Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson follows his Academy Award-winning documentary Summer of Soul (…Or, When the Revolution Could Not Be Televised) with another profound exploration of music, race, and cultural impact in Sly Lives! (aka The Burden of Black Genius). A deeply resonant portrait of Sly Stone and his groundbreaking band, Sly & The Family Stone, the film examines their meteoric rise, their seismic influence on American music, and the complexities of their decline. More than a biography, it’s a meditation on the unseen toll of brilliance and the weight of representation for Black artists. The film held its world premiere at the 2025 Sundance Film Festival ahead of its streaming release on February 13th.
The film opens in 1964 San Francisco, introducing a young Sly Stone as a disc jockey who injects his own music into radio rotations. From there, Sly Lives! takes a non-linear approach, weaving between Stone’s Texas roots, his relocation to California, and his transformative years in the church where he mastered multiple instruments. These formative experiences laid the foundation for the creation of The Family Stone, a band as diverse in background as it was revolutionary in sound.
Thompson captures the full arc of Sly & The Family Stone’s story: their early success, socially charged lyrics, and game-changing performances like Woodstock. Yet, the film is unflinching in its exploration of the band’s dissolution, the pressures of fame, and Sly’s struggles with drug addiction and mental health. Central to the narrative is the concept of the “burden of Black genius”—a theme explored through conversations with family, bandmates, historians, and fellow artists. Stone’s talent was undeniable, but his success brought an exhausting expectation to be everything for everyone, a demand disproportionately placed on Black creatives. Unlike white artists such as David Bowie, who were free to reinvent themselves without scrutiny, Sly was constrained by cultural expectations that both celebrated and limited his artistry.
The interviews are a masterclass in storytelling, balancing firsthand accounts with thoughtful analysis of Stone’s legacy. Greg Errico (drums), Larry Graham (bass), Jerry Martini (saxophone), and Cynthia Robinson (trumpet) offer intimate recollections of the band’s highs and lows, while historians like Mark Anthony Neal and Joel Selvin contextualize their impact on music and society. Iconic figures such as George Clinton, Chaka Khan, and Grace Slick provide perspectives on Sly’s cultural significance, while artists like Vernon Reid, André 3000, and Q-Tip testify to his enduring influence on their work.
The film’s soundtrack is a highlight, featuring deep dives into Sly & The Family Stone’s most iconic songs. Tracks like “Dance to the Music,” “Everyday People,” “Thank You (Falettinme Be Mice Elf Agin),” and “Family Affair” are not just celebrated but dissected, revealing the innovation and emotion woven into every note. Archival footage of live performances and behind-the-scenes moments brings these songs to life, while candid interviews with Sly’s children—Sylvester Stewart Jr., Phunne Stone, and Novena Carmel—add a poignant, personal layer.
Sly Lives! is not just a celebration of musical genius but a reckoning with its cost. Thompson’s thoughtful direction avoids hagiography, instead presenting a layered, complex portrait of an artist whose contributions reshaped the cultural landscape. The film’s non-linear storytelling mirrors Sly Stone’s own approach to music: unorthodox, bold, and profoundly impactful.
In the end, Sly Lives! is a powerful tribute to Sly & The Family Stone’s legacy, a candid exploration of the challenges faced by Black artists, and a stirring call to honor the full humanity of those who change the world. For fans of music documentaries or anyone curious about the intersection of art, race, and society, this is essential viewing.
I give Sly Lives! (aka The Burden of Black Genius) 5 out of 5 stars.
Sly Lives! (aka The Burden of Black Genius) starts streaming on Thursday, February 13th, on Hulu.