Kerry Washington to narrate audiobook for Steve Stoute's 'The Tanning of America'

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Kerry Washington is certainly keeping busy — the Scandal star, who is far along in her first pregnancy, has teamed up with marketing maven Steve Stoute and his latest best-selling book.

Stoute, who is the former Interscope Records president and the founder/CEO of the reputable marketing firm Translation, authored the best-seller The Tanning of America: How Hip-Hop Created a Culture that Rewrote the Rules of the New Economy. 

The Tanning of America explores the influence hip-hop has had in almost every aspect of American life.

Stoute’s book examines how hip-hop and music and culture have been strong vehicles in driving the economy and played a role in everything in everything from fashion to politics.

The Tanning of America was even adapted into a four-part documentary which aired on VH1 in February. Now, the non-fiction piece is being adapted into an audiobook with actress Kerry Washington providing the vocals.

“I chose Kerry Washington to narrate The Tanning of America for the audio format because she represents a generation that pushed boundaries in order to be heard and respected,” said Stoute, according to a press release. “Throughout her career, she has exemplified what it means to be an artist, a humanitarian, and a political activist. I’m honored she agreed to read the book and represent the values of tanning.”

“I am honored to play a small role in bringing this important book to the world,” said Washington. “By examining hip-hop through the lenses of ethnomusicology, marketing analysis, sociology and Stoute’s own personal reflections as a cultural pioneer, The Tanning of America helps us to understand how the American dream has and continues to be redefined by the transformative forces of inclusivity and aspirational drive embodied in the journey of hip-hop and pop culture.”

The Tanning of America audiobook is currently available on iTunes, Audible and everywhere else audiobooks are sold.

Follow Lilly Workneh on Twitter @Lilly_Works