A new eight-part documentary series featuring conversations between Jay-Z and producer Rick Rubin will premiere on HBO later this year. The project arrives as the rapper marks the 30th anniversary of his debut album, Reasonable Doubt.
The series, titled Jay-Z in 8, consists of eight episodes of discussion between Jay-Z and Rubin, who also directed. In a teaser trailer, Rubin says, “Without the pain you wouldn’t have done the work,” and Jay-Z replies, “So the pain—you don’t say it’s necessary, you don’t say you need it—but if it’s there, you use it.”
Rubin previously directed a similar Hulu docuseries about Paul McCartney in 2021. He produced the 2003 Jay-Z track “99 Problems.” Executive producers on the new project include Daniel Kaluuya, with production by Leila Mattimore and David Rohde.
Jay-Z is celebrating the anniversary of Reasonable Doubt with performances this summer, including shows at Yankee Stadium on July 10, 11 and 12. The July 10 concert will focus on the debut album, while July 11 will highlight The Blueprint.