Bio

Russell Simmons has been instrumental in bringing hip-hop to every facet of business and media since its inception in the late 1970s: in music with the co-founding of the immensely successful original Def Jam Recordings; in the fashion industry with the trail-blazing Phat Farm, BabyPhat, Run Athletics, and Def Jam University clothing lines; in film with Simmons Lathan Media Group; in television with HBO’s “The Def Comedy Jam” and “Russell Simmons Presents Def Poetry”; on Broadway with the Tony Award winning stage production “Russell Simmons Def Poetry Jam on Broadway”; in the financial services industry with UniRush and its RushCard and Baby Phat RushCard; in fine jewelry with The Simmons Jewelry Co; in video gaming, mobile communications and other industries utilizing the internationally recognized Def Jam brand through Def Jam Enterprises; and in the community with Rush Philanthropic Arts Foundation and the Hip-Hop Summit Action Network. Russell is a sought-after public speaker and regularly addresses audiences ranging from public school children and university students to corporate executives and community leaders.

For Russell’s full bio, click here.

The Hype

Career Timeline

1983 - Developed legendary rap group Run-DMC
1984 - Co-founded Def Jam Recordings with Rick Rubin
1991 - Formed Rush Communications
1992 - Founded Phat Farm clothing
1991 - Produced Russell Simmons’ Def Comedy Jam
1995 - introduced the Rush Visa Debit Card
2001 - Developed Def Poetry Jam
2001 - launched the Hip Hop Summit Action Network
2008 - Published book, Do You!: 12 Laws to Access the Power in You to Achieve Happiness and Success
2008 - Launched Globalgrind.com

Photo Galleries

• GIANT Gallery: Best of Russell Simmons

More On Russell Simmons

Videography

Russell Simmons on CNN: On his diet, vegan, and Obama
Russell Simmons: The Power Inside
What is Cool?

Lovers & Friends

IN: Rev. Run, Jay-Z, Dr. Benjamin Chavis
OUT: Kimora Lee Simmons, Djimon Honsou

Giant Content

Yeah, We Can
Me, Myself and I
Robin Thicke: Soul Brother Number One

Career Highlights

• Co-founded Def Jam Records with Rick Rubin
• Campaigned against New York State’s “three-strikes” drug laws
• Introduced the Rush Visa, a pre-paid debit card intended for people without bank accounts
• Business ventures include the Rush Card, Simmons Lathan Media, Atman Fragrance, Run Athletics, Simmons Jewelry Company and the Global Grind website.

Filmography

Film

• Krush Groove
• The Show

Television

• Def Comedy Jam
• Def Poetry Jam

Rumors

Russell Admits to Liking White Girls