Jay-Z to Open Up in Ambitious 8-Part HBO Documentary Series Helmed by Rick Rubin

Jay-Z is set to give an in-depth look at his life and artistry in an upcoming HBO documentary project years in development.

The 56-year-old rap mogul will be featured in an eight-part series directed by Rick Rubin, arriving this fall on HBO Max. The project brings together the iconic producer and the hip-hop legend for extended conversations exploring his music, songwriting, personal journey, and creative methodology.

According to the show's description, Rubin will sit down with Jay-Z to delve into his artistic evolution and the experiences that have shaped his work.

In a teaser clip, Jay-Z reflects on his role as a voice for his community, saying, "Everyone had the same experience, except I was the one that could stand on the soapbox and, like, articulate what we were going through."

Rubin responds with his perspective on adversity's role in artistic creation: "Without the pain, you wouldn't have done the work."

Jay-Z then elaborates on how he approaches difficulty: "So the pain, we don't say it's necessary, we don't say you need it, but if it's there…you use it."

More specifics about the series remain under wraps for now.

Separately, Beyoncé recently offered insight into her husband's recent appearance shift. In a YouTube video for her haircare brand CÉCRED titled "The Blueprint," she addressed widespread curiosity about Jay-Z's hair transformation. She revealed that he decided to transition away from his locs ahead of his May 30 concert in Philadelphia, a performance dedicated to his late father Adnis Reeves. According to Beyoncé, their daughter Blue Ivy Carter was instrumental in inspiring his new look.