Mubi Secures Global Streaming Rights for Jay-Z and Rick Rubin Doc Series
Mubi has picked up international rights to the eight-part documentary series JAŸ-Z In 8, featuring rapper Jay-Z in conversation with producer Rick Rubin. Rubin directs and executive produces alongside Jay-Z, with two episodes premiering on Mubi each Saturday starting September 19 and concluding October 10. The series explores Jay-Z's lyrical craft and the personal experiences that shaped his music.
The eight-episode series marks Rick Rubin's first time directing a documentary, with the producer also serving as executive producer alongside Jay-Z. Mubi will release the show in a staggered format, debuting two episodes each Saturday from September 19 through October 10, making the full series available within roughly a month.
According to the official synopsis, the conversations between Jay-Z and Rubin span many hours and focus on the rapper's songwriting techniques. The series examines how Jay-Z's lyrics connect to his childhood, personal history, and the cultural shifts occurring throughout his career, emphasizing the relationship between his artistic output and lived experience.
This series could deepen public appreciation for hip-hop as a literary and artistic form, given Jay-Z's status as one of the genre's most celebrated lyricists. The pairing with Rubin, a legendary producer across multiple genres, may attract viewers beyond typical rap audiences and potentially elevate Mubi's profile as a destination for premium music documentaries. The intimate interview format could also influence how future artist retrospectives are structured.