Russell simmons brother

American entrepreneur and record executive

Not to be confused with Russell Simins, drummer for the Jon Spencer Blues Explosion.

Russell Wendell Simmons (born October 4, ) is an American entrepreneur, writer and record executive. He co-founded the hip-hop label Def Jam Recordings,^[1] and created the clothing fashion lines Phat Farm, Argyleculture, and Tantris. He has promoted veganism and a yoga lifestyle, and published books on lifestyle, health, and entrepreneurship. Simmons' net worth was estimated at $ million in ^[2]

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. Under Simmons' leadership as chairman, Def Jam signed acts including the Beastie Boys, Public Enemy, LL Cool J, Jay-Z, DMX, and Kanye West. From to , he also produced the Def Comedy Jam television program.

In , Simmons was publicly accused of sexual assaul