Russell Simmons

Russell Simmons, promoter, producer, and entrepreneur, is praised for his ability to identify ?the next big thing.? Raised in Queens, New York, Simmons overcame early problems with crime and drug abuse to establish himself in the entertainment business. At first, he worked at the ?street-level, ? promoting concerts through word of mouth and flyers. Next he took a stab at record producing, working with artists such as Run DMC and the Beastie Boys and creating the Def Jam record label. Tuned in to both the music and fashion of African American neighborhoods, Simmons ushered rap and hip-hop into mainstream culture through television and movie production, fashion, and publishing. He also lends his support to civil rights, animal rights, and other social causes. Driven by an entrepreneurial spirit, Simmons has launched more than twenty companies?and he isn?t finished yet.