Russell Simmons

Russell Simmons (born 1957) is an American entrepreneur and music executive who helped shape the rise of hip-hop as a mainstream cultural force. He co-founded Def Jam Recordings, a label central to the genre’s early commercial breakthrough, and became known for building businesses that connected music, fashion, and media. Through his work as an executive and promoter, Simmons supported the careers of influential rap artists and helped expand hip-hop’s reach beyond New York to a global audience. He is widely recognized as a prominent figure in hip-hop culture and a key architect of its early industry infrastructure.