Jermaine Dupri is set to tell the story of Atlanta's famed strip club, Magic City. The Atlanta entertainment mogul teamed with Cole Brown, Atlanta Hawks co-owner Jami Gertz, and Drake’s DreamCrew Entertainment to present the forthcoming three-part Magic City: An American Fantasy documentary series directed by Charles Todd.
“Magic City is a second home for me. It’s the one place where celebrities, hustlers, politicians, and Atlanta locals all come together. I’ve watched it evolve over the years from a local joint to an internationally recognized spot. It’s about time we tell this story the right way,” says Dupri, who will serve as executive producer on the series.
The strip club, founded by Michael “Magic” Barney in 1985, has long been a cultural hub in Atlanta, beckoning locals, celebrities, and industry insiders alike. Nick Love, project manager, urban ONErpm, told Eater last year that Magic City is an Atlanta staple. “I always joke that it’s a national landmark,” Love said. “People come to Atlanta, and it’s like: Coca-Cola, Dr. King, and Magic City.”
In the same article, DJ Jelly remembered the early energy that shaped the club in the 1990s, back when Atlanta’s rap sound was largely influenced by the bass music coming out of Florida. “Atlanta is a very transitional place, but Magic City is the Mount Rushmore of the strip clubs,” Jelly said. “As a DJ, I travel all over the world, and whether it’s in the Middle East or Asia, wherever, they know about Magic City.”
An American Fantasy will explore Magic City’s history with a focus on Barney as well as the women who have worked at hte club.
“This is a unique story of Black entrepreneurship and empire-building in a city that is the beating heart of Black culture,” says series creator Cole Brown. “I’m ecstatic to be working with a team that will give this story the authenticity and platform it deserves.”
The documentary will also highlight the connection between Magic City and Atlanta-based Hip-Hop stars like JD, Future and Migos, and will feature interviews with celebrities including 2 Chainz, Nelly, Shaquille O’Neal, Quavo, Killer Mike, and Big Boi.
