Who did Russell Simmons co-found Def Jam Recordings with?
Russell Simmons co-founded Def Jam Recordings in 1984 with producer Rick Rubin. Simmons served as chairman and Rubin as the label's in-house producer.
Questions about Russell Simmons
Short answers, pulled from the story.
How much did Russell Simmons sell his share of Def Jam for?
Simmons sold his share of Def Jam Recordings to Universal Music Group for $120 million in 1998, following a series of mergers.
What clothing brands did Russell Simmons create?
Simmons launched Phat Fashions LLC in 1992, operating the Phat Farm and Baby Phat labels out of an initial shop in the SoHo district of Manhattan. He sold the brands to the Kellwood Company for $140 million in 2004. He later created the clothing lines Argyleculture and Tantris.
What sexual assault allegations were made against Russell Simmons?
Beginning in November 2017, more than a dozen women accused Simmons of sexual harassment, assault, or rape, with alleged incidents dating primarily to the 1990s. Accusers included model Keri Claussen Khalighi, screenwriter Jenny Lumet, and former Def Jam executive Drew Dixon, among others. Simmons has denied all allegations.
What documentary was made about the Russell Simmons allegations?
On the Record, a documentary about the sexual assault allegations against Simmons, premiered at the Sundance Film Festival on the 25th of January, 2020, and was released on HBO Max on the 27th of May, 2020. Oprah Winfrey withdrew as executive producer after Simmons pressured her to cancel the film.
What social causes has Russell Simmons supported?
Simmons has been a vegan since 1999 and advocates for animal rights, veganism, and environmental causes. He organized protests against the Rockefeller Drug Laws in 2009, participated in the Occupy Wall Street protests at Zuccotti Park in 2011, and supports LGBTQ+ marriage equality. UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon appointed him Goodwill Ambassador for the UN Slavery Memorial in May 2009.