Netflix globally premieres its highly anticipated series, “Rhythm + Flow: Poland,” known locally as “Nowe Rozdanie: Rhythm + Flow Polska.” The atmosphere is charged with anticipation as the streaming giant brings its acclaimed hip-hop talent competition format to a nation boasting a rich, vibrant, and rapidly evolving rap culture.
The “Rhythm + Flow” franchise arrives in Poland with a formidable legacy. Having already captivated audiences and discovered stars in the United States, France, Italy, and Brazil, the format’s credibility is well-established, setting a high bar for this Polish iteration. Viewers familiar with the international versions will recognize the show’s core DNA: an unfiltered search for the next big thing in hip-hop. It’s a deep dive into the art of rap, from lyrical prowess to stage presence, backed by a proven global phenomenon.
At the heart of “Rhythm + Flow: Poland” lies a thrilling quest: a nationwide hunt for Poland’s next rap superstar. The ultimate prize is a life-changing 500,000 złoty and the kind of fame that can catapult an artist from obscurity to national, and potentially international, recognition. This considerable sum underscores the seriousness of the competition and the immense opportunity it presents for aspiring artists.
Poland’s Next Rap Stars
The task of identifying Poland’s next breakout rap talent falls to a formidable trio of judges: the legendary Sokół, contemporary chart-topper Bedoes 2115, and the fiercely original DZIARMA. This panel isn’t merely a collection of famous faces; it represents a compelling cross-section of the generational shifts, stylistic diversity, and evolving ethos of Polish hip-hop. Their journey has taken them across the length and breadth of Poland, from south to north, in their quest to unearth the most promising new voices in rap. The composition of this panel seems a deliberate reflection of Polish hip-hop’s own journey, from its foundational roots to its diverse current expressions.
Sokół (Wojciech Sosnowski): The Architect of Polish Rap
Wojtek Sokół is, without exaggeration, one of the architects of Polish hip-hop. With a career spanning over two decades, he has not only released a string of groundbreaking, multi-platinum albums with projects like WWO and ZIP Skład but has also shaped the industry through his entrepreneurial ventures, including the influential Prosto record label and clothing company. His influence is deeply embedded in the genre’s DNA, making him the veteran voice of experience, authenticity, and artistic integrity on the panel. When it comes to judging, Sokół looks beyond technical proficiency; he seeks artists who possess “autentyczność i trudną do określenia, lecz łatwo wyczuwalną charyzmę” (authenticity and a hard-to-define yet easily perceptible charisma). His presence lends immense credibility and a vital historical anchor to the competition.
Bedoes 2115 (Borys Przybylski): The Voice of a Generation
Borys Przybylski, known professionally as Bedoes 2115, represents the current pulse of Polish hip-hop. He is a true “głos pokolenia” (voice of a generation), whose music resonates deeply with younger audiences, as evidenced by his massive streaming numbers, diamond and multi-platinum certifications, and even international recognition on Spotify’s global charts. Founder of 2115 Gang, Bedoes achieved the remarkable feat of being the youngest Polish rapper to top the official album sales chart with his debut, “Aby Śmierć Miała Znaczenie.” His judging philosophy centers on “prawdziwość” (truth/reality) and “szczerość” (sincerity), looking for contestants who bring raw honesty to their art.
DZIARMA (Agata Dziarmagowska): The Bold Trailblazer
Agata Dziarmagowska, or DZIARMA, brings a dynamic and audacious energy to the judging panel. She has carved out a unique space in the Polish music scene with her distinctive blend of pop, hip-hop, witch house, and vaporwave influences. A strong female voice in an often male-perceived genre, DZIARMA’s journey has seen her evolve from early talent show appearances to a confident artist with a clear vision, releasing impactful projects like her 2019 EP “V” and the 2021 album “Dziarma.” Her 2024 “Wifey MIXTAPE” was praised for its “bezwstydnie dziewczyńska” (unabashedly girly) yet revolutionary take on female sexuality and emotional honesty in rap. In “Rhythm + Flow: Poland,” DZIARMA seeks artists who are “odpornych na krytykę i stres” (resistant to criticism and stress) and can “zaskoczą widzów oryginalnymi utworami” (surprise viewers with original tracks). Crucially, she is a staunch advocate for increasing female representation in Polish rap.
The judges’ stated criteria—Sokół’s “authenticity and charisma,” Bedoes’ “truth and sincerity,” and DZIARMA’s “resilience and originality”—collectively signal a search for artists with the potential for sustainable careers, not just fleeting viral fame.
Inside the Competition – More Than Just Rhymes
The journey to crown Poland’s next rap champion in “Rhythm + Flow: Poland” is a demanding gauntlet designed to test every facet of an artist’s capabilities. The competition kicks off with extensive auditions held across the country, as judges personally scoured Poland for raw talent. From these initial encounters, the most promising individuals are thrust into a series of increasingly intense challenges.
Contestants must navigate a diverse range of tasks, including high-pressure freestyle battles where quick thinking and lyrical dexterity are paramount, the intricate art of writing and performing original tracks that showcase their unique voice and perspective, and the multifaceted challenge of producing compelling music videos that translate their musical vision into a visual narrative. This multi-faceted structure is intentionally designed to identify well-rounded artists. It’s not simply about technical rapping ability; it’s about demonstrating creativity, a compelling stage presence, storytelling capability, a distinct visual identity, and the crucial adaptability to navigate the modern music industry. The goal is clearly to find a true “gwiazdę polskiego rapu” (Polish rap star) capable of making a lasting impact.
Adding another layer of depth and real-world connection, the aspiring rappers receive guidance from an impressive roster of guest mentors – established figures from the Polish music firmament who support the main judges and offer invaluable insights to the contestants. This star-studded support system includes pop sensation Margaret, critically acclaimed duo PRO8L3M, and rapper Otsochodzi, who lend their expertise to DZIARMA’s contingent in southern Poland. In the central region, Sokół is joined by luminaries such as Pezet, Asster, Włodi, and Zeppy Zep. Meanwhile, in the north, Bedoes 2115 collaborates with his trusted producer Kubi Producent, Kubi’s brother Sapi, other members of the 2115 collective (White, Kuqe, Flexxy, Blacha), and popular artist Young Multi. This inclusion of active, influential industry players bridges the gap between the competition environment and the professional music scene. It offers contestants practical learning opportunities and exposure, elevating the show beyond a simple contest to a potential talent incubator, signaling that the wider Polish music industry is invested in its outcome.
The ultimate reward for the one artist who successfully navigates these trials is, as mentioned, a grand prize of 500,000 złoty and the coveted title of Poland’s newest rap star. Such a victory offers not only financial backing but a significant platform that could redefine an emerging artist’s career trajectory in the Polish music landscape.
The first four episodes of “Rhythm + Flow: Poland” were released today, May 14th, on Netflix.
Beyond the Mic: “Rhythm + Flow: Poland” and the Polish Hip-Hop Horizon
While Polish hip-hop already commands a strong following and significant market share within the country, its production by a global entertainment giant, adhering to an internationally recognized and successful format, lends it a new layer of mainstream credibility and global appeal. This could draw in audiences previously unfamiliar with or even dismissive of the genre, both in Poland and around the world. The success of Netflix’s other locally produced content in Poland suggests “Rhythm + Flow: Poland” could become a cultural export, showcasing Polish creativity and challenging outdated perceptions about the region’s contemporary music scene. This aligns with predictions that Poland is on a trajectory to become a European hip-hop powerhouse, with world-class collaborations becoming increasingly common.
The “talent show effect” is a well-documented phenomenon, capable of launching careers but also, at times, leading to fleeting fame. Polish television has had its share of music contests, with some participants, like Kamil Bednarek, achieving lasting success while others have faded after an initial burst of attention. “Rhythm + Flow: Poland,” with its emphasis on authenticity, diverse skill sets, and mentorship from established industry figures, appears designed to unearth artists with potential for sustainable careers rather than just momentary viral appeal. The substantial prize money and the backing of influential judges and mentors could provide a more robust launchpad than many previous formats. The show’s success may also intensify competition and elevate production standards within the broader Polish hip-hop industry. Such a high-profile series, with significant investment, sets a new benchmark for talent discovery and presentation, potentially pushing existing labels and artists to innovate further and invest more in artist development to match the exposure offered.
A particularly exciting prospect is the show’s potential to further fuel the boom in female rappers in Poland. With DZIARMA as a judge explicitly aiming to discover and promote female talent, and against the backdrop of a staggering near-5000% growth in Polish female rap streaming since 2019, the series is perfectly positioned to accelerate this powerful trend. The rising visibility of artists like Young Leosia, Bambi, and Susk already demonstrates the momentum in this space. “Rhythm + Flow: Poland” could provide a crucial platform for the next wave of female voices, contributing to a more diverse and representative hip-hop landscape.
The Polish music market itself is in a period of dynamic growth, particularly in streaming revenue, with hip-hop consistently dominating charts and sales figures. A successful run for “Rhythm + Flow: Poland” is likely to influence mainstream perceptions of hip-hop, inspire a new generation of artists, and inject fresh energy and trends into the scene. The show could also catalyze a new wave of “bedroom rappers” and DIY artists, further democratizing access to the industry. While this increased accessibility is a positive development, it also presents the challenge of ensuring these emerging talents receive the necessary support and guidance for sustained professional development beyond the show’s immediate spotlight.
The series stands as a significant cultural snapshot, capturing the zeitgeist of modern Poland and its dynamic, evolving musical landscape. It’s an opportunity to witness firsthand the creativity, ambition, and diverse voices that define a generation. Central to its appeal is the judges’ unwavering quest for genuine, authentic talent. Viewers are promised a journey filled with raw emotion, real artistic discovery, and the thrill of watching potential stars being shaped.
The wait is over. The beats are dropping, the rhymes are flowing, and Poland’s next rap sensation is waiting to be discovered.
A New Chapter for Polish Hip-Hop
The premiere of “Rhythm + Flow: Poland” on Netflix is, without a doubt, a momentous event for the Polish music industry and cultural scene. It represents more than just the localization of a successful international format; it’s a testament to the vitality, commercial viability, and artistic depth of Polish hip-hop. The convergence of a global streaming powerhouse with a deeply rooted local music culture has the potential to create ripples that extend far beyond the show’s eventual winner.
The carefully curated judging panel—Sokół’s foundational wisdom, Bedoes 2115’s contemporary influence, and DZIARMA’s trailblazing energy—provides a balanced and credible core for the series. Their combined expertise and diverse perspectives will likely ensure that the talent discovered is not only skilled but also possesses the authenticity and resilience needed for a lasting career. The show’s comprehensive challenge structure, spanning from freestyle battles to music video production, further suggests an ambition to cultivate well-rounded artists capable of navigating the modern music landscape.
“Rhythm + Flow: Poland” arrives at a pivotal moment. Polish hip-hop is already a dominant force domestically, and the female rap scene is experiencing exponential growth. This series is poised to amplify these trends, potentially catapulting new artists to national and even international recognition, and providing a significant platform for female voices in a traditionally male-dominated arena. The show’s high production values and Netflix’s global reach could redefine mainstream perceptions of Polish hip-hop, showcasing its creativity and diversity to a wider audience than ever before.
However, the true measure of its impact will be seen in the long-term careers of its participants and its influence on the wider ecosystem. While the show offers an unprecedented launchpad, the industry will need to be ready to support and nurture the talent that emerges. If “Rhythm + Flow: Poland” can successfully bridge the gap between television exposure and sustainable artistic development, it will not only have crowned a new rap superstar but also have contributed significantly to the ongoing evolution and professionalization of the Polish hip-hop scene, cementing its place as a significant cultural force. For now, the nation watches, listens, and waits to see who will seize this “Nowe Rozdanie”—this new deal.
Where to Watch “Rhythm + Flow: Poland”
