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Your Friday night plans could involve “99 Problems” and absolutely no cover charge. Brooklyn Public Library and Roc Nation are hosting a free screening of two episodes of HBO’s JAŸ-Z IN 8 documentary series this week—and you might leave with a rare library card worth showing off.
The event takes over Central Library’s Lobby Gallery at 10 Grand Army Plaza this Friday, October 2, with doors opening at 6:30pm and the screening starting at 7pm. Admission is free and open to the public, but registration is encouraged and seats are first come, first served. There’s also a souvenir for anyone with a mega-appreciation of Hova: Attendees can collect a limited-edition JAŸ-Z 30 library card celebrating the rapper's seminal 2001 record The Blueprint, while supplies last.
The eight-part documentary marks 30 years since the release of Reasonable Doubt, JAŸ-Z’s debut album. It pairs the Brooklyn-born rap icon with longtime friend and producer Rick Rubin for a conversation about the songs, experiences and influences behind his career. Together, they revisit the music and unpack the connections between his life and his lyrics, giving listeners a chance to hear the thinking behind tracks that may have shaped their lives.
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Friday’s screening covers chapters five and six, with a substantial listening list. Episode five features “U Don’t Know,” “Politics As Usual” and “Regrets.” Chapter six spans “Jail,” “Ignorant S***,” “Hovi Baby,” “Kill Jay-Z,” “99 Problems,” “Threat,” “Dead Presidents II,” and “Public Service Announcement (Interlude).” (If any of those immediately started playing in your head, you’re probably the target audience.)
Rubin directs the series, making his documentary directing debut, and serves as an executive producer alongside Shawn Carter and Daniel Kaluuya. JAŸ-Z IN 8 premiered on HBO and HBO Max on September 18, with two episodes arriving each Friday through October 9.
If you're looking for a free start to the weekend, the appeal is pretty straightforward: spend an evening digging into a Brooklyn artist’s catalog, hear him discuss how the work came together and upgrade your library card in the process.