American entrepreneur, writer, and record executive. Russell Wendell Simmons 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.
Where did Russell Simmons go to college and high school?
Simmons has promoted veganism and a yogic lifestyle. In 1975, after graduating from August Martin High School, Simmons briefly attended the City College of New York in Harlem where he met a young DJ/Bboy.
Kurt Walker, who influenced him to participate in the hip-hop phenomenon. Upon hearing Eddie Cheeba perform in Harlem in 1977, Simmons knew that hip hop would be his career.
Simmons co-founded Def Jam in 1984 with Rick Rubin, who sold his share of the company for $120 million to Universal Music Group in 1996. In 1985, Simmons co-produced and appeared in the film Krush Groove. Simmons’ company, Rush Communications Inc., includes over ten businesses and three non-profits.
