Phunne Stone, daughter of the iconic musician Sly Stone, recently revealed a shocking incident from her childhood in a new documentary. Sly Stone’s struggles with drug addiction were well-known, and Phunne recalled a moment when she tried to imitate her father’s drug use by snorting chalk as a child. The documentary, titled Sly Lives! (aka the Burden of Black Genius), sheds light on Phunne’s relationship with her father and the challenges she faced growing up in his shadow.
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In the documentary, Phunne, who was born to Sly Stone and Cynthia Robinson, a cofounder of Sly and the Family Stone, opened up about her father’s absence during her upbringing. She described him as shy, suggesting that drugs made him more fearless. Despite her parents’ love for each other, Phunne pointed out that her father was not always present in her life, leaving her to navigate an adult world at a young age.
Phunne shared a vivid memory from her childhood when she and some friends emulated the behaviour of the adults around them. After finding razor blades and chalk left by her father, she proceeded to create and snort lines of chalk, mimicking the drug use she had witnessed. The scene, as recounted by Phunne in the documentary, highlights the impact of Sly Stone’s addiction on his daughter and the blurred lines between innocence and exposure to adult struggles.
It wasn’t until recently that Phunne reconnected with her father, leading to an emotional reunion filled with tears and reflection. Sly Stone’s journey, as depicted in Sly Lives!, directed by Questlove, delves into the highs and lows of his music career, including the drug addictions that plagued him. The documentary features interviews with Stone, his band members, and his children, offering insight into the complex dynamics within the family.
Despite his struggles, Sly Stone eventually found sobriety in 2019, marking a significant turning point in his life. Reflecting on his past, Stone expressed regret over his drug use and acknowledged the importance of music in his journey towards recovery. The documentary paints a poignant picture of a musical legend’s battles with addiction and the impact it had on his family.
Sly Lives! made its debut at the 2025 Sundance Film Festival, captivating audiences with its raw portrayal of Sly Stone’s tumultuous life. The film is now available for streaming, providing viewers with a closer look at the man behind the music and his enduring legacy. Through Phunne’s candid revelations and heartfelt moments of reconciliation, Sly Lives! offers a poignant reflection on family, forgiveness, and the enduring power of music.
In conclusion, Sly Stone’s daughter’s story serves as a poignant reminder of the complexities that lie beneath the surface of fame and success. The documentary not only sheds light on Sly Stone’s personal struggles but also highlights the resilience and vulnerability of his family members, who grappled with the consequences of his addiction. Sly Lives! stands as a testament to the enduring impact of one man’s music and the profound legacy he leaves behind.