Sly Lives! (aka The Burden of Black Genius) dissects the legacy of Sly Stone

The Real Perspectives

Published February 13, 2025

Hulu

Sly Lives! (aka The Burden of Black Genius) is the new Onyx Collective original documentary showcasing the rise and fall of America's greatest funk rock band of all time. Long pioneered as the first to put funk, soul, and rock on the map in the 60s, the trailblazing group was led by the iconic Sly Stone, whose real name is Sylvester Stewart. The film first premiered at the Sundance Film Festival on January 23, 2025 and exclusively on Hulu and Disney+ on February 13.

Luckily for us, the new film reminds us how impactful and pivotal Sly and the Family Stone were as they helped shape the music industry in the '60s, being the first major multicultural group to do so. Formed in 1966 against the backdrop of the Civil Rights Movement, Sly and The Family Stone delivered numerous Top 10 Billboard Hot 100 hits such as "Dance to the Music," "Everyday People," and "Thank You (Falettinme Be Mice Elf Agin)", however by 1975, drug use and intense infighting overshadowed the group's talent and success. The following years would see Sly battling personal demons, forcing the group to go their separate ways before Sly attempted a late comeback with critically acclaimed, albeit not commercial, success before disappearing into obscurity. Sly and the Family Stone were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1993.

Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson, with executive producers Joseph Patel and Derik Murray

Directed by Ahmir "Questlove" Thompson with executive producers that include Joseph Patel and Derik Murray, the film is fascinating to watch as it dissects the immense pressures that come with the rise of success that claims far too many icons at their pinnacle of fame. With featured interviews by former band members Jerry Martini, Greg Errico, Larry Graham, and Cynthia Robinson, current artists include Andre 3000, Nile Rogers, Q-Tip, Chaka Khan, D'Angelo, Ruth Copeland, and George Clinton providing personal contributions. Thompson does, in fact, "draw from his own personal experience and relationships and tells an empathetic human story about the cost of genius, framing the way we all engage with pop culture."

The film is the very definition of celebrating one's life and legacy. Peeling back the layers of Sly's life, it is informative and deeply intimate as we witness the man behind the persona, the drug use, the fame, and the ultimate downfall. Dissecting what it means to be Black and genius - separate yet equal, taking a closer look at that distinction.

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Sly Lives! (aka The Burden of Black Genius) is currently streaming both on Hulu and Disney+.

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