The Next Big Thing - Episode Guide

Damon Dash, Tina Davis and Zaytoven give 21 up-and-coming R&B and hip-hop artists 30 seconds to prove they deserve to stay in the competition; the stakes are high as the playing field is cut to 12 contestants.

Competitors busk in Santa Monica, CA, then mentor Joe Budden preps the artists for the Cypher Challenge, which splits them up into two teams to perform group freestyles.

The artists must sing after running an obstacle course, and Tamar Braxton coaches four teams of artists through the elimination challenge.

The artists show off their freestyle game in a mini challenge, and emotions run high when the contestants break into teams and later face a double elimination.

Dame gives a crash course in style and attitude before a fashion photoshoot challenge, and celebrity mentor Kash Doll helps the artists upgrade their looks with makeovers.

A competitor makes a big announcement, Lil' Kim shares a valuable lesson on commanding a stage, and the artists work with celebrity choreographers ahead of live performances.

Practice interviews stir up drama between Maya and Lovee, DeVon Franklin and Remy Ma teach lessons in realness, and the singers team with songwriters to find their truth.

Keyshia Cole challenges the final five to make viral videos, and the singers aim to generate social buzz during the elimination challenge.

Working with Poo Bear, Jean-Baptiste, Tank and the late Nipsey Hussle, the final four each have 12 hours to create an original song and 48 hours to make a video for it.

Two of the remaining artists will move forward to meet and perform for the four record labels in hopes of securing a life-changing label deal. Charlamagne tha God hosts.