JAŸ-Z in 8

JAŸ-Z and Rick Rubin step into the light. Revisiting the opening track from his fifth studio album The Dynasty: Roc La Familia, JAŸ-Z discusses growing up in the housing projects of Brooklyn and the family record collection that gave rise to his earliest musical inspirations.

JAŸ-Z reveals the magic behind his writing process, which draws inspiration from the streets while paying homage to musical greats. Offering his own view on the East Coast-West Coast hip-hop rivalry, the rapper reflects on his collaborations and friendship with The Notorious B.I.G.

JAŸ-Z talks about writing "You Must Love Me" at 27 years old, before reflecting on the therapeutic power of songwriting, and how his delinquent brother inspired a verse. The conversation turns to the importance of embracing vulnerability, and the real-life tragedy behind "This Can't Be Life."

Rick cues up "Where Have You Been," which inspires an emotional discussion about absent fathers, with JAŸ-Z recounting how he reconnected with his own dad shortly before his death. Later, the hip-hop icon describes the studio hours he keeps, and his speedy, linear approach to recording an album.