“My story is mine” Jermaine Dupri discusses Magic City: An American Fantasy

Atlanta music legend Jermaine Dupri stepped back from hands-on involvement in STARZ's upcoming docuseries about the Magic City strip club called Magic City: An American Fantasy. The five-part series explores over four decades of cultural influence from the Atlanta institution. Speaking with EURweb's Kenny Pettis Jr., Dupri explained his approach as executive producer:

"Not a lot. Once I handed it off, everybody has their own experiences in Magic City. Yeah. Everybody has their own stories. So my story is mine. You speak to 2 Chains, you talk to Big Boy … when you start talking to everybody else, my story is just one of millions, right? Once all of that started, I figured I'll just sit back and wait until these guys put it together, because like I said, it wasn't really much I could do."

The docuseries Magic City: An American Fantasy, which stars Drake, Shaquille O'Neal, and T.I., will air on STARZ on August 15. Magic City: An American Fantasy investigates how the club influenced Southern hip-hop and offered a platform for musicians to achieve mainstream recognition.

What did Jermaine Dupri have to say about being on Magic City: An American Fantasy?

The So So Def founder took an unusual approach to his executive producer duties. Rather than micromanaging the project, he trusted the creative team to gather diverse perspectives. Dupri recognized that his experience represented just one viewpoint among countless others connected to the legendary venue.

His decision proved strategic. The hands-off method allowed filmmakers to capture authentic stories from various artists, performers, and industry figures. Each speaker shared distinct experiences and insights into Magic City's effect on their careers and Atlanta's music industry.

Dupri emphasised the club's significance in starting important careers, notably during Young Jeezy's breakout season. He acknowledged Magic City for giving important assistance throughout Jeezy's launch, but emphasised that this was not limited to one venue.

Atlanta's strip club circuit operates as an informal music industry network. Blue Flame, Strokers, and other clubs share similar influence in discovering and promoting new talent. These venues serve as tastemakers, introducing audiences to fresh sounds before they reach mainstream radio.

Magic City: An American Fantasy captures something unusual; extensive interviews with Magic City owner Michael "Magic" Barney. Dupri noted Barney's typically reserved personality makes his on-camera storytelling particularly valuable.

"Magic is a quiet man. If you met Magic, you know, he's not a very talkative person. He's not a camera guy," Dupri explained.

Hearing the club's founder share personal stories and business insights provides rare access to the mind behind Atlanta's most famous strip club.

Atlanta’s cultural narrative according to Dupri

Dupri hopes viewers gain a deeper understanding of modern Atlanta culture beyond its civil rights legacy. The city's identity often centers on figures like Jimmy Carter, Martin Luther King Jr., and Andy Young - all crucial to Atlanta's history.

However, Dupri believes this narrative needs expansion. Magic City represents another significant chapter in Atlanta's cultural evolution. The club's influence on music, entertainment, and business deserves recognition alongside the city's political achievements.

Magic City: An American Fantasy promises to reveal how one venue shaped an entire musical movement. The series investigates the nexus of entertainment, commerce, and cultural power in contemporary Atlanta. Dupri's collaborative approach and varied views will lead viewers to stories that have had a far-reaching impact on hip-hop outside of Georgia.

Magic City: An American Fantasy airs Fridays at 9 PM ET/PT starting August 15.

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Edited by Sohini Biswas