Jay-Z Becomes a ‘Storyteller’ for VH1

Jay-Z is the latest artist to be featured on 'VH1's Storytellers.' The program, dubbed 'Jay-Z: Life of an American Gangster,' filmed in the rapper's hometown of Brooklyn, New York, will feature commentary from the rap star as he performs tracks off his upcoming album, 'American Gangster,' due November 6.

"This is what would have happened if I hadn't become Jay-Z," Hova said at the taping before launching into tracks off his new project. Inspired by the film of the same name, Jay-Z announced his plans to record his first conceptual album despite already being pegged for the movie's soundtrack. The film, starring actors Denzel Washington and Russell Crowe, and rappers Common, T.I. and RZA, hits theaters November 2.

"It was like I was watching the film, and putting it on pause, and giving a back story to the story," Jay-Z said. The special episode premieres on VH1 on November 8.