’ve been approached by some of the most amazing and honest people. Too many to count. I’ve met people in the wildest places; the club, grocery store, post office, church, etc. I ain’t safe nowhere from all of the love and appreciation, but I love it. It’s the best motivation to keep going.
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HipHopDX: I spoke with Londynn B. a few weeks ago and she highlighted the song “Blessings” in collaboration with you in her interview. What was the creative process like recording “Blessings” with her in the studio?
Troyman: Londynn is a lyrical goddess. It was like we looked up and had a gem! “Blessings” was effortless. I’m sure that’s the way it will always be in our process of song making based off of how many records we already have together. I love my sister, man!
HipHopDX: I saw on your Instagram that “Blessings” actually sparked a challenge. What’s the drive behind it, beyond the music?
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Troyman: The drive behind the “Blessings” challenge is truly anything my supporters see fit. A lot of my supporters have expressed themselves through dance with this challenge, which is something that I truly feel helps with self-expression and confidence. There truly is not a wrong way to dance, no matter how good, sharp or sloppy someone does it. I think the challenge centers around being blessed to know what existence means. I’ve seen challenges that have made me hype, cry, sad, and happy. I am just blessed for every video shared with me.
HipHopDX: Have you collabed with any of the other rappers from the show?
Troyman: Can I plead the fifth? I’ve honestly collaborated the most with artists from the show. Caleb, Londynn, Ali, Sam, I have something with Saxon coming, and I’ll stay silent on the rest. Love y’all DX, but I gotta hold out though.
HipHopDX: Your music career blew up tremendously after the show aired. Is it easier to be taken seriously as an artist now, being that your face is on everyone’s TV, or do you feel that you have even more to prove?
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Troyman: Honestly, it’s a beautiful balance of both. I know I now have the audience but I also know that half care and the other half doesn’t. So, a fire is still under me to prove myself. 500k followers is a beautiful and humble beginning, but there’s much more to do.
HipHopDX: What do you want new fans to know about Troyman while watching the show?
Troyman: What I want my fans to know is that I’m going to rap until I’m fossil fuel. A lot of rappers announce retirement from rap, but for me, it’s til’ death do us part.
HipHopDX: Is there an album in the works?
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Troyman: I‘m literally always in album mode. Always. I have two in the chamber and one is getting polished right now.
HipHopDX: What will be the vibe of the debut album; production and feature-wise?
Troyman: The vibe of the album is like if Travis Scott, K. Dot, and J. Cole had a little cousin that never got invited to the cookout. Hopefully y’all get it! Oh, and that applies for all my projects. As far as production … Tay Keith, fuck these niggas up! Expect nothing but absolute smoke from me before and after the album. Trust your mans. I got us!
HipHopDX: Let us know what else we can look forward to from you?
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Troyman: Look forward to amazing music, awesome collaborations, and I’m stepping back into acting soon. Look out for me to give Hip Hop what it needs, but doing it my way at all times.
Check out Troyman’s video “” below and follow Troyman on Instagram @Troymanofficial for more consistent updates.
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