Russell Simmons is an entrepreneur, author, music and film producer. In 1983, he established Def-Jam Records with Rick Rubin, a record label dealing with hip hop, pop and urban music. He also runs Rush Communications company, which includes several business ventures and non-commercial organizations.
Simmons dealt with the production of The Nutty Professor, Def Jam’s How to Be a Player movies plus several TV shows comprising Def Comedy Jam and Def Poetry Jam. In 2003, he launched RushCard financial services company in collaboration with David G. Rosenberg. Additionally, he was an owner of clothing line Phat Fashions, which included his first wife’s brand Phat Baby.
Furthermore, Russell Simmons is an author of several books in which he shares his experience in show business as well as private life. In 1995, he and his brothers, painter Daniel Simmons Jr. and music artist Joseph Simmons (famed as Run), established Rush Philanthropic Arts Foundation. Their aspiration is to provide people of color with an opportunity be closer to art.
Russell got acquainted with Kimora Lee Simmons in 1992 at a New York Fashion Week, when she was only 17 and he was 35. In order to impress the girl, the man sent bouquets of flowers to her agency, which were so large and heavy that only two people could carry them. Kimora and Russell tied knots on December 20, 1998, on the Caribbean island of St. Barths. By the way, Simmons’s brother Joseph officiated the wedding. In 2000, they welcomed their firstborn, daughter Ming. And in 2003, she was joined by sister Aoki. However, in 2006, the spouses broke up and got officially divorced in 2008. Now, they are in friendly relations.
A curious fact: Russell loves practicing yoga and meditation. He is a vegan and encourages other people to follow his example.
