Creator Cole Brown on Magic City: An American Fantasy

In this episode, creator and writer Cole Brown takes us inside the making of Magic City, the documentary series that dives deep into the legendary Atlanta strip club that shaped the sound, style, and swagger of modern hip hop. Brown opens up about how the project evolved from his work on Jermaine Dupri’s memoir to a full-scale series that unpacks the cultural significance of Magic City and its influence on artists like Drake, Future, Migos, and beyond. We discuss the unique challenges of producing an intimate, layered story about Atlanta nightlife, the trust built with the dancers, DJs, and community, and how the team balanced glossy visuals with raw storytelling. Cole also shares how music isn’t just a soundtrack but a storytelling device—showcasing the symbiotic relationship between the club and Black culture at large.