Mark Zuckerberg
Mobsters
Icons of the Wild West
Robin Gibb
My Ghost Story
Mobsters
Robert Downey Jr
Margaret Thatcher
Marilyn Monroe
I Survived
Quick Facts
- NAME: Russell Simmons
- OCCUPATION: Entrepreneur
- BIRTH DATE: October 04, 1957 (Age: 54)
- PLACE OF BIRTH: New York, New York
- ZODIAC SIGN: Libra
Best Known For
Co-founder of Def Jam Records, Russell Simmons was the force behind the hip-hop revolution, promoting stars like the Beastie Boys, Public Enemy, and LL Cool J.
Russell Simmons. (2012). Biography.com. Retrieved 07:50, May 27, 2012 from http://www.biography.com/people/russell-simmons-307186
Russell Simmons [Internet]. 2012. http://www.biography.com/people/russell-simmons-307186, May 27
" Russell Simmons." 2012. Biography.com 27 May 2012, 07:50 http://www.biography.com/people/russell-simmons-307186
' Russell Simmons', Biography.com,(2012) http://www.biography.com/people/russell-simmons-307186 [accessed May 27, 2012]
" Russell Simmons," Biography.com, http://www.biography.com/people/russell-simmons-307186 (accessed May 27, 2012).
Russell Simmons [Internet]. Biography.com; 2012 [cited 2012 May 27]. Available from: http://www.biography.com/people/russell-simmons-307186.
Russell Simmons, http://www.biography.com/people/russell-simmons-307186 (last visited May 27, 2012).
Russell Simmons, http://www.biography.com/people/russell-simmons-307186 (last visited May 27, 2012).
Synopsis
Russell Simmons (born October 4, 1957) began promoting New York City musicians in his early 20s. He partnered with Rick Rubin to create Def Jam Records, and signed artists like the Beastie Boys, LL Cool J, Public Enemy, and Run-D.M.C. Simmons built a hip-
Profile
Entrepreneur, philanthropist. Born October 4, 1957 in New York City. After a brief stint at City College of New York, Russell Simmons left school to promote local musicians, including Kurtis Blow and Run-D.M.C. In 1984, he and partner Rick Rubin founded Def Jam Recordings, creating the foundation for the cultural revolution known as hip hop. Def Jam signed the forerunners of the hip hop movement, including the Beastie Boys, LL Cool J, Public Enemy and Run-D.M.C.
An ambitious entrepreneur, Simmons saw Def Jam as just part of his hip hop empire. His Rush Communications firm also included Phat Farm clothing company, television shows, a management company, a magazine and an advertising agency. His movie production house has produced such films as Krush Groove and The Nutty Professor. In 1999, he sold his stake in Def Jam Records to Universal Music Group for $100 million. In 2004, he sold Phat Farm for $140 million.
A strict vegan and yoga enthusiast, Simmons is also an active philanthropist. He helped found the Hip Hop Summit Action Network, the Rush Philanthropic Organization and the Foundation for Ethnic Understanding. He actively supports PETA and was named a Goodwill Ambassador to fight war, poverty and HIV/AIDS. He is the author of Do You! 12 Laws To Access The Power In You To Achieve Happiness And Success.
Simmons was married to model Kimora Lee from 1998 to 2008. They have two daughters, Ming and Aoki.
© 2012 A+E Networks. All rights reserved.
profile name: Russell Simmons profile occupation:
Your Connections
Sign in with Facebook to see how you and your friends are connected to famous icons.
Profile Connections
Included In These Groups
-
Million-Dollar Ideas
View groupWith innovative ideas and charismatic personalities, many African-Americans have made lasting contributions to the country, while also earning millions. Oprah Winfrey emerged as a world-famous one-woman brand with her show, eventually becoming the world's first black billionaire. Robert L. Johnson started BET, the cable channel geared towards African-Americans. Athlete Michael Jordan turned into a household name through numerous endorsement deals. These people were among the first African-Americans to overcome the obstacles of discrimination and achieve top honors in their fields. With talent and determination, each one reinvented not only what it meant to be an African-American, but also what it meant to be an American.
Million-Dollar Ideas 9 people in this group
-
Famous Fathers 27 people in this group
-
Vegans
View groupThese celebs are always in the limelight so a healthy diet is a must—hence, they’ve gone vegan! While some have jumped on the bandwagon, others have made it a part of their lifestyles. From Bill Clinton to Jane Lynch, see which other celebs are getting healthy all while saving the animals with their more animal conscious diet.
Vegans 32 people in this group
