Russell Simmons co-founded Def Jam Recordings with Rick Rubin in 1984.
CEO of Rush Communications Inc.
Older brother of Rev Run (Joseph Simmons) of the hip-hop group Run-D.M.C.
Russell Simmons & Kimora were married in St. Bart's by his brother, Rev. Joseph Simmons (aka "Run" of Run DMC).
Father, with Kimora, of Ming Lee (daughter, born Jan. 21, 2000).
In 1992, Russell Simmons founded Phat Farm, a popular brand of urban clothing (Kimora later launched her own extension of the line, called Baby Phat).
Passed up on signing Madonna to his Def Jam Recordings in the early 1980s.
Is a vegan.
Brother of Daniel J. Simmons.
Russell Simmons is the son of Daniel Simmons.
Russell Simmons Detailed Biography
Def Jam Records co-founder Russell Simmons first branched out into movies when he acted and co-produced in the 1985 rap movie Krush Groove. Essentially a glorified biography of his own life, with Blair Underwood assuming the role of Russell Simmons, the movie didn't score well with critics but was a box-office success. Another hip-hop based movie followed, 1988's Tougher Than Leather, before Russell Simmons assumed full control of Def Jam when co-founder Rick Rubin left. Almost immediately Russell Simmons set up Rush Communications, dipping his hand in nearly everything from a clothing line, to television comedy, to magazine production. At this time Russell Simmons also began producing movies. Pictures Russell Simmons is backed creatively and/or financially include The Addiction, The Nutty Professor and Gridlock'd.
