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.

Def JAM

Banana, (yes I meant to make that singularly)..lol I looked up today and had a whole 21 followers. Not 12, not 15, but 21. That's blackjack baby! Speaking of Blac Jac he's the guy that's produced Hip Hop Honors since it's been in existence however I spoke to him last week and he's not involved with the show this year. Unfortunately I probably won't be either seeing it is DEF JAM's year.

Russell Simmons will be there no doubt with partner in crime Rick Rubin. Wow, when I look back at all those two men bought to us it's truly amazing. Let's recount LL Cool J, PE, SLick Rick, The Beastie Boys, Jay Z, Method Man & Redman, The Boss, Onyx, wow the list goes on and on. There's even more to be told as Island/Def Jam's roster boasts some of today's hottest artists like Fabolous, The Dream, Rick Ross, Mariah Carey, Jeremih and Young Jeezy. Then of course we'd have to look at Rush Management that handled some our classic favorites like Eric B and Rakim, Run DMC, Jazzy Jeff and Fresh Prince and so many others. I'm sure it's going to be a blow out show and I will be watching from wherever I am.

Long live the true inspiration of hip hop artistry....DEF JAM!!!!