Russell Simmons | |
|---|---|
 Simmons at the 2012 Tribeca Film Festival premiere of Mansome | |
| Born | Russell Wendell Simmons October 4, 1957 New York City, U.S. |
| Occupation(s) | Entrepreneur, writer, record executive |
| Years active | 1984–present |
| Spouse | |
| Children | 2 |
| Relatives | Joseph Simmons (brother) Danny Simmons (brother) |
Russell Wendell Simmons (born October 4, 1957) is an American entrepreneur, writer and record executive. He co-founded the hip-hop label Def Jam Recordings,[1] and created the clothing fashion lines Phat Farm, Argyleculture, and Tantris. He has promoted veganism and a yoga lifestyle, and published books on lifestyle, health, and entrepreneurship. Simmons' net worth was estimated at $340 million in 2011.[2]
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, LL Cool J, Jay-Z, DMX, and Kanye West. From 1992 to 1997, he also produced the Def Comedy Jam television program.
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.
- ^ Aquino, Joann Natalia (February 20, 2011). "Russell Simmons, "godfather of hip hop," comes to Seattle: Part of 20-city author tour". Seattle Post-Intelligencer. Retrieved February 3, 2012.
- ^ Padgett, Tania (April 26, 2011). "Russell Simmons: Getting rich is so simple". CNN. Archived from the original on April 29, 2011. Retrieved March 22, 2021.