‘Magic City: An American Fantasy’ Doc set to releases this summer
"Magic City: An American Fantasy," a STARZ docuseries executive produced by Drake’s DreamCrew, Jermaine Dupri, and Jami Gertz, explores the iconic Atlanta strip club’s cultural impact on hip-hop, politics, and Black Atlanta history. We discuss it here!
By: Joshua Martin
The world famous strip club based out of Atlanta is finally getting the docuseries treatment it deserves. Executively produced by Drake’s DreamCrew Entertainment, Jermaine Dupri and Jami Gertz, Magic City: An American Fantasy will soon be available on streaming. The STARZ network acquired the five part docuseries exploring the legacy of the famous strip club and its influence on Hip-Hop.
“Magic City: An American Fantasy is a riveting behind-the-curtain look at one of the most unique places in Black culture. The docuseries’ unprecedented insider access and history unveiled from those who built its empire is a perfect complement to STARZ’s slate of adult, culture-driving shows.”
Since 1985, Magic City aka the “Black Studio 54” has been a legendary Atlanta institution and launchpad for numerous rap artists. The doc will show its meteoric rise to prominence and how it became a safe haven for the culture’s elite such as 2Chainz, Killer Mike, Quavo, Big Boi and countless others.
“From politicians to artists, to drug kingpins, Magic City has been a home for a broad cross-section of Black Atlanta for decades. Everyone should know the unbelievable story of this institution and the man who founded it, and STARZ is the perfect partner to bring it to the world. We’re thrilled.”
Magic City: An American Fantasy also tells the story of its founder Michael “Mr. Magic” Barney and the lives of the women who were most responsible for the club’s mystique.
“When our family became the Majority Owners of The Atlanta Hawks, the Barneys were the very first people to welcome us to the city. They reached out to us with open arms and that great southern hospitality, not to mention the fact that Juju Barney and my sons became fast friends. I am honored to be a part of bringing their family’s story to the world. It’s a tale of tremendous heart and hustle! And a true love letter to our adopted home of Atlanta, Georgia!” - executive producer, Jami Gertz
The documentary series first premiered to critical acclaim at the SXSW Festival in 2024 and will make its STARZ debut this summer.
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Lanvin Announces Future As Creative Director For The First Lanvin Lab Collection
Fashion House LANVIN LAB has announced a groundbreaking collaboration with celebrated Grammy-winning artist, FUTURE. Future will design a collection celebrating a ground-breaking and individualistic vision that bridges the gap between music and fashion. We discuss it here!
It’s obvious that hip-hop culture has played a pivotal role in bringing the esteemed fashion house, Lanvin, into the spotlight. Hip-hop artists, known for their bold and innovative style, have embraced Lanvin's luxurious designs, propelling the brand to new heights of popularity. With this deep-rooted musical heritage in mind, LANVIN LAB has announced a groundbreaking collaboration with celebrated Grammy-winning artist, FUTURE. Known for his unique style and drip Future will design a collection celebrating a ground-breaking and individualistic vision that bridges the gap between music and fashion.
LANVIN LAB is dedicated to fostering collaborative artistry and cultivating unique cultural dialogues. Jeanne Lanvin, the iconic couturier of her time, was not just a fashion visionary—she was a true arbiter of culture. Her innate ability to encourage camaraderie and intellectual exchange between writers, musicians, theater directors, and architects made LANVIN a unique creative hub that helped shape an entire era. In homage to that indomitable spirit, the esteemed fashion house has unveiled LANVIN LAB—a space where dreams and creativity intertwine.
The upcoming collection, slated for release in Winter 2023, promises to captivate with its range of ready-to-wear garments and accessories designed for both women and men. Lanvin's collaborations with hip-hop icons have further solidified it as a go-to choice for artists striving to make a powerful fashion statement.
“His visionary artistry resonates throughout various facets of contemporary culture today, making this collaboration an exciting opportunity for LANVIN to push boundaries and embrace the transformative power of art and culture.”
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Donald Glover's 'Atlanta' Wins Second Peabody Award
Donald Glover’s Atlanta series wins second Peabody Award for bold storytelling and Black culture portrayal. We discuss it here!
Donald Glover attends the GQ’s Global Creativity Awards on April 6 in NYC. Getty Images
By: Adonis Armstrong
Atlanta, the critically acclaimed FX series created by Donald Glover, has won its second Peabody Award. The show, which explores the lives of aspiring rappers and their struggles in the music industry, has been lauded for its innovative storytelling and its subtle portrayal of black culture in America.
The Peabody Awards, established in 1940, recognize excellence in broadcasting and storytelling across television, radio, and digital media. They are among the most prestigious honors in the entertainment industry, and winning a Peabody is considered a significant achievement.
Donald Glover’s ‘Atlanta’ Wins Another Peabody Award: See the 2023 List of Winners https://t.co/WLNg3NPCpv
— billboard (@billboard) May 9, 2023
Atlanta first won a Peabody in 2017 for its groundbreaking first season, which introduced audiences to Glover's unique vision for the show. The series was praised for its bold storytelling, its use of surrealism and magical realism, and its portrayal of black identity and culture.
In addition to its two Peabody Awards, Atlanta has been recognized with multiple Emmy Awards, including Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series for Glover, who also serves as the show's creator, writer, and executive producer. Glover also has been recognized under us stage name, Childish Gambino for his artistic contributions, including an impressive collection of five Grammy Awards. He secured four in 2019 and one in 2018, showcasing his exceptional talent and impact in the music industry. The respective honors bestowed upon him encompassed categories such as Best Music Video, Song of the Year, Record of the Year, and many more, solidifying his status as a multifaceted and celebrated artist.
Glover and Atlanta stands as a shining example of the power of television to challenge, inspire, and provoke thoughtful discussion. With its second Peabody Award, the series confirms its status as a trailblazer in storytelling and a cultural norm. Through its unconventional narrative, compelling characters, and unwavering social commentary, Atlanta continued to captivate audiences and reshape the television landscape, leaving an unforgettable mark on the medium for years to come.
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Hulu Set to Produce Documentary on 'Freaknik: The Wildest Party Never Told'
Hulu announced the release of Freaknik: The Wildest Party Never documentary, executive produced by Jermaine Dupri. We discuss it here!
Freaknik 1996
By: Adonis Armstrong
Hulu’s Freaknik documentary is a highly anticipated upcoming release that will explore the history of the legendary spring break celebration that took place in Atlanta, Georgia during the 1980s and 1990s. This cultural phenomenon was a pivotal moment in African American history, and its impact on music, fashion, and social culture cannot be overstated. With its release, Hulu promises to bring viewers a fascinating and in depth look at the history of this historic event.
Freaknik was started in the mid-’80s in Atlanta as a small picnic during the spring break season for students of local Historically Black Colleges and Universities. By the 1990s, the celebration had outperformed its humble beginnings as a picnic and advanced into a massive street party for what it is remembered for today.
The documentary will feature interviews with the key players who helped to create and shape the Freaknik experience, including organizers, attendees, and musicians. It will also include footage from the actual events, as well as archive material that has never been seen before. Viewers can expect to see rare behind the scenes footage of some of the biggest names in music, such as Outkast, Jermaine Dupri, and Lil Jon, as they performed at Freaknik.
One of the most exciting aspects of the documentary is its focus on the music that was such an integral part of the Freaknik experience. The event was known for its party atmosphere, and the music played a significant role in creating that vibe. The documentary promises to provide a detailed exploration of the music scene during the Freaknik era, featuring interviews with musicians who were there and showcasing some of the most iconic songs of the time.
By 1998, the Associated Press reported Atlanta Committee for Black College Spring Break should no longer welcome Freaknik, citing “sexual attacks, public safety concerns, and violence against women.” Still, the nostalgia is clear in multiple present-day endeavors to reboot the euphoric event, from celebrities and people hosting Freaknik themed birthday parties to celebrations and festivals .
Hulu’s ‘Freaknik: The Wildest Party Never Told’ will be one of the best documentaries ever in my eyes. To see and relive one of the best black experiences of all time should do record breaking numbers. But, on the other side when you go to far back in the past it usually brings up baggage that should have been left behind. All in all whether you were there or not, this documentary promises to transport you back in time and give you a front-row seat to one of the most significant events in African American history.
Meet Joshua Martin, Senior Video Editor for 247 Live Culture!
Email: Joshua@247LCTV.com