WASHINGTON (Sept. 2, 2011) – Entertainment marketing icon Steve Stoute will launch his book The Tanning of America: How the Culture of Hip-Hop Rewrote the Rules of the New Economy in the Gallery Lounge of Blackburn Center on Sept. 8 , 6:30 p.m. – 8 p.m. A book talk moderated by Gregory Carr, Ph.D., associate professor of Africana Studies at Howard University, will be followed by a Q&A as well as a meet and greet.

Stoute revolutionized the way blue chip marketers and superstar artists connect with consumers. His campaigns include Jay-Z’s successful ‘S-Carter’ sneaker launch with Reebok; Justin Timberlake and the “I’m lovin it” campaign for McDonald’s; Beyonce’s partnership with Samsung; Lady Gaga’s partnership with MAC Cosmetics and Mary J. Blige’s “My Life” fragrance with Carol’s Daughter and HSN, which broke industry sales records.

In The Tanning of America: How the Culture of Hip-Hop Rewrote the Rules of the New Economy (Gotham Books) is available in book stores Sept. 8, 2011. For more information visit, www.tanningofamerica.com. To follow on Twitter @SteveStoute or friend on Facebook www.facebook.com/translation. The event hashtags are #tanningofamerica and #tanning

About Steve Stoute
Steve Stoute is the founder and chief executive officer of the leading brand marketing firm Translation. His track record as a consumer brand marketer for Fortune 500 companies makes him one of today’s most influential voices in entertainment marketing and pop culture. His client roster that includes brands such as McDonald’s, State Farm, Target, Wm. Wrigley Jr. Co and Lady Gaga. In 2009, the American Advertising Federation inducted Stoute into their Advertising Hall of Achievement, the industry's premier award for outstanding advertising professionals under the age of 40. In 2010, he was recognized as an “Innovator of the Year” by the ADCOLOR Industry Coalition which promotes increased diversity in the advertising, marketing and media industries.

Twitter: @SteveStoute
Hashtags: #tanningofamerica, #tanning
Website: www.tanningofamerica.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/translation