Jay-Z in 8 Review: Rick Rubin's Interminable Interview Show Should Have Been a Podcast

Rick Rubin's eight-part interview series, "Jay-Z in 8," released by Mubi, presents an in-depth exploration of the influential rapper Jay-Z's three-decade career. Directed by Rubin himself, the visually striking black and white docuseries features the renowned superproducer engaging Jay-Z in a series of eight freeform episodes. The stated aim of the series is to offer viewers an intimate glimpse into the mind of a figure widely considered a titan of the music industry, coinciding with his 30th anniversary in music.

During these reflective episodes, Jay-Z, born Shawn Carter, frequently delves into his past, referencing significant collaborators such as the late rapper Biggie Smalls (Christopher Wallace) and fellow artist Jaz-O (Jaz-O, whose real name is Jason Hunter). He also shares poignant memories of his upbringing in the Marcy Projects, a well-known public housing complex located in Brooklyn, New York. A recurring theme is his palpable astonishment at his meteoric rise from a former crack dealer to a globally recognized and generational rapper, often transitioning between anecdotes with a characteristic free-associative ease.

However, the series has drawn criticism for its lack of discernible structure. Reviewers have noted that certain segments feel like filler, detracting from the overall narrative flow. This unstructured, meandering approach has led to the suggestion that the content would have been far more effective and engaging in a different medium, specifically a podcast. The inherent flexibility of a podcast format would allow listeners to control the pacing, easily utilizing a pause button to digest the extensive reflections, a feature notably absent in the linear viewing experience of the docuseries.

Rick Rubin, a legendary producer known for his work with an eclectic range of artists including the Beastie Boys, Red Hot Chili Peppers, and Adele, adopts a laid-back, conversational interview style. Jay-Z, a highly successful artist and entrepreneur, has achieved immense commercial and critical acclaim, becoming one of the best-selling music artists of all time. His career is marked by numerous hit albums and singles, alongside significant ventures in business and entrepreneurship. While "Jay-Z in 8" offers a platform for a unique conversation between two pivotal figures in music, its deliberate, and at times interminable, pacing and structural shortcomings have overshadowed its potential to provide a truly compelling look at Jay-Z's enduring legacy.