2 Chainz‘s next release is not another Larry June and Alchemist collaborative album. This time, the Atlanta rapper took pen skills and synergetic spirit to co-write the Red Clay short film with Omar Epps. Exclusively reported by Variety, the film, directed by Christian Nolan Jones, is slated to premiere at the Atlanta Film Festival on Saturday (May 3).
“I tell stories through my music, always hoping people feel empowered to overcome anything,” explained the 47-year-old to the outlet. “Red Clay is an extension of that. Atlanta is full of resilience, and bringing Nook and Bub’s story to life — everyday folks fighting to survive — means everything to me. Creating this with Omar Epps was truly legendary.”
“My inspiration to write this film came from the need to unpack brutal truths and showcase the complexities of why Black and brown communities normalize trauma,” added Epps. “It’s my hope to inspire conversations which motivate people to have more grace and compassion towards one another.”
2 Chainz, Jaylan Ragin, Christian Nolan Jones and Gail Bean speak onstage at the Case Study: Making The Short Film “Red Clay” panel discussion during the Atlanta Film Festival at Tara Atlanta on April 30, 2025 in Atlanta, Georgia.
Julia Beverly/Getty Images)
Red Clay portrays the tale of Nook, who is played by actor Christopher A’mmanuel. The teenage character faces a challenging upbringing while dealing with his mother’s drug addiction. According to the logline, Nook dreams of a better life but is caught in a rampant cycle of poverty and desperation within his Atlanta community.
The film, described as based on a true events in the trailer, is set in 2003 according to the official website. Rutina Wesley and Jaylan Ragin also star alongside A’mmanuel.
In addition to the film’s premiere, the Grammy-winning rapper teamed up with The Isley Brothers for “The ATL Experience” to be featured in the Red Clay soundtrack. The music video, released on Friday, takes viewers to East Atlanta as 2 Chainz raps about the city that made him.
“Only in the A,” stars the rapper at the beginning of the mellow track.
“Tuna fish was my favorite dish, previous to this/ I admit that I’m really blessed/ Tity Boy the sh*t/Poppin’ it, oh, just like a zit, that’s just common sense/ In the A, these young ni**as crazy, better on a stick.”
Take a look at “The ATL Experience” below.
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