JAŸ-Z on Being INSPIRED by ‘Fearless’ Beyoncé & NERVES for Blue Ivy (Exclusive)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wgAmMqAXvsw

Jay-Z is opening up about the women closest to him — and admitting that even after decades in the spotlight, there are still moments that make him nervous.

The rap icon spoke with Extra's Mona Kosar Abdi at the New York City premiere of his new HBO docuseries, JAŸ-Z in 8, where he reflected on his evolution as an artist, his admiration for wife Beyoncé and his feelings about daughter Blue Ivy stepping further into the public eye.

Inspired by Beyoncé's Fearlessness

Jay-Z had plenty of praise for Beyoncé, describing his wife as a fearless artist who continues to inspire him.

After more than two decades at the top of the music industry, Beyoncé has continued to reinvent herself and challenge expectations — something Jay-Z said resonates with his own approach to creativity.

For Jay-Z, staying relevant has never been about simply repeating what worked before. He said he remains motivated by the desire to keep challenging himself and growing as an artist.

That mindset is also central to JAŸ-Z in 8, which gives him the opportunity to revisit his music and examine how his approach to songwriting and artistry has changed throughout his career.

Dad Nerves Kick In for Blue Ivy

Jay-Z also opened up about a very different kind of pressure: watching his daughter step into the spotlight.

Blue Ivy Carter has already established herself as a performer, joining Beyoncé onstage and earning recognition for her work on projects including Mufasa: The Lion King.

But for Jay-Z, seeing his daughter pursue entertainment comes with a parent's natural concerns.

Even though Blue Ivy has grown up surrounded by the entertainment industry, her father knows firsthand how demanding and unforgiving the spotlight can be. His nerves reflect less a concern about her talent and more the instinct to protect his daughter as she builds a career of her own.

Three Decades of Making Music

Jay-Z is now looking back on a career that spans roughly three decades.

His new series brings him together with legendary producer Rick Rubin for intimate conversations about his music, songwriting and creative process. Rather than simply serving as a career retrospective, the series explores the stories and ideas behind some of his most influential work.

The project arrives as Jay-Z celebrates major milestones surrounding his catalog, including the 25th anniversary of The Blueprint, which was released Sept. 11, 2001. He recently told PEOPLE that the album represented the moment he realized, “I've arrived and I'm here to stay.”

Still Looking for the Next Challenge

Despite everything he has accomplished, Jay-Z said he is still interested in pushing himself creatively.

That hunger for growth appears to be one of the themes running through JAŸ-Z in 8. His conversations with Rubin give viewers a chance to hear the artist reflect on where he came from, how his writing evolved and what continues to drive him.

The series also arrives at an important moment for his family, with Beyoncé continuing her own groundbreaking career and Blue Ivy beginning to establish an identity beyond simply being the daughter of two music superstars.

When to Watch JAŸ-Z in 8

JAŸ-Z in 8 premieres Friday, Sept. 18, at 8 p.m. ET/PT on HBO and HBO Max.

The first two episodes will debut on premiere night, followed by two new episodes each Friday through Oct. 9.

For Jay-Z, the series is ultimately a look backward — but his comments about Beyoncé and Blue Ivy show that his eyes remain firmly on what comes next.

Source: Extra