This is a strange four-part series. I liked it, but it seems like such an odd choice to have a dual biographical story. I was under the impression that The Defiant Ones was going to cover transgressive musicians from the '90s, and it does, but only as it pertains to the life of Dre, and Iovine.
The documentary starts with the life of Iovine, from a kid to a young producer. Then it shifts over to the young life of Dr. Dre. The biographies build from there, and almost feel like they are interrupting each other. We get to see an inside view of the record industry in all of its glory, alongside the highs, lows, and drama that was born from success.
I really think this would have worked better as two separate pieces. Honestly this is Dre's story; I mean, who doesn't know the D-R-E? When it would cut to Jimmy Iovine, it was like a speed bump. That's not to say Jimmy's story wasn't interesting, it was, and if this had been solely about him, I still would have liked it.
All that being said, I watched this in one sitting, it's fantastic. Dre fans will love it. If you were alive during the '90s when gangsta rap was huge, this is also for you. If that's not enough, getting to see Dr. Dre rock out to Nirvana was epic.