Russell Simmons, born October 4, 1957, is an American entrepreneur, producer and author. The chairman and CEO of Rush Communications, he co-founded the hip-hop music label Def Jam Recordings and created the clothing fashion lines Phat Farm, Argyleculture, and Tantris.
Born and raised in Queens, New York, Simmons’ father is a public school administrator and his mother a New York City park administrator. His brothers are painter Daniel Simmons, Jr., and Rev Run of Run-DMC.
Russell Simmons Net Worth 2017: $350 Million
Simmons, who co-founded the hip-hop label Def Jam Recordings and created the clothing fashion lines Phat Farm, Argyleculture, and Tantris, has an estimated net worth of approximately $350 million.
1975-1990
After graduating from August Martin High School in 1975, 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 hip-hop. Upon hearing Eddie Cheeba perform at Charles’ Gallery in Harlem in 1977, Simmons knew that hip hop would be his career.
Simmons co-founded Def Jam in 1983 with Rick Rubin who sold his share of the company for $120 million to Universal Music Group in 1996.
In 1985 Russell Simmons co-produced and appeared in the film, Krush Groove.
1991-2010
Simmons and model wife, Kimora Lee met in November 1992 and got married on December 20, 1998. They divorced in 2006.
Russell Simmons has been vegan since 1999
2011-Present
Simmons was awarded the 2001 PETA Humanitarian Award and the 2011 Person of the Year Award.
In 2017, Simmons was listed by UK-based company Richtopia at number 23 in the list of 200 Most Influential Social-Entrepreneurs and Philanthropists Worldwide.
In November 2017, Simmons stepped down as CEO of Def Jam due to allegations of sexual misconduct.
