Jay-Z Discusses the Value of 'Pain' with Rick Rubin in the Official Teaser for 8-Part Docuseries “JAŸ-Z IN 8”

Daniela AvilaThu, June 25, 2026 at 9:48 PM UTC

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HBO's eight-part docuseries JAŸ-Z IN 8 will explore Jay-Z's music, life, and creative process through conversations with Rick Rubin

The series teaser features Jay-Z reflecting on using pain as inspiration while his 1996 song "Can't Knock the Hustle" plays

Jay-Z is celebrating 30 years in music with summer shows at Yankee Stadium and additional concerts in Paris and Los Angeles

Are you ready to see Jay-Z like never before?

On Thursday, June 25, HBO released the official teaser for an eight-part documentary series titled JAŸ-Z IN 8, which is set to debut on HBO and HBO Max in the fall.

The series will feature legendary producer Rick Rubin sitting down with the rapper "to discuss his music, lyrics, life experiences, and creative process," according to a synopsis.

Jay-ZCredit: HBO Max

In the black-and-white teaser, Jay-Z (born Shawn Carter) and Rubin have an intimate conversation while sitting at a table.

"Everyone had the same experience, except I was the one that could stand on the soapbox and articulate what we were going through," Jay-Z, 56, says.

Rubin, 63, responds, "Without the pain, you wouldn't have done the work."

Then, the "Empire State of Mind" singer reflects and says, "The pain, we don't say it's necessary, we don't say you need it, but if it's there — you use it."

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The title of the docuseries then flashes on the screen with Jay-Z's 1996 song "Can't Knock the Hustle" playing in the background.

Jay-ZCredit: HBO Max

The docuseries announcement comes after Jay-Z added the umlaut back over the "Y" in his name as he advertised upcoming events, including his summer shows at Yankee Stadium that will celebrate his 30th anniversary in music.

The three Yankee Stadium shows will take place in July. One will be dedicated to 1996's Reasonable Doubt and another to his 2001 album The Blueprint. A third show, subtitled "Extra Innings," will cover more of his discography.

Earlier this month, Jay-Z announced two more shows in Paris and Los Angeles. The Paris show will take place at the Stade de France on Thursday, Sept. 10 and the L.A. show will be at SoFi Stadium on Friday, Oct. 23.

Jay-Z and Rick RubinCredit: Courtesy of HBO

Jay-Z released his last full solo album, 4:44, in 2017. He also released a collaborative album with wife Beyoncé titled Everything Is Love in 2018.

In May, Jay-Z performed at the Roots Picnic in Philadelphia. He also stepped out with Beyoncé and their 14-year-old daughter Blue Ivy at the Met Gala.

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Source: “AOL Entertainment”