About Russell Simmons

Russell Simmons is an American entrepreneur, the co-founder of the pioneering hip-hop label Def Jam, founder of another label, Russell Simmons Music Group, and creator of the clothing fashion line Phat Farm. Russell is the younger brother of Daniel Simmons, Jr and he is the older brother of Rev. Joseph Simmons, better known as "Run" of Run-DMC, and son of Daniel Simmons, Sr, a public school administrator and Evelyn Simmons, a New York City park administrator. Simmons attended The New School but left his studies to begin promoting local rap music acts, including Kurtis Blow, John Chavous and Run-DMC (whom he would later sign to his record label), and producing records.

Posted Oct. 22, 2009