Rock Docs Podcast: Sly Lives! (aka The Burden of Black Genius)

Questlove’s been a busy man behind the camera of late, having released a couple of notable new documentaries. The multi-talented Roots drummer and filmmaker recently released Ladies & Gentlemen… 50 Years of SNL Music, highlighting the history of SNL‘s musical guests. And he’s delivered yet another 2025 documentary, Sly Lives! (aka The Burden of Black Genius), which is the topic of this week’s episode of Rock Docs.

The movie shows us how Sylvester Stewart evolved into Sly Stone, co-founded the Family Stone, and cranked out a pile of classic tunes over the course of a few years. And, of course, we learn about Sly’s drug-fueled downfall and late in life redemption.

This movie looks and sounds great, and Sly’s story is endlessly interesting. But is this the best Questlove can do?

Also, check out Treble’s review of There’s A Riot Going On from back in the day.

Hear your hosts, Andy Keatts and David Lizerbram, chat about Sly Lives! and the music of Sly Stone, and check out the trailer for the film, which is now streaming on Hulu.