Jay-Z in 8, a docuseries released by the streaming platform Mubi, features a deep, eight-part conversation between rapper Jay-Z and influential music producer Rick Rubin. Directed by Rubin and shot in black and white, the series marks the 30th anniversary of Jay-Z's music career. The show aims to explore both his professional journey and personal reflections, covering topics like his early life in the Marcy Projects in Brooklyn and his transformation from a young drug dealer to one of the most influential figures in hip-hop. Despite its ambition, the series is criticized for lacking a clear narrative or thematic structure. It often features Jay-Z and Rubin listening to full songs, which then lead to anecdotes and interview questions. However, the show is seen as disjointed, with little connective tissue linking Jay-Z's stories, making it difficult for casual fans to follow. The format is inspired by longform interview shows like David Letterman's My Next Guest Needs No Introduction, but Rubin's approach is more reserved and less probing compared to Letterman's journalistic style. Some of Rubin's comments, such as "I don’t know how you did that," are viewed as vague and not particularly helpful in guiding the viewer through the content. The series is rich in information but can be overwhelming for those unfamiliar with Jay-Z's career or the cultural references within his music. For example, Jay-Z explains the meaning of phrases like "No cap" and his work with Kanye West on the song "Jail," but these explanations may not be clear to viewers without prior knowledge. Additionally, the show is criticized for spending too much time on exposition that might be redundant for those already familiar with Jay-Z's story. Some viewers argue that the series would be more effective as a podcast, where the dense content can be consumed at a slower pace. The high-budget, visually stylized television format, while artistic, may not be as engaging when watched in one sitting. Critics also note that the show feels like an over-the-top departure from Rubin's usual approach as a producer, who is known for simplifying and highlighting the essence of music rather than indulging in lengthy, visually elaborate formats.