Tomorrow, September 18, JAY-Z In∞: Life. Lyrics. Music. is set to premiere, bringing Jay-Z and legendary producer Rick Rubin together for an eight-part HBO docuseries centered on the stories, ideas and experiences behind some of Jay-Z’s most important records.
Rather than simply revisiting the hits, the series appears designed to take viewers inside the writing itself. Across eight episodes, Jay-Z will break down songs spanning decades of his career—from his early Reasonable Doubt era through 4:44—while discussing the life experiences and creative decisions behind the lyrics.
The premiere episode is expected to dig into “Dynasty Intro,” “Meet the Parents,” “Can’t Knock the Hustle” and “What More Can I Say.” Episode 2 moves to “Brooklyn’s Finest,” “I Love the Dough” and another discussion of “What More Can I Say,” while Episode 3 features “Lyrical Exercise,” “This Can’t Be Life,” “You Must Love Me” and “4:44.”
Episode 4 is slated to explore “Where Have You Been,” “Allure” and “Where I’m From.” The specific tracks for Episode 5 have not yet been shared.
Episode 6 returns with another substantial collection: “Jail” with Kanye West, “Ignorant Shit” with Beanie Sigel, “Hovi Baby,” “Kill Jay-Z,” “99 Problems,” “Threat,” “Dead Presidents II” and “Public Service Announcement.” The Episode 7 selections have also yet to be revealed.
The final episode is expected to tackle several of Jay-Z’s later-career records, including “The Story of O.J.,” “No Church in the Wild,” “Family Feud,” “Legacy” and “New York (Concept de Paris).”
