The Defiant Ones

I found the documentary to be very pleasurable to watch, first of all. Gorgeously shot, and of course the soundtrack is incredible. It's almost worth it simply to relive the times and learn more about the men.

It's also far from any kind of objective documentary or news piece. They mostly interview people who adore Jimmy & Dre, and negative moments are framed as exceptions or learning experiences. It's not a journalistic documentary as much as a piece made by friends and fans. So long as you're fine with that, if you have any interest in their work in the music business, it's a captivating ride, even if it often comes across as a super well-produced infomercial.

This dual narrative about a Brooklyn pit-bull of a record mogul (Iovine) and one of the most successful rapers-cum-producers-cum-engineers-cum-executives/directors in the game, is the most stylish (and best) episode of Behind the Music ever made, and then some. It's excitingly produced, kinetic, edited so that it's taking the usual taking heads with editing that will often play one head against another (this is extremely helpful due to the business dealings with Iovine and Interscope that could become dense too), and how music flows through this with a rhythm and juxtapositions that cant be touched.

I was also very impressed not just by finding out things I didn't know (frankly outside of Iovine with Springsteen on Born to Run I didn't know much about his career at Interscope), but the scope: this isn't only about Dr. Dre but the entire WORLD around him that he got into and loved at times and hated at others (he left Death Row before that imploded, so to speak). It reminds me of digging in to a really strong biography more than a typical doc. Oh, and it's funny at times too (Snoop catches you off guard sometimes).

I'm waiting for Primus's doc though..

PS: did Dre become the Kubrick of rap?

Love, love, love this documentary series. Not only is it a behind the scenes story of some of the world's best music (from Springsteen and Petty to NWA and Eminem), it's the story of an unlikely partnership that evolves and defines the future of the music industry. Even if you are not a fan of hip hop, this series is well worth watching with an open mind - looking towards learning about how art, technology, business and good old American ingenuity changed the world.

Never have I seen a music documentary like this, so much talent all untwined, imspirational, emotional and at times even brutal.

Would recommend to any music fan.

A masterful documentary about Dre, who I grew up listening to, and Jimmy Iovine, who I had only heard of. The work ethic of these two is beyond inspiring. The ups and downs were entertaining but their persistence and commitment to their vision kept me glued to my TV. The 4+ hours flew by. Whoever edited this did a great job. These two are the American dream and give me hope. You will not be disappointed.