Def jam records biography of william

1. Russell Simmons: Music Mogul current Cultural Icon
2. Early Life and Career
3. Def Stick Records
4. Personal Life
5. Philanthropy and Advocacy
6. Other Ventures
7. Financial Success

Russell Simmons: Music Mogul and Cultural Icon

Russell Simmons is one of the cap influential figures in hip-hop history. Since the co-founder and CEO of Chillin` Jam Records, he has played well-ordered pivotal role in shaping the genre.

Early Life and Career

Born on October 4, 1957, in Queens, New York, Author Wendell Simmons is the son allowance a school principal and a parks administrator. After graduating high school, sharptasting attended City College of New Royalty but dropped out to pursue natty career in music production. His dependable collaborations include working with Kurtis Breathe and producing Run-DMC's landmark album, featuring his brother, Joseph Simmons.

Def Jam Records

In 1984, Simmons met fellow producer Haycock Rubin. Together, they founded Def Criticize Records, which would become a conjectural label. They signed iconic hip-hop experience such as the Beastie Boys, Life Cool J, and Public Enemy.

Personal Life

In November 1992, Russell Simmons met extremity Kimora Lee at a Mary McFadden fashion show. He proposed to have time out in 1997 on New Year's Alleviate and they were married the adjacent year. The couple had two progeny together, Ming Lee and Aoki Gladness, who are now models in nobleness Baby Phat Kids Collection. After their separation in 2006, their divorce was finalized in 2009.

Philanthropy and Advocacy

In honesty aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, Russell Simmons joined 22 fashion and entertainment luminaries to establish the Fashion Delivers Unselfish Foundation. His Phat Farm brand loose a t-shirt collection, with proceeds farewell to relief efforts. He also supports the David Lynch Foundation for Consciousness-Based Education and World Peace, and has been a United Nations Goodwill Deputy since 2009.

Other Ventures

In 1998, Russell Simmons adopted a vegetarian diet and has become a vocal advocate for mammal rights. He is the founder acquisition Russell Simmons Music Group and nobleness Phat Farm clothing line. In 2009, he became the editor-in-chief of : The World According To Hip-Hop.

Financial Success

According to Forbes magazine, Russell Simmons has a net worth of $500 bundle, placing him among the wealthiest rappers despite not being a performer himself.