Jermaine Dupri wants to think of his latest venture, Studio 72, as a modern Studio 54, the New York City discotheque where '70s attitude, energy and celebrity sightings helped it become legendary.

Jenni Girtman/AJC Staff (ENLARGE)
At Studio 72, Jermaine Dupri's new club, H Flo (left) spends time with Shay 'Buckeey' Johnson of 'Charm School' fame on Tuesday. The night spot on Lawrenceville Highway will open to the public on Saturday.
MOST POPULAR STORIES 'CSI' star Gary Dourdan charged with felony drug possession Study of 'Daily Show': It's a lot like O'Reilly Country music superstar Eddy Arnold dies at 89 LA judge rules in favor of Notorious B.I.G.'s family Sweet Auburn, Jon Stewart, Mother's Day treats
EMAIL THIS PRINT THIS MOST POPULAR
RELATED LINKS: Photos: Sneak preview of the club More nightclub news

Dupri has some big platform shoes to fill.

His new hangout, located in a Tucker strip mall next to a Dollar General and Aaron's furniture store, is, well, cute. The wow factor comes in the well-lit lobby, where "Studio 72" signage spins on the floor underneath five snazzy crystal chandeliers.

Inside, three long bars topped with beige granite have oh-my appeal thanks to the embedded knee-high flat-screen monitors. They help add sophistication to the industrial-looking space, but one foreseeable problem is once the party gets really crunk and crowded, who's gonna see those TVs down there? They could have brought so much more life and visual energy to the sparse walls.

Huge and airy best describes the layout, with cozy booth sitting areas all around.

The surround sound system is incredible, and the much-touted aquarium is cute. Just try not to think of "Star Trek" when you see the dark galactic art on the ceiling. For opening night Tuesday, there were Cirque du Soleil-style entertainers, including fire eaters, aerial stunts, and one room with a hot tub full of with mouth-watering ladies jiggling about.

Time will tell what type of pulse Studio 72 adds to Atlanta. Will the club have a new, refreshing twist unlike anything Atlanta nightlife has seen before? One with a funky, eclectic, explosive edge like good ol' Studio 54? We'll have to wait and see.

Right now, Studio 72 is, well, cute.