From high fashion labels to everyday language, the hip-hop community is redefining American culture. To coincide with the release of marketing executive Steve Stoute's debut book, 'The Tanning Of America: How the Culture of Hip-Hop Rewrote the Rules of the New Economy,' our colleagues at HuffPost Black Voices present the first episode in an ongoing video series, 'The Tanning Effect.'

Check out part one of the exclusive interview, featuring Jay-Z discussing the meaning of his joint album with Kanye West, 'Watch the Throne,' which debuted at number one in 23 countries; on his epiphany that his music has a substantial impact on mainstream America; and on being an unpaid spokesman for Cristal champagne.

Get the full story + more exclusive photos of Jay-Z here and watch part one of Jay-Z's interview with Steve Stoute below.

Watch Exclusive Jay-Z Interview With Steve Stoute (Part One)

Watch Jay-Z's 'Empire State of Mind'

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