‘Freaknik’ Documentary Tells Story Behind Popular ATL Street Party

by Fulton Watch News Feed

LOS ANGELES — If you participated in Atlanta’s wildest gathering called Freaknik back in the day, then beware: You might be featured in Hulu’s new documentary about the legendary street party that became popular through folklore tales involving gridlock traffic, public nudity and highway debauchery.

Many of those images will certainly be on full display in “Freaknik: The Wildest Story Never Told.” But the documentary isn’t just focused on the hyper-sexualized environment and public safety concerns attached to the festival birthed four decades ago. It’s also about how the iconic event started as a simple, Black college cookout that ultimately drew thousands from across the United States, defining Atlanta as a cultural and music hotbed.

“This is more about the culture. This is Atlanta’s version of ‘Beat Street'” said Jermaine Dupri, who executive produced the project with several others including Luther “Uncle Luke” Campbell and 21 Savage. The documentary premiered Tuesday night at SXSW in Austin, Texas. It will stream on Hulu on March 21.

Find out what’s happening in Atlantawith free, real-time updates from Patch.

“This is our story about our contribution to the culture,” Dupri continued. “Through the music and the parties that happened during Freaknik. It’s much more than people standing on top of cars and playing music outside.”

“Freaknik” will feature perspectives from Killer Mike, Jalen Rose, CeeLo Green, Rasheeda and Too $hort. The project includes Freaknik founders Emma Horton, Amadi Boon, Monique Tolliver and Sharon Toomer who discuss the festival’s origin and the name Freaknik — a portmanteau of picnic and freak. It was inspired by R&B group Chic’s 1978 song “Le Freak.”

Find out what’s happening in Atlantawith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Dupri initially questioned whether the documentary would only focus on the festival’s sexual nature. But the music mogul was convinced otherwise after he met with Swirl Films producers Jay Allen and Nikki Byles,…

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