The series makes its UK debut on Saturday, 19 September 2026, with its first two episodes. Two new episodes will air weekly on Saturdays, culminating in the final two installments on 10 October 2026. HBO holds the broadcast rights for North America.
Marking the directorial documentary debut of Rick Rubin, JAŸ-Z IN 8 is executive produced by Shawn Carter, Rick Rubin, and Oscar-winning actor Daniel Kaluuya. The production is handled by Rubin’s Tetragrammaton banner, with cinematography by Oscar nominee Bradford Young (Arrival) and editing by Walter Fasano and Christian Sandino-Taylor.
The series follows a song-by-song structure curated by Rubin, offering an intimate analysis of Jay-Z’s writing process and lyricism. Across the eight episodes, Carter breaks down his back catalogue, detailing his upbringing in Brooklyn, his formative life experiences, and the evolving cultural landscape that shaped his career. Key tracks examined throughout the series include “Can’t Knock The Hustle,” “Brooklyn’s Finest,” “4:44,” “99 Problems,” “The Story Of O.J.,” and “Public Service Announcement.”
“In Rick Rubin’s directorial documentary debut, the series unfolds over many hours of candid conversation between two creative superstars,” the release notes. “As Jay-Z guides us through the words and music that informed the work, he shows the deep, inextricable connection between art and life.”
The project marks the latest high-profile music documentary collaboration for Rubin, following his work on McCartney 3,2,1. The full series will be available exclusively to stream for MUBI subscribers in the UK starting this September.
