RUSSELL SIMMONS

This man has got to be one of, if not, the leading man of the hiphop generation. He says move and people move. He says vote and people vote. He says you are capable of doing it all and then suddenly...you believe.  He set the path for how successful a hip hop record label could be.  Back in the day not only did he and Rick Rubin launch Def Jam the label but Russell also began Rush Communications that served as the premier management company that handled the business of Run DMC, Eric B & Rakim, Jazzy Jeff &Fresh Prince, Public Enemy, LL Cool J and countless others. 


This year Def JAM, who's roster brought us the finest that hip hop had to offer by releasing works from Slick Rick, Public Enemy, LL Cool J,  and the Beastie Boys will receive the 2008 award at VH1's Hip Hop Honors. I'm sure everyone will be in the house to represent for the label that paved the way for so many.


Russell had the foresight to forge many businesses by choosing the wisest of partners. With the right partner he created Def Jam Comedy, Def Poetry Jam and has been involved in quite a few television productions. 

In July 2006, Simmons, in addition to other members of the Hip-Hop Summit Action Network, was named a Goodwill Ambassador of CISRI-ISP.  According to the press release, Simmons' appointment will help "launch an awareness campaign utilizing hip-hop as a vehicle to address war, poverty and HIV/AIDS, in support of the UN Millennium Development Goals as well as the CISRI-ISP fight against severe poverty and malnutrition.