Russell Simmons

Russell Simmons
David Shankbone · CC BY 3.0 · source
Name	Russell Simmons
Birth date	October 4, 1957
Birth place	Queens, New York, New York City
Occupation	Entrepreneur, record producer, DJ

Russell Simmons is a renowned American entrepreneur, record producer, and DJ who co-founded Def Jam Recordings with Rick Rubin. He is also the founder of Phat Farm, a clothing and accessories company, and has been involved in various other business ventures, including Rush Communications and UniRush. Simmons has worked with numerous high-profile artists, such as Kanye West, Jay-Z, and LL Cool J, and has been a key figure in the development of hip hop music. He has also been involved in various philanthropic efforts, including working with organizations like the American Cancer Society and the National Urban League.

● Early Life

Russell Simmons was born in Queens, New York, and grew up in the Hollis neighborhood, where he attended August Martin High School. He later enrolled at the City College of New York, but did not graduate, instead choosing to pursue a career in music. Simmons was influenced by artists such as Grandmaster Flash and Afrika Bambaataa, and began promoting parties and concerts in New York City, featuring acts like The Cold Crush Brothers and The Furious Five. He also worked with Kurtis Blow, a rapper and DJ who was one of the first hip hop artists to gain widespread recognition.

● Career

Simmons' career in the music industry took off when he co-founded Def Jam Recordings with Rick Rubin in 1984. The label quickly gained success with artists like LL Cool J, The Beastie Boys, and Run-DMC, and played a significant role in popularizing hip hop music beyond its origins in New York City. Simmons also founded Rush Communications, a company that managed the careers of various artists, including Slick Rick and Oran "Juice" Jones. In addition to his work in music, Simmons has also been involved in the fashion industry, founding Phat Farm in 1992, a clothing and accessories company that became a popular brand in the 1990s. He has also worked with other notable figures, such as Sean Combs, Dr. Dre, and Snoop Dogg.

● Philanthropy

Russell Simmons has been involved in various philanthropic efforts throughout his career, working with organizations like the American Cancer Society, the National Urban League, and the Hip-Hop Summit Action Network. He has also supported causes like animal rights and yoga, and has been involved in various charitable initiatives, including the Diamond Empowerment Fund and the Rush Philanthropic Arts Foundation. Simmons has also worked with other notable philanthropists, such as Oprah Winfrey, Bill Clinton, and Nelson Mandela, on various charitable projects. He has also been involved in initiatives like the Millennium Development Goals and the United Nations Foundation.

● Personal Life

Russell Simmons has been married to Kimora Lee Simmons, a model and fashion designer, and has two daughters, Ming Lee Simmons and Aoki Lee Simmons. He is also a long-time practitioner of yoga and has written several books on the subject, including "Do You!: 12 Laws to Access the Power in You to Achieve Happiness and Success". Simmons has also been involved in various high-profile relationships, including with Tina Turner and Naomi Campbell. He has also been friends with other notable figures, such as Michael Jackson, Prince, and Quincy Jones.

● Controversies

Russell Simmons has been involved in several controversies throughout his career, including allegations of sexual misconduct and racism. In 2017, he was accused of sexual harassment by several women, including Jenny Lumet and Sherri Hines, and subsequently stepped down from his position as CEO of Rush Communications. Simmons has also been criticized for his handling of Def Jam Recordings and his treatment of certain artists, including LL Cool J and The Beastie Boys. He has also been involved in public feuds with other notable figures, such as 50 Cent and Ja Rule. Despite these controversies, Simmons remains a prominent figure in the entertainment industry, and continues to be involved in various business and philanthropic ventures, including working with organizations like the NAACP and the Grammy Foundation.