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Russell Simmons (Finding Aid)
1957 -
Interview Length: 56 minutes
Interview Date(s): October 22, 2004
Interview Location(s): The Art Institute of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
Abstract
Cathy Hughes interviews Russell Simmons as part of the HistoryMakers 'An Evening With...' series. Simmons covers topics about his parents, his early hardships growing up in the drug-infested neighborhood of Hollis Queens, New York. Simmons discusses his foray while in college into music promotion and discusses the early rap and hip-hop artists of the 1970s and 1980s. He then talks about the promotion of the rap group, Run DMC, formed by his brother Joey (a.k.a. 'Reverend Run'), and the founding of Def Jam Recordings. Simmons comments on the rap and hip-hop culture, primarily the sexism that pervades the artists' lyrics, and then talks about his other television and movie ventures. Simmons then explains his serious practice of yoga and veganism as part of his personal belief system. Lastly, Simmons talks about his clothing company Phat Farm, and his philanthropic endeavors.
19 Stories (See Ordered Story Set)
- Sponsors of Russell Simmons interview
- Introduction to 'An Evening With Russell Simmons'
- Cathy Hughes introduces and greets Russell Simmons
- Russell Simmons talks about his parents and his siblings
- Russell Simmons discusses the neighborhood of his youth in Jamaica Queens, New York
- Russell Simmons details his exposure to club music while in college
- A series of photos and interview clips about Russell Simmons and his early music ventures
- Russell Simmons talks about rapper Kurtis Blow
- Russell Simmons discusses Run DMC and the formation of Def Jam Records
- Russell Simmons comments on rap music and the black status quo
- Russell Simmons talks about misogynistic lyrics in rap music
- Russell Simmons discusses the Hip-Hop Summit
- Russell Simmons gives his views about poetry
- Russell Simmons talks about his personal practice of yoga and vegetarianism
- Russell Simmons discusses his family and his other business ventures
- A series of photos and interview clips about Russell Simmons's clothing company, Phat Farm
- Russell Simmons talks about Phat Farm's influence on the fashion industry
- Russell Simmons comments on what his future holds
- Closing credits from Russell Simmons interview