The Black Godfather, a new Netflix documentary, tells the incredible story of Clarence Avant, a music executive who has had a significant impact on Hollywood and culture as a whole. Through interviews with stars like Barack Obama and Snoop Dogg, the film brings to light Avant’s business savvy and influence, which have been instrumental in the careers of athletes, musicians, executives, and politicians.

Born in South Carolina and raised in a segregated south, Avant later moved to New Jersey where he quickly made a name for himself despite only finishing the ninth grade. Executive producer and director Reginald Hudlin notes that the impact Avant has had is beyond numbers, and that the documentary was made to celebrate a man whose contributions have gone unnoticed for too long.

The film’s broad appeal, which tells a specific story of black culture, shows the nuance and details of black life and culture, and how figures like Avant are important in American history.