Omar Epps and 2 Chainz Join Forces for the Short Film “Red Clay”

Jaylan Ragin, Rutina Wesley, and Christopher A’mmanuel are the project’s main actors. 

The upcoming album by 2 Chainz won’t be another joint effort by Larry June and Alchemist. This time, the rapper from Atlanta collaborated with Omar Epps to co-write the Red Clay short film using their pen abilities and collaborative attitude. Variety exclusively revealed that the Christopher Nolan Jones-directed movie will make its Atlanta Film Festival debut on Saturday, May 3.

The 47-year-old told the outlet, “I use my music to tell stories, and I always hope that people feel empowered to overcome anything.” That is furthered by Red Clay. It means a lot to me to bring Nook and Bub’s story—ordinary people struggling to survive—to life because Atlanta is full of tenacity. Working with Omar Epps to create this was genuinely legendary.

“The need to expose the complexity of why trauma is normalized in Black and brown communities and to confront harsh realities inspired me to write this film,” Epps continued. “I hope to spark discussions that encourage people to treat each other with more grace and compassion.”

Actor Christopher A’mmanuel plays Nook, whose story is portrayed by Red Clay. The adolescent protagonist deals with his mother’s drug addiction and a difficult childhood. The logline claims that although Nook longs for a better life, he is enmeshed in a vicious cycle of desperation and poverty in his Atlanta neighborhood.

The trailer claims that the movie is based on actual events, while the official website states that it takes place in 2003. A’mmanuel co-stars with Jaylan Ragin and Rutina Wesley.

The Grammy-winning rapper collaborated with The Isley Brothers on “The ATL Experience,” which was included on the Red Clay album in addition to the movie’s premiere. As 2 Chainz raps about the place that made him, the music video, which was released on Friday, transports viewers to East Atlanta. 

The rapper opens the soothing song with the line, “Only in the A.”

“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 are crazy, better on a stick.” “Tuna fish was my favorite dish before this.”