Human Side Of DMX Shown In Bittersweet HBO Doc ‘DMX: Don’t Try To Understand’: “Turn Your Pain Into Words” [Trailer]

DMX, the rapper, had a special place in my heart growing up. Of course, I was just a kid from Houston, Texas with no fame or fortune to claim in the world to gain the attention of others, so this is just one more story of a person DMX impacted but, most likely, he didn’t even know existed. The music of Earl Simmons aided me through some of the most magical (and painful) moments of my preadolescence life.

In a matter of four years, I ended going to four different high schools located on three different coasts (West Coast, East Coast, and the Gulf Coast) for reasons out of my control. While on the East Coast, I had the true New York experience. At the time, DMX was hot on the charts and being played heavily on East Coast radio stations. Italian ice, fresh Timberland boots, and hip hop music became an everyday experience when times were good. But, then, when times weren’t so good…

I remember feeling the sting of embarrassment when I first entered the mess hall of a family homeless shelter. It was nearing winter and my face was cold from outside, but those tears that ran down my cheeks as we walked by other homeless families staring at us felt like lava sprouting from my broken heart. My savior — besides my parents and faith — was hip hop music. All the stirring emotions that I was feeling I couldn’t necessarily verbalize being a kid in an adult world. But, boy when I would turn DMX on, it was like he was all in my head and had already gone through what I was going through. The impact of his music and success story more than inspired me.

DMX showed me that despite where I came from and what I’ve been through, I too can be somebody and make a difference in someone’s life. Like him, I can turn my pain into words, which brings me to the latest documentary on the late superstar. DMX: Don’t Try to Understand is one series among a six-part catalog of films documenting polarizing lives.

Bill Simmons executive produces the original HBO doc that follows the life of DMX for a year, withholding nothing, including his stints in prison, reconnecting with family, and rebuilding his career. It includes exclusive footage of DMX interacting with business associates, fans, and people who knew him best.

Watch the Trailer Below:

Directed by Christopher Frierson, the doc plays like a gift for those who feel the void of DMX’s absence. He may have had issues while he was alive, but the courage he had to keep it authentic and show us his flaws and all makes the man a real-life superhero. If he didn’t know that during his time on Earth, I hope he knows it now.

DMX: Don’t Try to Understand will be available on HBO just in time for Thanksgiving on Nov. 25.