HBO announced the upcoming release of a new eight-part documentary series focusing on the career, artistry, and personal history of hip-hop artist and entrepreneur Shawn “Jay-Z” Carter.
The project, titled “Jay-Z in 8,” is scheduled to debut this fall on both the premium cable network and its streaming platform, Max. Legendary music producer Rick Rubin is directing the multi-part series, which centers around an intimate, long-form conversation between the two longtime industry collaborators.
According to a network synopsis, the docuseries features the pair reflecting deeply on the Brooklyn-born artist’s “music, lyrics, life experiences and creative process.” A 40-second promotional teaser released in tandem with the announcement reveals a black-and-white visual aesthetic, capturing Carter and Rubin in dialogue within a setting reminiscent of an art museum. In the preview footage, Carter states, “Everyone had this same experience, except I was the one who could stand on the soapbox and articulate what we were going through.” Rubin replies, “Without the pain, you wouldn’t have done the work.” Carter then counters by clarifying his view on hardship: “So the pain, you don’t say it’s necessary, you don’t say you need it, but if it’s there, use it.”
The pairing of Rubin and Carter builds upon a creative relationship spanning more than two decades. Rubin notably produced the 2003 hit single “99 Problems” for Carter’s critically acclaimed “The Black Album,” a track that marked Rubin’s temporary return to hip-hop production at the time. Rubin also previously served as a creative consultant during the recording sessions for Carter’s 2013 studio album, “Magna Carta Holy Grail.” The structure of the new HBO production follows a format similar to Rubin’s Emmy-nominated 2021 project, “McCartney 3, 2, 1,” which featured a comparable sit-down interview with Paul McCartney.
The documentary announcement marks a highly active anniversary year for Carter, which has seen the artist mark the 30th anniversary of his 1996 debut studio album, “Reasonable Doubt.” To mark the milestone, entertainment company Roc Nation coordinated multiple archive exhibitions and retail pop-up locations across Manhattan and Brooklyn. Additionally, Carter is celebrating both the 30th anniversary of his debut and the 25th anniversary of his 2001 landmark album, “The Blueprint,” with an international lineup of live concerts. Following a headlining performance at the Roots Picnic in Philadelphia, Carter is scheduled for a three-night concert series at Yankee Stadium in July, alongside scheduled autumn arena performances in Paris and Los Angeles.
See the teaser trailer for ‘Jay-Z in 8’ – HERE.
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