Thirty years after Reasonable Doubt introduced the world to his sharp lyricism and calculated storytelling, JAY-Z is taking a closer look at the words that helped define his legacy. In JAŸ-Z IN 8, an eight-part HBO Original documentary series, the Brooklyn-bred icon sits down with longtime friend, producer, and director Rick Rubin for an intimate examination of the music, memories, and experiences behind his catalog.
Making his directorial debut, Rubin guides the conversations beyond the familiar accolades, inviting JAY-Z to unpack the writing process behind some of his most celebrated records. From “Brooklyn’s Finest” and “99 Problems” to “4:44” and “The Story of O.J.,” the series revisits songs that capture different chapters of his life, revealing how personal experiences, childhood influences, and a changing world found their way into his lyrics.
Rather than simply revisiting the hits, JAŸ-Z IN 8 explores the relationship between the artist and the man behind the music. Across eight episodes, the conversations offer a closer look at the thought, intention, and lived experiences woven into a catalog that has helped shape hip-hop for decades.
Executive-produced by JAY-Z and Rubin, alongside Daniel Kaluuya, the series premiered September 18 on HBO and HBO Max, with two episodes released each Friday through October 9.
Episode Schedule
Chapter One — September 18
Featuring “Intro,” “Meet The Parents,” “Can’t Knock The Hustle,” and “What More Can I Say.”
Chapter Two — September 18
Featuring “Brooklyn’s Finest,” “I Love The Dough” featuring JAŸ-Z and Angela Winbush, and “What More Can I Say.”
Chapter Three — September 25
Featuring “Lyrical Exercise,” “This Can’t Be Life” featuring Beanie Sigel, “You Must Love Me,” and “4:44.”
Chapter Four — September 25
Featuring “Where Have You Been,” “Allure,” “Where I’m From,” “Can I Live,” and “Don’t You Know.”
Chapter Five — October 2
Featuring “U Don’t Know,” “Politics As Usual,” and “Regrets.”
Chapter Six — October 2
Featuring “Jail,” “Ignorant Shit,” “Hovi Baby,” “Kill Jay-Z,” “99 Problems,” “Threat,” “Dead Presidents II,” and “Public Service Announcement (Interlude).”
Chapter Seven — October 9
The seventh chapter continues the series’ exploration of JAY-Z’s life, artistry, and lyrical catalog. The supplied press release does not specify its featured tracks.
Chapter Eight — October 9
Featuring “New York (Concept de Paris),” “The Story of O.J.,” “No Church in the Wild,” “Family Feud,” and “Legacy.”
With its combination of career-defining records and candid reflection, JAŸ-Z IN 8 offers fans more than a retrospective. It invites them to revisit the music with a deeper understanding of the experiences and creative decisions behind the bars.
The complete eight-episode series is available on HBO Max.
© 2026, Siani Leigh. All rights reserved.
