Jay-Z Previews Eight-Part Career Documentary Directed by Rick Rubin

Jay-Z doesn’t believe you have to be a tortured artist to be a great one, but there’s value in knowing how to turn pain into material that resonates far and wide. “The pain, you don’t say it’s necessary, you don’t say you need it, but if it’s there — you use it,” he says in the trailer for JAŸ-Z In 8, an upcoming eight-part documentary directed by Rick Rubin. The career-spanning series will premiere on HBO Max later this year.

Rubin, who made his return to hip-hop after 15 years with The Black Album single “99 Problems,” sits with the rapper as he reflects on his discography, songwriting, and the life experiences that informed their creation. The project comes as Jay-Z celebrates the 30th anniversary of his debut album, Reasonable Doubt.

“Everyone had the same experience, except I was the one that could stand on the soapbox and articulate what we were going through,” the rap veteran shares at the beginning of the trailer. The clip is soundtracked by “Can’t Knock the Hustle,” the third single from Reasonable Doubt, which features an assist from Mary J. Blige.

This summer, Jay-Z will revisit deep cuts from his catalog as he headlines two nights at Yankee Stadium in New York City. One night will be dedicated to performing Reasonable Doubt in its entirety, while another is set aside for The Blueprint in honor of its 25th anniversary. Around the time the documentary series is scheduled for release, the rapper will bring his live show to Paris and Los Angeles.

Rubin and Jay-Z serve as executive producers on JAŸ-Z In 8 alongside Academy Award-winning actor Daniel Kaluuya. The series is produced by Leila Mattimore and David Rohde.