Russell Simmons (born October 4, 1957 in Queens, NY), is an African American entrepreneur, the co-founder of the pioneering hip-hop label Def Jam Recordings and creator of the multifaceted corporation, Rush Communications.
Simmons attended City College of New York but left his studies to begin promoting local rap acts, including Kurtis Blow and Run-DMC and producing records. In 1984, he met Rick Rubin and they founded Def Jam Records, signing the Beastie Boys, LL Cool J, Jay-Z, Ludacris and other acts. Simmons sold his stake in the record company for over $100 million to Universal Music Group in 1999.
Def Jam became just one piece in Simmons' corporation, Rush Communications, which included a management company, men's clothing label Phat Farm, women's clothing label Baby Phat and children's labels Phat Farm Boys and Baby Phat Girlz collectively titled, Phat Fashions. In addition, Simmons created Simmons Lathan Media Group, television shows such as "Def Comedy Jam" and "Russell Simmons Presents Def Poetry." Simmons brought Def Poetry Jam to Broadway as a live show, earning a Tony award for the youthful and multicultural cast.
Simmons, in partnership with a financial institution, launched UniRush and released a line of re-loadable Visa debit cards called RushCard and Baby Phat RushCard aimed at consumers who would other wise have problems obtaining a checking/debit account.
The up and coming component of Rush Communications is the sneaker company Run Athletics, led by Simmons' brother, Joseph "Rev Run" Simmons, that produces the Legacy and the Arthur Ashe shoes. Simmons also created a fine jewelry line launching the Simmons Jewelry Company featuring Kimora Lee Simmons for "Hello Kitty." In addition, Simmons is involved in ventures in video gaming and mobile communications.
Simmons interests extend beyond the business world where he spends a great deal of his time working for philanthropic causes, utilizing his role in hip hop to promote social change. Along with his brother Daniel Simmons, he founded Rush Philanthropic Arts Foundation in 1995 to provide disadvantaged urban youth with significant exposure and access to the arts. In conjunction with this mission, Simmons offers exhibition opportunities to underrepresented artists. Simmons founded the Hip Hop Summit Action Network (HSAN) to harness the cultural relevance of hip-hop music as a catalyst for education advocacy and other societal concerns of at-risk youth throughout the United States. Through HSAN, panel discussions are presented all over the country sending positive messages to help with the advancement and education of young people.
Simmons and President of Baby Phat Kimora Lee Simmons have two daughters -- Ming Lee Simmons and Aoki Lee Simmons who both model for Baby Phat Girlz Collection.
