*For nearly 40 years, Atlanta’s Magic City has been more than just a nightclub—it has been a cultural institution, a proving ground for hip-hop royalty, and a meeting place for everyone from politicians to drug kingpins. Now, STARZ is pulling back the curtain on the iconic strip club’s storied history with its upcoming five-part docuseries, “Magic City: An American Fantasy,” set to premiere this summer.
The documentary, executive produced by hip-hop heavyweights Drake and Jermaine Dupri, alongside Cole Brown, Jami Gertz, and Bayan Joonam, delves into the club’s lasting influence on the music industry and Black culture. From its humble beginnings to its role as a kingmaker in hip-hop, “Magic City: An American Fantasy” promises an unprecedented look at the club’s deep impact.
“‘Magic City: An American Fantasy’ is a riveting behind-the-curtain look at one of the most unique places in Black culture,” said Kathryn Busby, President of Original Programming at STARZ. “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.”
The docuseries is set to uncover the life and legacy of Magic City’s enigmatic founder, Michael “Mr. Magic” Barney, and explore how the club became a launchpad for hip-hop artists like Future, 2 Chainz, and Killer Mike. The club has earned its reputation as the “Black Studio 54,” with its ability to break records and catapult artists to mainstream success. It is often said that a song that gets the Magic City dancers moving is destined for Billboard chart success.
“From politicians, to artists, to drug kingpins, Magic City has been a home for a broad cross-section of Black Atlanta for decades,” said series creator and executive producer Cole Brown. “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.”
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Executive producer Jami Gertz also reflected on the club’s importance, particularly through her connection to the Barney family. “When our family became the Majority Owners of The Atlanta Hawks, the Barneys were the very first people to welcome us to the city,” Gertz shared. “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!”
Magic City’s history is also intertwined with the city’s political and social movements. The club was once the well-known hangout of the notorious Black Mafia Family (B.M.F.) and even served as a stage for a get-out-the-vote announcement by former Georgia Governor Stacey Abrams in 2020.
The documentary, which premiered to critical acclaim at the 2024 SXSW Festival, is directed by Charles Todd and produced by Scheme Engine, a BIPOC-owned studio dedicated to telling diverse stories. Showrunner and executive producer Bayan Joonam, alongside executive producers Devin Amar and Alex Kaplan, and producers Ashley Brooke and Marlowe Blue, are at the helm of bringing this powerful story to life.
With never-before-seen footage, exclusive interviews, and untold stories, “Magic City: An American Fantasy” is set to give viewers an intimate look at the club’s journey from a local hotspot to a global cultural phenomenon.
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