"I'm the arrow": Magic City: An American Fantasy's Jermaine Dupri opens up about how the project came together, and more

Magic City: An American Fantasy premiered on August 15, 2025. The latest docu-series focuses on culture, music, and fantasy from 1980s nightlife in Atlanta.

Executive producers, including Jermaine Dupri, Jami Gertz, and Cole Brown, appeared for an interview with Black Girl Nerds on August 9, 2025. Director Charles Todd also joined the interview, where they opened up about Southern Black Culture, music, and more.

When the host Jamie Broadnax asked about the influence of Southern music and Magic City on "American fantasy," executive producer Jermaine Dupri shared:

"I'm the arrow, you know, my point of direction where everybody should go. As far as this, you know, as far as making this documentary. I'm not behind the...I wasn't asking questions and all that type of stuff. I was just like pointing fingers of like...this is where you need to go. This is who you need to talk to."

Magic City: An American Fantasy: Executive producer Jermaine Dupri shares his thoughts behind the idea of the docuseries and the role he played

Recently released docuseries, Magic City: An American Fantasy, team members, including Jermaine Dupri, Jami Gertz, Cole Brown, and more, attended a virtual interview with Black Girl Nerds.

The team of executive producers, along with director Charles Todd, talked about music, fantasy, and more.

Starz describes Magic City: An American Fantasy as:

"A five-part docuseries that unveils the untold stories behind Atlanta's most influential Black cultural hub; dive deep into the legacy of Magic City - where fantasy and reality collide."

One of the executive producers, Jermaine Dupri, opened up about how he introduced fellow producer Cole Brown, to the music and culture related to the Magic City. He stated that he took Cole there and "pointed" where he needed to go.

"Just basically telling Cole (Brown), you know what I mean? 'Cuz he was from Philly. He never experienced Magic City. So, to get him to experience it. You just had, you know what I mean? I just...I take him there basically. I pointed the arrow like, here, here you go."

Once he introduced Cole, he found his way and started bringing people and introducing them.

Magic City: An American Fantasy's Jermaine Dupri also talked about music and sound design's role in the documentary. It started from the 70s music and then eventually shifted to the 80s and the rap era.

According to Jermaine Dupri, music was one of the "most important" components.

"All music plays a major role. This documentary, you know, it starts off in the 70s. So the music of the 70s and moving into the 80s and then moving into this rap era. The music is one of the most important components," he said.

Further in the interview, he also shared his thoughts on things that got him excited for the docuseries. He said that the most exciting part for him was to bring the docuseries to life. He added that the docuseries "puts a bright light" on their culture, and it would help everyone understand why they talk about Magic City.

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Fans can stream Magic City: An American Fantasy on Starz.

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