Three decades after releasing his landmark debut album, “Reasonable Doubt,” JAŸ-Z is taking viewers behind the music in “JAŸ-Z IN 8,” a new eight-part HBO Original documentary series directed by longtime friend and producer Rick Rubin.
The intimate series debuts Friday, Sept. 18, at 8 p.m. ET/PT on HBO, with the first two episodes airing back-to-back. Both episodes will also be available to stream on HBO Max at 8 p.m. Two new episodes will premiere each Friday through Oct. 9.
Directed by Rubin in his documentary directorial debut, “JAŸ-Z IN 8” centers on extended conversations between the two creative figures. Rather than simply revisiting the rapper’s career highlights, the series examines the writing, experiences and influences behind some of his most recognized music.
The documentary follows JAŸ-Z as he breaks down his creative process and explores how his lyrics have been shaped by his childhood, personal experiences and the changing world around him.
The series also examines the relationship between music and life, with JAŸ-Z revisiting songs and albums alongside Rubin through shared listening sessions and conversations.
The eight episodes feature a selection of JAŸ-Z’s iconic tracks and album cuts, including “99 Problems,” “Brooklyn’s Finest” and “4:44.”
The premiere episodes begin with “Intro,” “Meet The Parents,” “Can’t Knock The Hustle” and “What More Can I Say.” The second chapter features “Brooklyn’s Finest,” “I Love The Dough” featuring JAŸ-Z and Angela Winbush, and “What More Can I Say.”
The series continues Sept. 25 with chapters three and four. Featured songs include “Lyrical Exercise,” “This Can’t Be Life,” “You Must Love Me,” “4:44,” “Where Have You Been,” “Allure,” “Where I’m From” and “Can I Live.”
On Oct. 2, chapters five and six will feature tracks including “U Don’t Know,” “Politics As Usual,” “Regrets,” “Jail,” “Ignorant Shit,” “Hovi Baby,” “Kill Jay-Z,” “99 Problems,” “Threat,” “Dead Presidents II” and “Public Service Announcement (Interlude).”
The final two chapters arrive Oct. 9. Chapter eight features “New York (Concept de Paris),” “The Story Of O.J.,” “No Church In The Wild,” “Family Feud” and “Legacy.”
“JAŸ-Z IN 8” is presented by HBO Documentary Films and produced by Tetragrammaton. Rubin directed the series, with executive producers Shawn Carter, Daniel Kaluuya and Rubin. Leila Mattimore and David Rohde serve as producers, with Bradford Young as director of photography.
For fans familiar with JAŸ-Z’s extensive catalog, the series offers an opportunity to hear the artist reflect on the words, music and experiences behind his work.