Absolut Vodka kicks off their Absolut Concert Series with NY-Z, a 12-minute short film featuring a rare, candid look at hip-hop icon Jay-Z in preparation for last year's star-studded “Answer The Call” benefit concert at New York's famed Madison Square Garden.

Acclaimed director/photographer Danny Clinch was recruited for the documentary project, which offers a rare glimpse behind the scenes with native New Yorker Jay-Z as he discusses his ongoing love affair with the Big Apple, his passion & motivation as an artist and what it means for a musician to “arrive” with a performance at one of the most legendary venues in the world. Watch the trailer for NY-Z

While showcasing Jay-Z’s performance onstage at the star-studded benefit (which featured appearances from John Mayer, Kanye West, Rihanna, Mary J. Blige and more), the documentary provides imagery of the streets of New York as well as some uniquely intimate moments with the world's biggest & most successful rapper.

The film premieres on Absolut’s Facebook page Monday, March 22, and to tide you over we've got an exclusive, never-before-seen clip of Jay-Z discussing his songwriting process and how it's changed over the years:

In September 2009, Absolut and Madison Square Garden announced the Absolut Concert Series, a three year partnership between the two iconic brands, dedicated to giving music fans the ultimate concert experience through a series of high-profile performances. NY-Z is an exciting first taste of what to expect from the unique collaboration. Stay tuned for more installments of the Absolut Concert Series!