If you’ve ever listened to Southern rap, chances are you’ve heard the name Magic City dropped more than a few times. Now, the iconic Atlanta strip club that helped birth chart-topping careers, moved political conversations, and became a cultural cornerstone is finally getting its flowers — and its close-up.
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Starz has officially set the premiere date for Magic City: An American Fantasy, a five-part docuseries pulling back the velvet curtain on one of the most storied clubs in Black culture. The series drops Friday, August 15 at 10PM ET/PT on Starz, right after the BMF season finale — which, let’s be real, is the perfect segue.
A Club That Launched Legends
Created and executive produced by Cole Brown, the docuseries brings together an all-star production team including Jermaine Dupri, Jami Gertz, and Drake’s DreamCrew Entertainment. It first premiered to buzz at SXSW and is directed by Charles Todd (Buddy Guy: The Blues Chase The Blues Away, King of Bachata).
But this isn’t just a nostalgia trip or a highlight reel of celebrity cameos — though you will hear first-hand stories from 2 Chainz, Nelly, Shaquille O’Neal, Quavo, Killer Mike, and Big Boi. This series takes you inside the club that’s been setting the tone for hip-hop since 1985, helmed by the enigmatic Michael “Mr. Magic” Barney. And yes, it gives overdue shine to the women — dancers, artists, and behind-the-scenes forces — who helped build the club’s mystique and global influence.
The “Black Studio 54” With Its Own Set of Rules
Magic City wasn’t just a night out — it was (and still is) an institution. The place where new music got tested, DJs became tastemakers, and one hit song could change someone’s life overnight. It’s the spot where rappers came to get their tracks validated and where B.M.F. made their presence known. Hell, even Stacey Abrams used it to get out the vote back in 2020.
As Cole Brown put it:
“From politicians to artists to drug kingpins, Magic City has been a home for a broad cross-section of Black Atlanta for decades. Everyone should know the unbelievable story of this institution.”
What To Expect
Magic City: An American Fantasy will stream new episodes weekly every Friday on the Starz app and all on-demand platforms. On linear TV, the series airs Fridays at 9PM ET/PT starting August 22. Canadian viewers can catch the premiere at 11PM ET/PT on August 15.
Produced by Scheme Engine — a BIPOC-owned studio that puts women and minority voices front and center — the series also includes contributions from showrunner Bayan Joonam, executive producers Devin Amar and Alex Kaplan, and producers Ashley Brooke and Marlowe Blue.
So whether you’ve only heard about it in rap lyrics or you’ve actually slid through those infamous doors, this docuseries promises to unpack the magic, the myths, and the many untold stories that made Magic City what it is today.