HBO has released the trailer for the upcoming documentary DMX: Don’t Try to Understand. The two-minute visual gives viewers a candid glimpse of the beloved late rapper’s life after being released from Federal prison in 2019. It’s a “no-holds-barred portrait of hip hop’s most tortured superstar,” HBO states. Cameras followed X for a year as he planned a tour, reconnected with family, and attempted to rebuild his career.
At one point in the clip, X says that his goal “is to be an inspiration to someone” that he doesn’t know. There’s also a scene where the Yonkers-bred emcee returns to his hometown and offers some advice to a troubled youth beneath the street lights.
The documentary appears to gracefully capture the raw, unparalleled connection X had with his fans. “He never shied away from the truth,” one says. “He’s human. He’s like us.” And onstage, X tells a screaming crowd, “You might not think you’re special to God because you’ve been through difficult situations. But I’m here to tell you, that’s why you’re special to God.”
The 50-year-old icon passed away on April 9, 2021 after being taken off of life support following a drug-induced heart attack. The documentary arrives nearly seven months after his tragic death, and fans will surely be struck with a range of emotions.
As REVOLT previously reported, DMX: Don’t Try to Understand was directed by Christopher Frierson. It’s one of six documentaries HBO will air as part of its Music Box series created by Bill Simmons. HBO states that Music Box is a collection of documentary films exploring pivotal moments in the music world. In addition to the DMX doc, the series also explores the short-lived career of wunderkind rapper Juice WRLD in the film Juice WRLD: Into the Abyss.
DMX: Don’t Try to Understand will debut on HBO Max on Thursday (Nov. 25). Check out the trailer below: