New short film tackles addiction, survival, and generational trauma in Atlanta
2 Chainz is taking storytelling beyond the booth with his emotionally charged short film, Red Clay—a raw, unflinching look at adolescence shaped by addiction, poverty, and resilience. Co-written alongside actor and filmmaker Omar Epps, the project premiered at the 2025 Atlanta Film Festival and is already sparking conversations around generational trauma and survival in underserved communities.
Set in the heart of Atlanta, Red Clay follows the journey of Nook, a teenage boy portrayed by rising actor Christopher A’mmanuel, who struggles to break free from a cycle of dysfunction, including his mother’s ongoing battle with substance abuse. Directed by Christian Nolan Jones and featuring powerful performances from Rutina Wesley and Jaylan Ragin, the film captures the gritty beauty and brutal truths of what it means to grow up in an environment where survival often takes precedence over dreams.
2 Chainz, known for lacing his music with moments of vulnerability and triumph, explained his deeper vision for the project:
“I tell stories through my music, always hoping people feel empowered to overcome anything. 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.”
Alongside its gripping visuals, Red Clay is backed by a standout soundtrack curated by 2 Chainz himself. The lineup is a seamless fusion of legends and chart-toppers, including The Isley Brothers, Ne-Yo, and Lil Yachty. In doing so, he’s creating an emotional resonance that mirrors the story’s highs and lows. Fans can look forward to the full soundtrack release in tandem with the film’s wider rollout.
In a post on Instagram, 2 Chainz teased the trailer and invited fans to sign up for early access, writing:
“The wait is over….with the Red Clay Soundtrack dropping soon it’s only right we drop the trailer.”
For co-writer Omar Epps, the film is more than a cinematic moment—it’s a cultural mirror.
“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. It’s my hope to inspire conversations which motivate people to have more grace, and compassion towards one another.”
2 Chainz’s passion for the subject matter stems from his own childhood. During a recent Club Shay Shay interview, he opened up about selling drugs at age 12 to support his mother—a candid revelation that underscores the emotional foundation of Red Clay.
With Red Clay, 2 Chainz steps into a new era. Not just as a rapper, but as a multidimensional storyteller and cultural voice. By bringing real-life struggles to the screen and pairing them with an unforgettable soundtrack, this project has all the makings of a powerful movement. Stay tuned for more on Red Clay’s official release, soundtrack drops, and exclusive screening opportunities by joining the VIP list through the link in 2 Chainz’s bio.
