DMX: Don't Try to Understand

DMX: Don't Try to Understand is a 2021 American documentary film directed by Christopher Frierson and Clark Slater. The film follows a year in the life of American rapper DMX. It was released on HBO Max on November 25, 2021.

DMX: Don't Try to Understand
Promotional poster
Directed by
  • Christopher Frierson
  • Clark Slater
Produced by
  • Robert Alexander
  • Christopher Frierson
  • Pat Gallo
  • Sean Gordon-Loebl
  • Barak Moffitt
  • Steve Rifkind
  • Daniel Seliger
  • Clark Slater
StarringDMX
Cinematography
  • Christopher Frierson
  • Sean Gordon-Loebl
  • Travis Libin
  • Clark Slater
  • John Tashiro
Edited by
  • Matt Kliegman
  • Clark Slater
  • James Thayer
  • Steve Waite
Music byJackson Greenberg
Production
companies
Distributed byHBO
Release dates
  • November 23, 2021 (2021-11-23) (Doc NYC)
  • November 25, 2021 (2021-11-25) (HBO Max)
Running time
79 minutes
CountryUnited States
LanguageEnglish

Summary

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The film is focused on a year in the life of DMX, following him after his release from prison (after serving a year for tax evasion) in January 2019 as he attempts to rebuild his music career and reconnect with family. It also tracks his career, from his rough upbringing in Yonkers, New York, to his successful debut in the late 1990s. The rapper died on April 9, 2021.[1][2]

Cast

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Release

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In December 2020, the film was picked up by HBO/Ringer Films and added to the Music Box series, executive produced by Bill Simmons.[2] It had its world premiere at Doc NYC on November 23, 2021, and on HBO on November 25, 2021.[3]

Reception

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Julian Kimble of GQ called the film "a difficult watch," concluding that "DMX died trying to do right, but unable to escape demons that followed him for decades."[4] Johnny Loftus of Decider wrote, "With its equal notes of resilience, chronic self-destruction, outsized talent, and a troubled personal life, DMX: Don't Try to Understand offers a compelling portrait of a rapper gone too soon."[5]

References

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  1. ^ Aswad, Jem (19 November 2021). "Watch the Trailer for 'DMX: Don't Try to Understand' Documentary on HBO". Variety. Retrieved 7 December 2021.
  2. ^ a b Saponara, Michael (26 November 2021). "HBO's DMX Doc Provides a Turbulent Snapshot Into Late Rapper's Final Year on the Road". Billboard. Retrieved 7 December 2021.
  3. ^ "HBO RELEASING A DOCUMENTARY ABOUT DMX CALLED, DMX: 'DON'T TRY TO UNDERSTAND' + DESIREE LINDSTROM TALKS ABOUT IT". Hot 97. Retrieved 7 December 2021.
  4. ^ Kimble, Julian (26 November 2021). "HBO's New DMX Documentary Captures Him as He Died: In the Midst of a Fresh Start". GQ. Retrieved 7 December 2021.
  5. ^ Loftus, Johnny (25 November 2021). "'DMX: Don't Try To Understand' on HBO, Capturing An Eventful Year In The Rapper's Tumultuous Life". Decider. Retrieved 7 December 2021.
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