In the new Hulu documentary "Sly Lives! (aka the Burden of Black Genius)", Phunne Stone, daughter of music icon Sly Stone, reveals a troubled childhood deeply impacted by her father's substance abuse. She describes mimicking his drug use with sidewalk chalk, even going so far as to use one of his razor blades in a chilling imitation of cocaine use.

Phunne recounts gathering chalk and "chopping up about 37 lines," using Monopoly money to simulate rolling bills, as reported by People magazine. This unsettling play culminated in her mother, Sly and the Family Stone co-founder Cynthia Robinson, discovering her covered in colored chalk dust.

Growing up in a predominantly adult environment, Phunne felt a premature sense of maturity. While acknowledging her father's lack of consistent presence, she emphasizes the genuine love between her parents. Her mother, Cynthia Robinson, remained devoted to Sly Stone until her death in 2015.

Phunne believes her father's shyness contributed to his drug use, providing a false sense of fearlessness. She has recently reconnected with her now 81-year-old father, a reunion filled with emotion and tears. The documentary also features Sly Stone's son, Sylvester Stewart Jr., who expresses his childhood disappointment in his father's struggles and his hope for a more stable relationship in recent years.

Sly Stone's musical journey, marked by a fusion of genres and electrifying performances, was tragically derailed by addiction. His innovative blend of pop-soul, funk, R&B, gospel, and psychedelic rock produced hits like "Everyday People" and "I Want to Take You Higher." However, his increasing drug use led to erratic behavior and the eventual decline of his band.

Years of addiction to crack cocaine resulted in legal troubles and strained relationships. Now battling chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, Stone reportedly achieved sobriety in 2019. He published his memoir in 2023, acknowledging the gaps in his memory due to his past struggles.

The documentary "Sly Lives!" provides a poignant look at the devastating impact of addiction on a family and the enduring hope for reconciliation and healing.