According to Deadline, the rapper will headline “Jay-Z in 8,” an eight-part HBO documentary series arriving this fall, with acclaimed producer Rick Rubin leading the conversations that explore his music, lyrics, creative process, and personal experiences.
The project reunites Jay-Z with Rubin more than two decades after they collaborated on “99 Problems,” one of the defining tracks from 2003’s The Black Album. This time, the producer steps behind the camera as director and interviewer, guiding a series of conversations designed to revisit the moments that shaped the artist’s career both inside and outside the recording studio.
Jay-Z Will Reflect on His Music, Lyrics and Life in HBO Series
Rubin’s connection to Jay-Z stretches back to one of the rapper’s most celebrated albums, making him a natural choice to lead the documentary. Rather than focusing on a single era, “Jay-Z in 8” will examine the evolution of his songwriting, the meaning behind his lyrics, and the experiences that informed his work across decades of music.
The documentary arrives during a milestone year for the artist. In 2026, Jay-Z is marking the 30th anniversary of his landmark debut album, Reasonable Doubt, with an ambitious series of live performances. After headlining Philadelphia’s Roots Picnic in May, he is scheduled to play three sold-out anniversary shows at New York’s Yankee Stadium in July before taking the retrospective “Jay-Z 30” concerts to Paris in September and Los Angeles in October.
Although Jay-Z has released music only selectively in recent years, his influence has remained strong. His 2017 album 4:44 earned widespread critical acclaim for its introspective approach and debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200. Since then, he has continued making high-profile guest appearances, entered the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and expanded his legacy through projects such as The Book of HOV, which documented his life and career.
Behind the scenes, “Jay-Z” in 8 also brings together an accomplished production team. The series is executive produced by Jay-Z alongside Daniel Kaluuya and Rick Rubin. Producers Leila Mattimore and David Rohde are also attached to the HBO project, which is expected to premiere later this fall.
