Where did Simmons discover hip-hop?

Where did Simmons discover hip-hop?

In 1975, after graduating from high school, Simmons went on to attend the City College of New York in Harlem. While there, he met Rudy Toppin, who gave Simmons the nickname “Rush,” and brought him into the world of music promotion and hip-hop introducing him to the sounds of Eddie Cheeba.

Who was the first rapper to win a Grammy?

The first award for Best Rap Performance was presented to DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince (the vocal duo consisting of DJ Jazzy Jeff and Will Smith) for “Parents Just Don’t Understand”.

What was Simmons primary role early in his career?

Simmons’ first major success came in 1981 when he promoted the early hip hop group, Run D.M.C. as a model, Simmons joined forces with Rick Rubin in 1984 to found Def Jam Records.

Was Russell Simmons ever a billionaire?

Russell Simmons is an American record producer and entrepreneur. He is one of the top 25 most influential people of the past 25 years. Simmons has played a pivotal role in bringing hip-hop music to the forefront. He is the co-founder of the record label ‘Def Jam’….

Net Worth: $340 Million
Last Updated: 2021

Who started Def Jam?

Rick Rubin
Russell Simmons
Def Jam Recordings/Founders

1983: Rick Rubin Creates Def Jam Recordings The 20-year-old came up with the idea for a label while sitting in his Weinstein New York University dorm room. The Long Island native took a loan from his parents, and Def Jam Recordings began to take form.

What does Russell Simmons do for a living?

Russell Wendell Simmons (born October 4, 1957) is an American entrepreneur, record executive, writer, and film producer. He 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.

Where was Russell Simmons born and raised?

Born and Raised in Queens, NY Russell Simmons was born on October 4, 1957. He was the second of three sons whose parents — Daniel Sr., a teacher, and Evelyn, an administrator — raised their family in the Jamaica neighborhood of Queens, New York.

What is Russell Simmons’ net worth?

As of 2017 Russell Simmons’ net worth is around $325 million. Who Is Russell Simmons? “Judgment of the people in the situation is not helpful. How can you help them is the question.” “I want to fight poverty and ignorance and give opportunity to those people who are locked out.”

What did Russell Simmons do for Def Jam?

Russell Simmons. 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, Simmons co-produced and appeared in the film Krush Groove. Simmons’ company, Rush Communications Inc., includes over ten businesses and three non-profits.