| DMX: Don't Try to Understand | |
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 Promotional poster | |
| Directed by |
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| Produced by |
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| Starring | DMX |
| Cinematography |
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| Edited by |
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| Music by | Jackson Greenberg |
Production companies |
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| Distributed by | HBO |
Release dates | |
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.
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]
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]
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]
Earl Simmons, known professionally as DMX, was an American rapper and actor. The recipient of various accolades, he won an American Music Award, a Billboard Music Award, and was nominated for six Grammy Awards. Regarded as an influential figure in late 1990s and early 2000s hip hop, his music is characterized by his "aggressive" rapping style, with lyrical content varying from hardcore themes to prayers. His violent lyricism helped popularize the horrorcore genre.
Russell Wendell Simmons is an American entrepreneur, writer and record executive. He co-founded the hip-hop label Def Jam Recordings, and created the clothing fashion lines Phat Farm, Argyleculture, and Tantris. He has promoted veganism and a yoga lifestyle, and published books on lifestyle, health, and entrepreneurship. Simmons' net worth was estimated at $340 million in 2011.
Fred Lee Scruggs Jr., better known by his stage name Fredro Starr, is an American rapper and actor best known as a member of the hardcore rap group Onyx. Fredro Starr was discovered by the late hip hop star Jam Master Jay of Run-D.M.C. who signed Onyx on his label JMJ Records. Onyx went on to release three top selling albums before Fredro began his solo career. As a part of Onyx, Fredro Starr was nominated as "Favorite Rap/Hip-Hop New Artist" on American Music Awards of 1994 and won "Best Rap Album" on 1994 Soul Train Music Awards.
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Jackson Greenberg is an American film and television composer based in Los Angeles. He is best known for scoring Audible, DMX: Don't Try to Understand, Maybe This Year, Cartel Land and for writing the theme song to the Netflix series Explained.