It's hard to find out where a cultural phenomenon starts. Out of nowhere, something popular occurs and before we know it, almost everyone is on the bandwagon. But how does it all begin? Steve Stoute has worked in all aspects of the culture industry from music to advertising - he has discovered and defined a cultural brand.

What kind of experience makes him the cultural guru he's come to be? Here's a track record:

Stoute was an executive at record labels for nine years. He was president of the Urban Music division at Interscope/Geffen/A&M Records. Before that, Stoute was president of Urban Music at Sony Music Entertainment.