André 3000 and Q-Tip are among the notable artists expressing their admiration for the legendary Sly Stone in a teaser trailer for Questlove’s upcoming documentary dedicated to the funk icon. The documentary, titled SLY LIVES! (aka The Burden of Black Genius), is set to premiere at the prestigious Sundance Film Festival next month before making its debut on Hulu on February 13.
The teaser trailer recently released by Hulu features Q-Tip calling Sly Stone an “innovator,” while André 3000 highlights his immense influence, stating, “He opened the door to come this way. When it came together, his sound – it was so future.” This heartfelt tribute from two of hip-hop’s most respected figures underscores Sly Stone’s profound impact on music and culture.
Questlove, who is directing the documentary, has been vocal about the significance of Sly’s legacy in his own artistic journey. When announcing the project in 2022, he remarked, “It goes beyond saying that Sly’s creative legacy is in my DNA… it’s a black musician’s blueprint. To be given the honor to explore his history and legacy is beyond a dream for me.” His reverence for Sly Stone is clear, with Questlove emphasizing that the musician’s influence on popular music and culture is immeasurable.
Amit Dey, head of MRC Non-Fiction, also praised Questlove’s vision for the documentary, stating, “Questlove’s vision, sensitivity and reverence brings the urgency that Sly’s story and music deserve, and we’re excited to be working with him to bring Sly’s story to life.” This collaboration highlights the importance of preserving the stories of influential artists like Sly Stone, whose contributions have shaped the landscape of modern music.
Questlove’s connection to Sly Stone on film began with his critically acclaimed project Summer of Soul, which focused on the 1969 Harlem Culture Festival—a significant event that, unlike Woodstock, did not receive the mainstream recognition it deserved. This previous experience has undoubtedly informed Questlove’s approach to telling Sly’s story.
In addition to the documentary on Sly Stone, it was recently announced that Questlove will be working on another project centered around the iconic group Earth, Wind & Fire. Although a title for this new documentary has yet to be revealed, it promises to provide “exclusive” access to the group’s archives and has the backing of both the band and the estate of EWF founder Maurice White, who passed away in 2016. Questlove expressed his excitement about this new venture, stating, “Having been baptized in the Afrocentric joy river of this powerhouse unit, I’ve learned about them, I’ve learned about us & more importantly, I’ve learned and rediscovered myself in the process. I’m so excited to be part of the process of preserving their positive but very vulnerable and real story of Soul, Self & Struggle.”
As the release dates for these documentaries approach, fans of both Sly Stone and Earth, Wind & Fire can look forward to a deeper understanding of these legendary artists and their enduring legacies. Questlove’s commitment to celebrating and preserving their contributions to music serves as an essential reminder of the rich tapestry of talent that has shaped the industry.
