Larisha Paul
Contact Larisha Paul on X View all posts by Larisha Paul June 25, 2026
Jay-Z previews upcoming eight-part documentary directed by Rick Rubin HBO 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.
