Latest news with #MagicCity:AnAmericanFantasy
NBC News
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- NBC News
The Atlanta club where pleasure and hip-hop dealmaking collide
In the early 1980s, Michael Barney and his wife left his hometown of Camden, N.J., and relocated in Atlanta, where he started working in telecommunications and earned the nickname 'Mr. Magic' from colleagues. One night out with friends at a popular strip club, he got the inspiration for what would become a cultural hotspot in the heart of the city. Soon enough, Barney signed the lease for a defunct print shop, repurposed the building and named it 'Magic City.' The club opened in 1985 with just one dancer. After 40 years of deals, networking and hip-hop history at the club, Magic City is the subject of a five-part docuseries executive-produced by producer and rap mogul Jermaine Dupri. 'Magic City: An American Fantasy' premiered Friday on STARZ, showcasing the outsized national impact of the Atlanta strip club and others like it on hip-hop culture and the industry. 'We would fly back home to go to Magic City from out of town,' Dupri told NBC News. 'It's like going to Orlando and not going to Disney World — you have to go.' To the So So Def producer, there's more to Mr. Magic's establishment than the women. 'You could be standing by the biggest thief in Atlanta, the biggest drug dealer in Atlanta, the biggest rapper in Atlanta, the biggest basketball player in the world, a movie star, a politician, and they're all in the same area — treated the same, having the same conversations and you wouldn't know the difference, because the club doesn't cater to just one person,' Dupri said. Strip, as the club is known among regulars, has provided a gauge for hip-hop and R&B hitmaking. 'The connection is very authentic,' Dupri said. 'Hearing your song play in a club is like hearing your song on the radio. You feel like you actually made it.' In some cases, the aspiration for hip-hop fame comes from the people onstage. Bronx-native Nya Lee used the money she made dancing to fund her rap career. 'In the earlier years, I invested in myself,' she said to NBC News. 'A lot of people didn't think that being a stripper and a rapper could work.' But it did, and her story was compelling enough to land her a spot on VH1's popular show, 'Love and Hip-Hop: New York.' Not long after, another dancer was introduced to the world through the series: Cardi B, who has since become a global force in entertainment. Stripping can have a dark side. Outside of Magic City, some dancers have unionized to fight for better work standards, fairer pay and protection from sexual harassment or abuse. Clubs are, after all, an environment in which men are paying for access to women's bodies, whether it's making full contact or at a distance. And while some perform with the goal of escaping the club and improving their lives, others escape to the club. That was the case for a Memphis, Tennessee, native with two years of undergraduate college credits and a boyfriend who was facing federal charges. Rapper and TV personality Jessica Dime, who is featured in the docuseries, went to the sprawling King of Diamonds in Miami after two friends advised her to leave Memphis. 'It was so much going on in the streets at the time,' Dime said to NBC News. 'When I left, it was the best decision I could have made. Dancing was something that saved me. I would have been in jail or probably dead if I wouldn't have went to Miami.' Within a few years of performing, she got the attention of Flo Rida and signed to his IMG record label as a rapper. 'What they were giving me to sign, I would have made more in one night at King of Diamonds,' Dime said. She said she knew that if she signed the contract, 'God is going to make sure I stay out of here.' But the people who work in the clubs don't need to be aspiring rappers to still make an impact on music. Last year, Muni Long's track 'Made for Me' became a hit at Magic City, which Dupri said helped him gauge how well the song would do more broadly, especially since traditional R&B is hard to place in clubs. 'The dancers were singing the song,' Dupri recalled, and so were the patrons. Rapper Rick Ross' debut single, 'Hustlin,' about the everyday grind in any capacity, was a major success in strip clubs across the country. 'They was playing my record without my requesting it, and I said, 'This is different.' I believe the record was speaking for everybody that was in the club,' Ross said to NBC News. 'You talking to the parking man, you talking to the dancers, you talking to the DJs.' In 2005, dancers at Magic City introduced South Carolina rapper Young Jeezy's music to DJ Nando, who was the club's resident DJ at the time. With the backing of BMF (Black Mafia Family) and Big Meech, author Joe Cosscarelli says in the docuseries that Jeezy became 'this larger than life, King Pin figure.' Jeezy's album 'Let's Get It: Thug Motivation 101' was the go-to record throughout Magic City dancer Gigi Maguire's career. During her time at Magic City as a headlining dancer, Maguire became friends with some of the rappers that would frequent the club. She had been testing different stage names when rapper Lil' Wayne gave her a hand as she sat in on a writing session on his tour bus in Atlanta. 'Wayne was a close friend of mine,' she said. The Young Money emcee was testing lyrics and happened to say, 'Weezy Maguire, show me the money.' Maguire fired back, ''Gigi Maguire, show me the money,' and he said, 'Yoo! That's fire. You should keep that.' Literally, it stuck.' Maguire also took her roommate Trey Songz's music to Magic City during her featured spots on Mondays. 'We still are, to this day, like family,' she said. 'He's literally like my little brother.' This docuseries will be part of STARZ's roster of projects on hip-hop culture. The network's hit drama series, 'P-Valley,' is set at a fictional Southern club and includes two cast members from Magic City's Snack Pack trio of pole dancers, which includes Maguire. When the retired dancer got a call for a guest appearance for a 'P-Valley' episode on featuring icons of strip, there was controversy over who those legends would be. 'They wanted Cardi B, Blac Chyna and Amber Rose. I used to work with Amber and Chyna and am friends with them. I love Cardi B down. But those are not women that the dance community goes to, to say, 'Hey, I aspire for my dance career to be this,'' Maguire said. To the women who admire Maguire and the stars she mentioned, their accomplishments and influence in the culture and hip-hop extends beyond strip and has allowed them to leverage their popularity into business ventures that wouldn't have necessarily been available a decade or so ago. Nya Lee, 32, was 17 when she won a stripping contest two times, using a fake ID at Sin City in the Bronx. The now-DJ has collaborated with Fabolous, Jadakiss and Ultimate Rap League battle rap legend T-Rex on her projects. Her mixtapes include features with Kash Doll who also started as a Detroit-based stripper. 'Girls seeing me knock down doors made them feel like they could do it too,' Nya Lee said.
Axios
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Axios
"Alien: Earth" and more new streaming titles on Hulu, Netflix, Prime Video
Here's what's new on Hulu, Netflix, Prime Video, Apple TV+, Disney+ and Starz. What we're watching: A new entry into the "Alien" franchise, a docuseries about an iconic gentleman's club and an adult animated comedy about a dog. " Alien: Earth" available now on Hulu State of play: This chapter of the "Alien" franchise centers around a group of tactical soldiers and their humanoid robot leader, Wendy, who crash-land on Earth and battle terrifying, mysterious life forms. " Magic City: An American Fantasy" available Friday on Starz Zoom in: Produced by music icons Jermaine Dupri and Drake, this five-part docuseries tells the story of one of America's most influential strip clubs. My thought bubble: This series is more than just a chronicle of a popular adult establishment; it's an Atlanta and hip-hop history lesson. " Fixed" available now on Netflix The intrigue: Adam DeVine, Kathryn Hahn, Idris Elba, Fred Armisen and Michelle Buteau star in this adult animated movie about a dog who goes on one last adventure when he learns his owners plan to neuter him. Fun fact: This film is directed by Genndy Tartakovsky, who produced iconic Cartoon Network shows like "Dexter's Laboratory" and "Samurai Jack." " Night Always Comes" on Netflix This thriller, based on Willy Vlautin's novel, follows anti-heroine Lynette (played by Vanessa Kirby), who risks everything during one night on the streets of Portland to keep her family from eviction. Available Friday " Butterfly" on Prime Video This new spy thriller series starring Daniel Dae Kim ("Hawaii Five-O") is based on the graphic novel of the same name. Available now " Songs From the Hole" on Netflix This documentary about incarcerated musician James "JJ'88" Jacobs won the Audience Award in the "Visions" category at SXSW. Available now " Sausage Party: Foodtopia" season 2 on Prime Video Exiled from Foodtopia, Frank, Barry, and Sammy discover a new home in New Foodland, where a dark secret lies behind the idyllic society. Available now " Fit for TV: The Reality of the Biggest Loser" on Netflix This three-part documentary gives viewers an inside look at the making of the controversial reality competition featuring interviews with former contestants, trainers, producers and health professionals. Available Friday " Snoopy Presents: A Summer Musical" on Apple TV+ This 40-minute TV special follows the Peanuts gang at summer camp as Charlie Brown is determined to make his final year special and Snoopy and Woodstock go on an epic adventure. Available Friday " Limitless: Live Better Now" on Disney+ and Hulu This three-part series follows actor Chris Hemsworth on his journey to take on new challenges like learning to play the drums and attempting to climb a 600-foot dam in the Swiss Alps. Available Friday " Iron Man and His Awesome Friends" on Disney+ This children's series follows the adventures of Marvel geniuses Tony Stark (Iron Man), Riri Williams (Ironheart) and Amadeus Cho (The Hulk). Available now
Black America Web
27-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Black America Web
Jermaine Dupri Spotlights ATL Strip Club Culture With 'Magic City' Docuseries
Jermaine Dupri, renowned Atlanta producer and cultural icon, is set to unveil Magic City: An American Fantasy , a five-part docuseries premiering August 15 on Starz. The project dives deep into Atlanta's strip club scene, painting it as a fundamental, though often misunderstood, part of the city's identity. Dupri argues that strip clubs in Atlanta are not just places of entertainment, but crucial spaces for music, business, and community. 'People don't want to look at it as a cultural thing for some reason,' he said, comparing the way LA's street style is celebrated as culture. 'Atlanta's culture includes our strip clubs, but it gets left out because people see it as risque.' Central to the series is Magic City, the legendary club where artists, entertainers, and business leaders regularly convene. 'We go on the day shift, night shift, to have meetings, kick it, or even celebrate. It's the spot that's there for all things,' Dupri emphasized. Music, unsurprisingly, is a key focus. Atlanta's strip clubs have long been sites where DJs break new records, giving songs a path to radio and national prominence. As Dupri put it, 'The strip club still breaks records. You might hear music in Magic City before it hits the radio. It's a testing ground, just like mixtapes used to be.' Backing the story, Dupri curated a star-studded, Atlanta-only soundtrack. The lead single, 'Turn Around,' features T.I., 2 Chainz, and Young Dro. 'Even though people assume I've worked with them before, this is my first time collaborating with them,' he revealed. Other contributors include Ludacris, Big Boi, and Killer Mike. 'I wanted to make sure this was an album that only included artists from Atlanta—this city deserves that.' While the docuseries promises tasteful storytelling, Dupri notes it won't shy away from the realities of strip club life. Starz embraced the concept, branding the series as honest, adult entertainment. For Dupri, Magic City: An American Fantasy is 'a love letter' to Atlanta culture. With exclusive access, homegrown music, and a clear message—Atlanta's strip club culture is a powerful, enduring force—it is sure to spark conversation when it streams this August. SEE ALSO Jermaine Dupri Spotlights ATL Strip Club Culture With 'Magic City' Docuseries was originally published on
Yahoo
17-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Jermaine Dupri Declares An Atlanta Summer With ‘Magic City' Docuseries At ABFF
Jermaine Dupri welcomed the 2025 American Black Film Festival attendees to Atlanta with a sneak peek at his pending docuseries, Magic City: An American Fantasy. During a panel discussion that opened the world of STARZ at the annual event, Dupri was joined by Cole Brown, who also executive-produced and created the work, for a chat about the famed hotspot with journalist Jemele Hill. The lively Q&A packed out the convention center room in Miami, with many left at the door due to the anticipation for the screening and subsequent conversation. As they beamed with pride, both men prepared to unpack the allure of Magic City and the importance of telling the story behind its rise to fame. Officially, Magic City: An American Fantasy is a five-part docuseries that takes a deep dive into one of Atlanta's most influential destinations and its impact, extending beyond its reputation as a strip club. The nightlife mainstay is responsible for shaping the city's cultural and music landscape and beyond. As described in a press statement, 'through an alluring, dynamic and artistic lens, the docuseries immerses viewers in the Magic City phenomenon, exploring its historical significance, its role in the rise of Southern Hip-Hop and its impact on women's empowerment in the industry, since being established in 1985. Heralded as the 'Black Studio 54,' Magic City became the definitive king-maker in the Hip-Hop community and became a place where fantasy and reality collide. 'I got Magic City documentary dropping August 15 on Starz,' assured Dupri to VIBE ahead of ABFF earlier this month at the 25th annual BET Awards. The project initially premiered to critical acclaim at the 2024 SXSW Festival. Drake's DreamCrew Entertainment, Jermaine Dupri, and Jami Gertz serve as executive producers. The series is directed by Charles Todd. He continued to detail how the docuseries inspired him to tap in with Atlanta musicians of all generations to create a brand new album. The first single, 'Turn Around,' which features T.I., Young Dro, and 2 Chainz, was released last week. 'It started as a soundtrack, and then as I started making the records, I'm like yo, this really a Jermaine Dupri album with a whole bunch of artists that I've never worked with, and I also started saying Im going to put artists from Atlanta on this…So, it's me making records with artists I never worked with, that's from the same city that I'm from. That's exciting to me.' He continued to detail, 'People keep saying bridge the gap, I'm just trynna put my city on. We gon rock out. It's an Atlanta summer.' Watch a preview for the Magic City: An American Fantasy docuseries below and tune in to its STARZ debut on August 15 at 10 p.m. ET/PT in the U.S., after the season finale of BMF. More from Jermaine Dupri Hints At Drake Getting His Own Radio Station In 'Grand Theft Auto 6' dvsn Signs With Jermaine Dupri And So So Def For Multi-Album Deal ABFF 2025 Speaker Lineup Announced: Gabrielle Union, Jermaine Dupri, Ashanti, And More
