‘Sly Lives! (aka the Burden of Black Genius)’ Review: Questlove’s Admiring Portrait Gives Sly Stone His Flowers

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In a fleeting instant during Questlove’s captivating documentary, Summer of Soul, there’s a moment when Sly Stone turns from the microphone to gaze at his bandmates while performing “Everyday People”. It’s the late 1960s and Sly & the Family Stone are mesmerizing a joyous, multi-generational audience. Onlookers sway and clap, their focus so intense it appears they’re under a spell. However, there’s an extraordinary quality to how Sly twirls, locks eyes with his bandmates, and begins to dance to the music. It seems as though they – this brilliant funk ensemble of seven members – are the sole inhabitants of the park, and Sly, a gifted artist grappling with the pressures of fame, can do anything he pleases.

Watching “Sly Lives! (aka the Burden of Black Genius)” adds depth to that particular scene, as it portrays Sly & the Family Stone in a deeply emotional and uplifting way, much like Questlove does in his tribute. Unlike “Summer of Soul“, this documentary doesn’t focus on Harlem concerts, but instead highlights the profound bond between the band members. It also subtly reveals that this makeshift family provided solace for their multi-talented frontman, Sly Stone. Much like other Black artists who experienced rapid fame, Stone grappled with managing his newfound popularity. However, as shown in “Sly Lives!“, the musician appeared most relaxed and content when performing with his family, which seemed to sustain him for a while.

In the documentary Sly Lives!, Questlove explores the challenges faced by exceptionally talented Black artists, individuals whose abilities seem to outpace society’s understanding. Using Stone, a figure whom the acclaimed DJ and producer has long admired, as an example, he delves into America’s expectations of Black celebrities and the consequences when these expectations aren’t met. While the answers may not be groundbreaking for every viewer, the insights gained by Questlove during his exploration, along with the revelations about Stone, his band, their music, and their legacy, make this documentary a compelling watch when it premieres on Hulu next month.

Working together once more with editor Joshua L. Pearson, Questlove constructs an intriguing storyline that traces the ups and downs of Sly Stone’s career. The filmmaker speaks to a variety of individuals, including some original members of Sly & the Family Stone, Sly’s children, music industry executives, artists like D’Angelo, André 3000, George Clinton, Ruth Copeland, and Chaka Khan. He collects old interviews, some obtained from Greg Zola’s “Small Talk About Sly” and Michael Rubenstone’s “On The Sly: In Search of the Family Stone,” and weaves them together with well-known TV appearances, live concert footage, and audio clips from studio sessions.

Instead of avoiding the complex aspects of Stone’s legacy like many other music documentaries, Questlove’s film boldly tackles issues such as Stone’s struggles with substance abuse, times when he neglected responsibilities, and the harsh media scrutiny during those difficult periods. Unlike some other projects, Questlove doesn’t interview Stone for this documentary (although he did write the foreword for the musician’s 2023 memoir Thank You Falettinme Be Mice Elf Agin). As a result, the film functions more as a heartfelt and introspective tribute. It brings together Stone’s community to celebrate his genius, offering flowers to an artist who battled anxiety, substance abuse, and spiritual turmoil.

Raised in Vallejo, California as Sylvester Stewart, Stone grew up with parents who were among the African-Americans moving from the South to Northern cities during the Great Migration. His family relocated to Vallejo before he was a year old. Music played an essential role in his life, primarily through church activities. He regularly performed on various church occasions such as Sunday services, Thursday night prayers, and Usher Board meetings, mastering instruments like guitar, bass, and drums. The rhythm, harmonies, and themes in Stone’s music echo the lively spirit of revivals. It was within the choir that Cynthia Robinson, who later played the trumpet in the Family Stone, first encountered him. According to her, his voice was extraordinary, bringing a sense of happiness to one’s heart.

stone consistently outperformed others in his field. Following a short spell in college, he decided to leave and established himself as a DJ and music producer in San Francisco. He was naturally skilled at these roles. It wasn’t until the late 60s that Stone, along with saxophonist Jerry Martini, created Sly & the Family Stone – a band that provided an outlet for his exceptional abilities. In the early stages, they didn’t pay much attention to the uniqueness of their racially diverse, gender-inclusive group.

Ahmad Questlove passionately explores the artistic side of the musician in his documentary, Sly Lives!. With input from figures like Mark Anthony Neal, Nile Rodgers, Terry Lewis, and others, he meticulously dissects some of the band’s most legendary tracks. Highlights of the documentary include various versions of songs such as “Everyday People” and “Stand,” which shed light on how these tunes impacted other artists, with Stone’s influence being particularly evident in Janet Jackson’s hit song “Rhythm Nation.” (A noteworthy scene showcases Stone’s influence on the creation of “Rhythm Nation.”)

As a gamer, diving into Summer of Soul was an unforgettable experience. The mind-blowing archival footage, skillfully edited to capture the vibe and essence of this overlooked era in history, was nothing short of amazing. On the other hand, Sly Lives!, though innovative with its fast-paced editing mirroring Stone’s style, feels more linear and structured compared to the captivating complexity of Summer of Soul.

The musical segments in “Sly Lives!” have an impact that overshadows the more significant concepts presented in the documentary. While Questlove’s theories are valid, as they illustrate the unfortunate reality of how popular Black artists often face cruel criticism later in their careers, these parts seem too exploratory and therefore, overly broad for this project’s focus. The topics of media representation and creative freedom for Black artists are substantial enough to merit separate documentaries. In “Sly Lives!“, these themes compete with the main subject matter, creating an unfair comparison.

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2025-01-24 09:55