DMX: Don't Try to Understand

DMX: Don't Try to Understand from 2021 is a powerful and poignant, deeply personal documentary that offers intricate insights into the life and career of Earl Simmons, better known to the world as DMX. Directed by Christopher Frierson, this movie provides a raw and candid perspective on DMX’s eventful life, his trials and tribulations, and his transformative journey from a rapper, to a convict, to a man on the path of redemption.

The film opens by taking us back to DMX's humble beginnings in Yonkers, New York, providing glimpses of his deeply fraught upbringings marked by abuse, abandonment, and turmoil. It creates an outline of how these experiences shaped his character, and fueled the creation of his aggressive, anthemic style that would later roar through ghetto blasters and car-subwoofers, leaving an indelible mark on the hip-hop landscape.

Joseph Cassiere, a close confidant of DMX, shares intimate details about the artist's life and is a focal point in the narrative. His reflections uncover unknown facets of DMX’s persona, layered with complexity and marked by resilience. He also provides insightful commentary on DMX's impact on the music industry, and his musical brilliance that transcended genre boundaries and barriers set by societal prejudices.

Paige Hurd, an accomplished actress who has a close relationship with DMX, adds another layer of emotion and connectivity to the movie. Her heartfelt revelations and tales of friendship with DMX enrich the narrative, transporting viewers deeper into the world of this hip-hop legend.

The documentary doesn’t shy away from highlighting DMX's public struggles with drug addiction and frequent brush-ins with the law. Yet, it goes beyond his troubled past and notorious reputation, portraying him as a human, a father, a friend, flawed yet full of love. The film underscores his efforts to find balance in his life filled with tumultuous waves, and serves as a testament to DMX's relentless undying spirit.

It further treats the viewers with archived footage of DMX's fiery live performances, juxtaposed with personal moments of vulnerability behind the scenes, showing the panoramic spectrum of his life. The effective use of raw, handheld camera work enhances the grit and authenticity of the film, enabling the viewers to feel intimately connected with DMX.

Frierson presents DMX in candid, no-holds-barred interviews, where he speaks about his traumatic past, struggles with addiction, and his daunting journey in the music industry. These moments add a layer of authenticity to the film and portray the DMX not frequently shown in public.

Moreover, the movie explores the launch of DMX's 2019 album and the successful "20th Year Anniversary Tour" putting an emphasis on his continuous bond with the audience and his unquenchable passion for music. These moments offer a glimpse into DMX's magnetic stage persona, his electrifying energy, and the unbreakable bond he shares with his fans.

Serving as a tribute to a hip-hop icon, the film paints a complex portrait of DMX that's equal parts heartbreaking and hopeful. It portrays his unique raw energy, his genuine spirit, and his intense struggle to survive in a world that often felt hostile.

The film fundamentally illustrates DMX as a symbol of resilience, a man with an ability to turn his pain into art, thereby resonating with millions of fans around the world. It stands as a testament to DMX's indomitable spirit, narrating an unsanitized, unapologetic tale of a relentless fighter who, in his own words, lived by the mantra, 'knock me down nine times, but I get up ten.'

DMX: Don't Try to Understand is an honest portrayal of an artist's struggle, success, and everything in between. It's a heart-wrenching yet inspiring take on an icon's journey, that leaves a lasting impression on viewers, reminding them of the man, the music, and the legacy that DMX left behind. This documentary is not just about the life of DMX, but also a reflection of the larger socio-economic issues influencing the lives of many individuals from marginalized communities, looking for solace and expression in art and music. The film redefines DMX, not just as a rap star, but also a symbol of hope, resilience, and survival.