shae-shae's Russell Simmons Page

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Russell Simmons is Chairman of Def Jam Recordings, as well as the founder, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Rush Communications, Inc. (a diversified multimedia company including Def Jam Recordings, Russell Simmons Television (RSTV), Def Pictures, Rush Media and Phat Fashions). Hel launched his career in the music business while attending City College of New York in 1979. He became a part-time manager and promoter, at the age of 19. Russell quickly recognized the cultural and financial potential of rap music. Considering as much, he then positioned himself and his small roster of new jack artists (then consisting of Kurtis Blow, Run DMC and Whodini), to become a dominant force in the rapidly increasing hip-hop industry.

Def Jam Records, the pre-eminent rap record label of the '80s, was formed back in 1983, it was the core business of Rush Communications. Def Jam Records gave birth to the careers of artists like Russell's little brother (Joseph - "Run")& crew, Run-DMC. It also spawned the careers of LL Cool J, EPMD, Slick Rick, Public Enemy, and the Beastie Boys.

Def Jam has gone on to be a huge success, turning out more recent hits from artists like DMX, EPMD, Foxy Brown, Ja Rule, Jay-Z, LL Cool J, Memphis Bleek, Method Man, Onyx, Redman, Slick Rick, and Def Squad.

Although Rick Rubin eventually departed the label, it did not significantly slow down the growth of Russell's $40 million empire. Def Jam Records also encompasses a collection of sub-labels and has been involved with almost every medium-- music, TV, movies, fashion and advertising.

Now you may have heard rumors that Russell was selling Def Jam. Those rumors are true, but Simmons says one of the real reason's he's doing it is because of the artists. Back in 1994, 50% of Def Jam was sold to PolyGram, with another 10% being sold latter on to PolyGram in 1996.

The remaining 40% was recently sold to Universal Music Group. Russell comments:

"When we sold the first half of the company we did it to give the artists a better opportunity and we weren't able to do it as an independent company.

With the power that we have in that building right now we can do a lot more for the artists. It feels good now. I can market this thing. I can put my foot in it. Which is what many record companies do for their rock stars. Now Def Jam can do it for their rap stars.

We still have Rush Media, which has Coca Cola, HBO and BET as clients. It's an advertising agency. We have a clothing company which has gone from $35 million to over $100 million this year. We have a film company. "Nutty Professor II" is starting. We got a magazine and a TV show. That company (Def Jam) has had fluctuations for a long time. It's been our most profitable (company) for a long time, but it's OK to cash something in."

Russell Simmons' Def Comedy Jam, his production for the HBO cable channel (debut March 1992) is a long-running money maker. This show alone has helped the careers of many a comedian. Included in this extensive list of careers that have been launched would be Martin Lawrence, Bernie Mack, Adele Givens and Joe Torrey.

The entrepreneur came out with a clothing line back in March of '93, called Phat Farm clothing. Its flagship store is on Prince Street in New York's hip SoHo district. Phat Farm has been a notable success, retailing a preppy/collegiate-via-street look, with the same marketing genius that brought hip-hop to suburban America in the '80s.

Along with a huge list of projects behind him, it has been rumored that Russell is interested in starting his own modeling agency, because he is often seen around with a model on each arm.

Judging by Russell's record of achievement, I'm sure that whatever he decides to do, it'll turn out being a complete success.

How does Russell feel about his fame/fortune? See for yourself:

"I came from a place where a lot of my friends that I spent most of my time with when I was young didn't turn out so well. I've been fortunate enough to be surrounded by so many talented people. It's been 20 years and I don't feel like it's over, but if it were to end today then I would be all right."

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