HBO has set a Sept. 18 premiere date for “JAŸ-Z IN 8,” an eight-part documentary series featuring Jay-Z in conversation with longtime friend and producer Rick Rubin. The series will debut at 8 p.m. ET/PT on HBO, with the first two episodes airing back-to-back. Both episodes also will be available to stream on HBO Max beginning at 8 p.m. Two new episodes will follow each Friday, with the final installments arriving Oct. 9.
Directed by Rubin in his documentary directorial debut, the series centers on the pair revisiting songs from throughout Jay-Z’s career while discussing his writing process, childhood, personal experiences and evolution as an artist. The episode lineup draws from a broad selection of his catalog, including “Can’t Knock the Hustle,” “Brooklyn’s Finest,” “4:44,” “99 Problems,” “The Story Of O.J.,” “Family Feud” and “Legacy.”
The project arrives as Jay-Z marks three decades since the release of his 1996 debut album, “Reasonable Doubt.” Rubin, who previously directed the Paul McCartney documentary series “McCartney 3, 2, 1,” has a history with Jay-Z that includes producing “99 Problems” from the rapper’s 2003 album “The Black Album.” The new series takes a similarly intimate, music-focused approach, with Rubin using selected songs as a starting point for broader conversations about Jay-Z’s career and creative development.
See the trailer for ‘Jay-Z in 8’ – HERE.
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