Atlanta, GA, August 31, 2025
News Summary
Cole Brown’s new docuseries, ‘Magic City: An American Fantasy’, delves into the cultural significance of Magic City, a historic Black cultural venue in Atlanta. Spanning its development from 1985 to the present, the series features insights from dancers, artists, and cultural insiders, showcasing the club’s impact on Atlanta’s hip hop scene and highlighting themes of empowerment and entrepreneurship among performers. Produced with notable figures like Jermaine Dupri, Brown aims to redefine perceptions of the club while celebrating its role in fostering creativity and community in nightlife.
Atlanta, GA – Cole Brown’s five-part docuseries titled Magic City: An American Fantasy debuted on STARZ on August 15, 2025, examining the cultural importance of Magic City, a legendary Black cultural venue in Atlanta. The docuseries chronicles the club’s evolution from its establishment in 1985 to its current status as a cultural landmark.
Inspired by a conversation with music mogul Jermaine Dupri, who shared stories about the club, Brown committed nearly four years to developing the documentary. Through deep relationships established with the club’s ownership and staff, particularly with the Barney family, founders of Magic City, he gathered rich narratives highlighting diverse perspectives.
The documentary portrays Magic City as more than just a strip club; it has played a crucial role in the Southern hip hop scene, significantly influencing nightlife in Atlanta and providing women with new opportunities for empowerment in the entertainment industry. The series demonstrates how the venue has advanced Black wealth, initiated significant music breakthroughs, and fostered bold entrepreneurial endeavors.
Featuring testimonials from dancers, artists, and insiders, Magic City: An American Fantasy aims to showcase the club’s pivotal role in Atlanta’s cultural fabric and the evolution of hip hop. Central to the documentary are three main story arcs: the journey of Michael “Magic” Barney in establishing the club, the expansion of Atlanta hip hop, and the portrayal of dancers as empowered entrepreneurs and performers.
Produced in collaboration with notable figures such as Jermaine Dupri and Drake’s DreamCrew Entertainment, and managed by BIPOC-owned Scheme Engine, the docuseries shines a light on the significance of Magic City within the broader narrative of Atlanta’s nightlife economy. It incorporates archival footage, interviews, and reflections to provide a multifaceted view of the venue’s historical importance.
Magic City initially struggled to gain traction after opening in 1985, but its popularity surged with the support of NBA player Dominique Wilkins, among others. The club became a launching pad for numerous hip hop careers, significantly influencing which songs found success based on the approval of the dancers. Throughout its history, Magic City has fostered a networking hub for various influential figures in the music and entertainment industry.
While the docuseries celebrates the cultural impact of Magic City, it also acknowledges darker aspects of the adult entertainment industry, including exploitation and challenges faced by many women. Brown aims to redefine perceptions of the club, its owner, and the women who perform there, focusing on reconstructing narratives around their strength and independence.
The documentary also features commentary from well-known artists such as Shaquille O’Neal, T.I., Killer Mike, and Drake, further highlighting its relevance in hip hop culture. It joins STARZ’s broader commitment to showcasing hip-hop narratives, similar to projects like “P-Valley,” which is set in a fictional Southern club.
Brown hopes that viewers will emerge with a reevaluated understanding of Magic City, recognizing its significant contributions to Atlanta’s cultural dynamics while celebrating the empowerment of those within its walls. The series paints a picture of the venue as a trailblazer at the intersection of art, entrepreneurship, and community engagement.
Key Features of the Docuseries
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Premiere Date | August 15, 2025 |
| Number of Episodes | Five-part series |
| Focus | Exploring the cultural legacy of Magic City from 1985 to present |
| Production Collaborators | Jermaine Dupri, Drake’s DreamCrew Entertainment, Scheme Engine |
| Main Narratives | The entrepreneurial journey of the Barney family, the rise of Atlanta hip hop, and dancer empowerment |
| Insights from | Dancers, artists, club insiders, and cultural commentators |
FAQ
What is the focus of the docuseries?
The docuseries focuses on the cultural significance of Magic City and its impact on Atlanta’s nightlife and the hip hop scene since its establishment in 1985.
Who produced the docuseries?
Cole Brown, Jermaine Dupri, and several other notable figures collaborated on the production, with support from BIPOC-owned Scheme Engine.
What themes are explored in the docuseries?
Major themes include empowerment and entrepreneurship among dancers, the evolution of Atlanta hip hop, and the historical context of Magic City’s establishment and growth.
Are there notable guest appearances?
Yes, the series features commentary from recognized artists including Shaquille O’Neal, T.I., Killer Mike, and Drake.
How does the series challenge existing stereotypes?
It portrays dancers as independent entrepreneurs and highlights their role in the entertainment industry, challenging common assumptions about strip clubs and those who work in them.
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Author: STAFF HERE ATLANTA WRITER
The ATLANTA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAtlanta.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Atlanta, Fulton County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as vibrant music festivals like Shaky Knees and Music Midtown, major cultural celebrations including Dragon Con and the Atlanta Film Festival, and iconic sporting events like the Peachtree Road Race. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce and the Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in logistics, beverages, and retail that power the local economy such as Delta Air Lines, The Coca-Cola Company, and The Home Depot. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAugusta.com and HERESavannah.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Georgia's dynamic landscape.
