Russell Simmons

Russell Simmons is the hip-hop master who carries a lot of influence. He has been able to cross market just about everything from social action to music. He's led a cultural movement in his lifetime, and has continued to be a huge influence even today.

In the Beginning

Russell Simmons was born on October 4, 1957 in New York City. He grew up in Queens, and in his youth balanced on the edge of gang life. He heard his true calling when he was introduced to rap music. During the 1970s the rhymes and beats of rap had begun to emerge from the grim African American neighborhoods of New York City. Simmons attended the City College of New York for a while until he decided to leave. Instead, he promoted local musicians like Run-D.M.C. And Kurtis Blow. He partnered up with Rick Rubin in 1984. Together they founded Def Jam Recordings. Kicking off the new cultural revolution that soon became known as hip hop. Russell Simmons was ambitious, and didn't stop with Def Jam Recordings. He had the Rush Communications firm which included an advertising agency, Phat Farm clothing company, a magazine agency, television shows, and a management company. Even his movie production company did well. Producing some timeless films like The Nutty Professor and Krush Groove.

Most Known For

Russell Simmons is best known as the master of cross marketing. He has been at the head of the hip hop movement. Helping to produce an entire new generation of rappers, comedians, and even welcoming white audiences. He took the cultural expression of his minority and was able to turn it around into a fruitful business. Through him several black artists found an entire international audience to listen to them and their work. He has stated there is a rich diversity among blacks. As Simmons puts it: “The truth is that everybody doesn't look like Bill Cosby, and we need to hear the truth, and see the truth, in order for us to know where we're going, and what our problems are.”

Where Are They Now

Simmons is involved in other projects. He's an animal rights activist and supports PETA. He was even the recipient for the PETA Humanitarian Award in 2001. Simmons has also been named the Goodwill Ambassador to fight HIV/AIDS, war, and poverty. He helped to found the Hip Hop Summit Action Network, the Foundation for Ethnic Understanding, and the Rush Philanthropic Organization. He even wrote book called “Do You! 12 Laws To Access The Power In You To Achieve Happiness And Success.”

Career Accomplishments

Simmons sold his stake on Def Jam Records to the Universal Music Group in 1999. They bought his stake for $100 million dollars. In 2004, he also sold Phat Farm for a hefty $140 million. Simmons was also a huge influence in telling rappers to stay true to their rhymes and styles. He stood in the middle of growth of hip hop too. Lobbying MTV to put Run-DMC videos on the air. Even having rappers to record a song with Aerosmith. At one point he even launched cable program called “Russell Simmons' Def Comedy Jam” that ran for seven years. The show helped to launch a new generation of black comedians like Chris Rock and Bernie Mac.