‘JAŸ-Z in 8’: 8 Things We Learned From Episodes 5 & 6
Episodes five and six of *JAŸ-Z in 8* feature Jay-Z discussing songs across his career with producer Rick Rubin, including his work with Ye and the making of *The Blueprint*. The conversations offer insight into Jay-Z’s creative choices and relationships, while his praise for Ye’s artistry has drawn attention amid uncertainty about where the two stand today.
Jay-Z said nine tracks for *The Blueprint* were recorded over a weekend, though the album was refined afterwards. He recalled debating with Ye over a lyric on “JAIL” that referenced Ye’s support for Donald Trump, but kept the line; the song later won the 2022 Grammy for best rap song and reached the Billboard Hot 100 top 10. The episodes also discuss how *Goodfellas* influenced “Threat” and how “Public Service Announcement (Interlude)” nearly missed *The Black Album*.
- Jay-Z praised Ye’s creativity while reflecting on their collaboration.
- Nine *Blueprint* tracks were recorded in a weekend.
- “JAIL” won a Grammy after the pair’s disagreement over a lyric.
New here? Start with this
Jay-Z is a US rapper whose albums, including The Blueprint and The Black Album, helped shape mainstream hip-hop. The series pairs him with producer Rick Rubin to discuss how songs were made and the choices behind them.
Ye, formerly known as Kanye West, is a rapper and producer who has worked with Jay-Z. Their musical partnership included work on The Blueprint, while their relationship has also drawn public attention. The episodes revisit their creative disagreements as well as their shared work.
The Blueprint was made quickly: Jay-Z says nine tracks were recorded over one weekend, then refined later. The discussions also cover how films and other influences shaped songs, and how a track that nearly missed The Black Album became part of it.