name: Russell Simmons
birth_date: 1957-10-04 00:00:00
genres: Entertainment, Nonfiction, Biographies & Memoirs
avg_rating: 3.95
ratings_count: 5303
about: Russell Wendell Simmons is an American entrepreneur, writer and record executive. He co-founded the hip-hop label Def Jam Recordings, and created the clothing fashion lines Phat Farm, Argyleculture, and Tantris. Simmons' net worth was estimated at $340 million in 2011.After producing or managing artists such as  Kurtis Blow,  Run DMC,  Whodini, and Jimmy Spicer, Simmons joined forces with producer  Rick Rubin to found Def Jam Recordings. Under Simmons' leadership as chairman, Def Jam signed acts including the  Beastie Boys,  Public Enemy,  L.L. Cool J.,  Jay-Z,  DMX, and  Kanye West. From 1992 to 1997, he also produced the Def Comedy Jam television program.Simmons has promoted veganism and a yoga lifestyle. He also published books about hea Russell Wendell Simmons is an American entrepreneur, writer and record executive. He co-founded the hip-hop label Def Jam Recordings, and created the clothing fashion lines Phat Farm, Argyleculture, and Tantris. Simmons' net worth was estimated at $340 million in 2011.After producing or managing artists such as  Kurtis Blow,  Run DMC,  Whodini, and Jimmy Spicer, Simmons joined forces with producer  Rick Rubin to found Def Jam Recordings. Under Simmons' leadership as chairman, Def Jam signed acts including the  Beastie Boys,  Public Enemy,  L.L. Cool J.,  Jay-Z,  DMX, and  Kanye West. From 1992 to 1997, he also produced the Def Comedy Jam television program.Simmons has promoted veganism and a yoga lifestyle. He also published books about healthy lifestyle and entrepreneurship. In 2017, Simmons was publicly accused of sexual assault by multiple women; he denied the allegations. Following these allegations, Simmons stepped down from his various business roles and charities, including his position at Def Jam. ...more