DMX: Don't Try to Understand

DMX: Don't Try to Understand
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;
Starring	DMX
Cinematography	Christopher Frierson; Sean Gordon-Loebl; Travis Libin; Clark Slater; John Tashiro;
Edited by	Matt Kliegman; Clark Slater; James Thayer; Steve Waite;
Music by	Jackson Greenberg
Production; companies	HBO Documentary Films; Ringer Films;
Distributed by	HBO
Release dates	November 23, 2021 (Doc NYC); November 25, 2021 (HBO Max);
Running time	79 minutes
Country	United States
Language	English

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.

Summary

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

Earl "DMX" Simmons
Desiree Lindstrom
Tashera Simmons
Xavier Simmons
Exodus Simmons

Release

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

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

^ Aswad, Jem (19 November 2021). "Watch the Trailer for 'DMX: Don't Try to Understand' Documentary on HBO". Variety. Retrieved 7 December 2021.
^ ^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.
^ "HBO RELEASING A DOCUMENTARY ABOUT DMX CALLED, DMX: 'DON'T TRY TO UNDERSTAND' + DESIREE LINDSTROM TALKS ABOUT IT". Hot 97. Retrieved 7 December 2021.
^ 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.
^ 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.

External links

DMX: Don't Try to Understand at IMDb

[1] Aswad, Jem (19 November 2021). "Watch the Trailer for 'DMX: Don't Try to Understand' Documentary on HBO". Variety. Retrieved 7 December 2021.

[billboard-2] 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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v t e DMX
Discography
Studio albums	It's Dark and Hell Is Hot Flesh of My Flesh, Blood of My Blood ... And Then There Was X The Great Depression Grand Champ Year of the Dog... Again Undisputed Exodus
Compilations	The Definition of X: The Pick of the Litter The Best of DMX Redemption of the Beast
Singles	"Get at Me Dog" "Stop Being Greedy" "How's It Goin' Down" "Ruff Ryders' Anthem" "Grand Finale" "Slippin'" "What's My Name?" "What These Bitches Want" "Party Up (Up in Here) "No Sunshine" "We Right Here" "Who We Be" "I Miss You" "X Gon' Give It to Ya" "Where the Hood At?" "Get It on the Floor" "We in Here" "Lord Give Me a Sign"
Featured singles	"4, 3, 2, 1" "Money, Power & Respect" "Shut 'Em Down" "Money, Cash, Hoes" "Come Back in One Piece" "Tear It Up" "Touch It (Remix)" "Kant Nobody"
Other songs	"24 Hrs. to Live" "Rollin' (Urban Assault Vehicle)"
Related articles	Bloodline Records Ruff Ryders Entertainment Murder Inc. DMX: Soul of a Man Cradle 2 the Grave (soundtrack) DMX: Don't Try to Understand