“Red Clay is an extension of my music,” says 2 Chainz, who co-wrote the film set in early 2000s Atlanta.
Grammy-winning rapper 2 Chainz is adding filmmaker to his resume with the premiere of his new short film Red Clay, co-written with acclaimed actor and producer Omar Epps. The film will debut this Saturday at the Atlanta Film Festival, one of the city’s most respected platforms for showcasing diverse voices in cinema.
In an exclusive interview with Variety, 2 Chainz described the project as a natural evolution of his artistic vision.
“I tell stories through my music, always hoping people feel empowered to overcome anything,” said the Atlanta native. “Red Clay is an extension of that.”
Directed by Christian Nolan Jones, known for his work on Glitter Ain’t Gold, the film is set in 2003 Atlanta and follows a teenager named Nook, who struggles with the emotional and physical toll of his mother’s drug addiction. Alongside his best friend Bub, Nook searches for a way out—dreaming of a life beyond the chaos and survivalism of his environment.
The film stars Rutina Wesley (Queen Sugar) and rising talent Jaylen Ragin in the lead roles. It also features a powerful soundtrack moment: a new 2 Chainz collaboration with Ronald Isley and The Isley Brothers, titled “The ATL Experience”.
“Atlanta is full of resilience, and bringing Nook and Bub’s story to life—everyday folks fighting to survive—means everything to me,” 2 Chainz continued. “Creating this with Omar Epps was truly legendary.”
Omar Epps, who has starred in classics like Juice and Love & Basketball, also opened up about the film’s deeper message.
“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,” Epps told Variety. “It’s my hope to inspire conversations that motivate people to have more grace and compassion towards one another.”
The project adds another layer to 2 Chainz’s multifaceted career. Earlier this year, he dropped Life Is Beautiful, a collaborative album with Larry June and The Alchemist, and he’s currently preparing to release another joint project with legendary producer Statik Selektah. According to Statik, the upcoming album is nearly finished—just waiting on a few final features.
Whether it’s through beats or on screen, 2 Chainz continues to tell stories that uplift, challenge, and reflect the spirit of his hometown.
