Russell Wendell Simmons (born October 4, 1957) is an
American entrepreneur, the co-founder, with
Rick Rubin, of the pioneering
hip-hop label
Def Jam, and creator of the clothing fashion lines
Phat Farm,
Argyleculture, and
American Classics.
Russell Simmons is the younger brother of Daniel Simmons, Jr and he is the older brother of
Rev. Joseph Simmons, better known as "Run" of
Run-DMC, and son of Daniel Simmons, Sr, a public school administrator and Evelyn Simmons, a New York City park administrator. His brother Daniel Simmons, Jr is an accomplished abstract artist.
Russell Simmons has been vegan since 1998, and advocates the adoption of
veganism citing
animal rights along with the environmental and health benefits.
[Russell Simmons on his vegan diet, Obama and yoga at Youtube]
