Sly & The Family Stone broke barriers and influenced several genres beyond comprehension, but the cost of genius and fame may lead artists down paths they didn’t expect. Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson set out to pay homage to Sly Stone in his new musical documentary SLY LIVES! (aka The Burden of Black Genius), a Hulu original that gives viewers a deeper look into the frontman’s journey through life.
The trailer showcases iconic clips of Sly performing and doing what he loves, while simultaneously showing the side of his career that ultimately landed him on the opposite side of the spectrum. Viewers hear, “He was an underdog, he was exceptionally gifted. But at the same time, none of that protects you,” as the next voice adds, “If you’re Sly Stone, there is not blueprint.”
SLY LIVES! (Aka the Burden of Black Genius) will be available on Feb. 13 on Hulu and Disney+. It will also debut at this year’s Sundance Film Festival.
The official description reads as follows: “From Ahmir ‘Questlove’ Thompson, the Oscar-Winning Director of Summer of Soul, SLY LIVES! (aka The Burden of Black Genius) examines the life and legacy of Sly & The Family Stone, the groundbreaking band led by the charismatic and enigmatic Sly Stone. This film captures the rise, reign and subsequent fadeout of one of pop music’s most influential artists, but also shines a light on how Black artists in America navigate the unseen burden that comes with their success. Drawing from his own personal experience and relationships, Questlove tells an empathetic human story about the cost of genius, reframing the way we all engage with pop culture.“
In Questlove’s new VIBE cover story, he details the process behind creating SLY LIVES! and understanding the message by taking a different approach.
“Before I started the film, I just started with small focus groups,” he said. “I went to my moms like ‘Alright, what do you think happened to Sly Stone?’ ‘Oh, man, he was such a genius. Then he started hanging with the wrong crowd and doing drugs.’” After receiving variations of the same answer, Questlove changed his question.
“What I wanted to know is, and this is what’s addressed in the film, what’s happening in your life that makes drugs (the outlet)? Because the thing is, Black people have not been taught to have emotions,” he continued.
LONDON – 16th JULY: Sly Stone of Sly And The Family Stone posed in London on 16th July 1973.
Michael Putland/Getty Images
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