ATLANTA — Atlanta is considered the Hollywood of the South and the hip-hop capital of the entertainment industry. The city is synonymous with culture, Black excellence, and the Mecca of the Civil Rights Movement.
11Alive’s Neima Abdulahi explored the city’s creative identity as a hotspot for Black innovation, from music, media and all areas of the arts.
The influence of Black creativity is often tied to Atlanta’s cultural influence in shaping the culture and moving the needle.
For this report, Neima Abdulahi interviewed four Black creatives in four different lanes of creativity – Grammy-award-winning producer Bryan-Michael Cox, music executive Ray Daniels, brand manager Keith Dorsey, and creative director Marina Skye.
'Black is bold'
Bryan-Michael Cox is at the top of his game. He has written and produced with artists such as Mary J. Blige, Mariah Carey, Toni Braxton and the list goes on.
He attributes his success to believing in the power of his own creativity.
“Push the boundaries, learn everything. You know what I mean? Don't be intimidated. Don't be afraid to learn everything,” Cox said.
Ray Daniels considers himself a culture referee while he facilitates necessary conversations on his platform, The Gauds Show.
“Black people start all the trends. All the trends are started by Black people,” Daniels said.
Marina Skye agrees. She graduated from Clark-Atlanta University and worked on the design layout of the Trap Music Museum. Skye has worked with artists like 21 Savage, EarthGang, 6lack and many others.
“Black is bold. We have historically had to be bold, just throughout, and I think that there is a spirit in all of us that just continues on,” Skye said.
Keith Dorsey is the founder of Collab Studio ATL. He has helped content creators generate revenue online from their creativity. Dorsey said the playing field isn’t leveled for Black creatives who don’t always receive credit for their original work.
“Because Black creatives did not have that knowledge when it comes to standard business, because for one, come from within. They wouldn't teach business in school. Our families did not own businesses,” Dorsey said.
Creativity is liberation
Marina Skye said part of her creative process is to always promote Black creativity unapologetically. She said her authenticity comes from her legacy.
“I am the evolution of my mother and my grandmother and my great grandmother and all of these beautiful women and people in general that are behind me, pushing me forward to succeed,” Skye said.
Bryan Michael Cox said his gift is deeply woven within his soul.
“Describe Black creativity?” Neima Abdulahi asked.
“Black creativity, to me, is something that's deeply rooted in where we come from. I feel like you can trace our creativity all the way back to the continent,” Bryan-Michael Cox said.
“When did that light bulb go off that this is what you wanted to do?” Neima Abdulahi asked.
“That light bulb went off very early. As a little kid, I always knew that I wanted to do something creative,” Cox said.
He said part of the creative process is to remain humble but never forget who you are.
Ray Daniels believes that the Black excellence in this city is an inspiration.
“You can become a millionaire in Atlanta being Black and only dealing with Black people,” Daniels explained.
“How did music become part of our revolution as people?” Neima Abdulahi asked.
“Because music told our stories. When James Brown said, ‘Say it loud, I'm Black and I'm proud!’ White audience sang it. But Black people knew that," Daniels said. "And seeing white people call this Black man ‘Mr. Brown,’ [and] his name on the back of a jet, that makes me think I can have it. You know what I mean?”
He said no matter the specific lane of Black creativity, whether it’s music or media, creativity can be a liberation for a generation that needs it.
“I love the freedom we have here to be Black and powerful and not have to code switch and talk another way for another race so they can accept us. We don't have to do that,” he said.
“Do we know how powerful we are?” Neima Abdulahi asked.
“No," he said. "And I think that that's my goal."