If you are familiar with the immensely popular hip-hop culture, then you must have heard of Russell Simmons, the legendary co-founder of Def Jam Records. He is known for his trailblazing contributions to the music and fashion industries. But did you know that he has a younger brother who has also made significant strides in the entertainment business? Meet Joseph Simmons, popularly known as Rev Run in the music world.
Rev Run has earned his fair share of fame as a rapper, record producer, and a reality TV star. He is the founding member of Run–D.M.C., one of the most influential and successful hip-hop groups of all time. Rev Run’s music career spans over three decades, and he has collaborated with several artists to produce chart-topping hits. After retiring from music, he became a pastor and motivational speaker, empowering and inspiring people with his wisdom and experience.
Despite being the younger brother of a superstar, Rev Run has managed to carve a niche for himself in the music world, entirely on his terms. He is a unique and dynamic personality who has left a lasting impact on the industry and the millions of people who follow him. So, if you want to know more about the man who redefined hip-hop and became a beacon of hope and positivity, keep reading, because we have a lot to talk about.
The family background of Russell Simmons
Russell Simmons, the American business magnate, entrepreneur, and author, is the brother of Daniel Simmons Jr. Daniel, commonly known as Rev. Run, is a famous rapper, musician, and a member of the influential hip-hop group, Run-DMC. Both Russell and Daniel were born and raised in Queens, New York, to their parents, father Daniel Simmons Sr. and mother Evelyn Simmons.
The Simmons family had a strong background in religion, with their father being a former Hebrew school teacher and their mother an administrator at a church in Queens. This religious background was a significant influence on the upbringing of Russell and Daniel, with both brothers attending church and studying religious texts extensively.
Family details of Russell Simmons
- Russell Simmons was born on October 4, 1957.
- He was raised in Hollis, Queens, along with his siblings, including Daniel.
- His mother was a New York City park administrator and his father was a public school administrator.
Early life and education of Russell Simmons
Russell attended City College of New York, where he studied sociology. It was during his college years that he developed an interest in hip-hop music and started throwing parties featuring local DJs and rappers. He later worked briefly in the music industry before founding his own record label, Def Jam Records, in 1984. This marked the start of his successful career in the music industry and soon led to the establishment of a media empire.
Despite his success in the business world, Russell has remained grounded in his family values and continues to maintain a close relationship with his brother, Daniel. Both brothers have made significant contributions to the music industry and have been influential in shaping the culture of hip-hop music.
The achievements of Russell Simmons and Daniel Simmons Jr.
Russell and Daniel have achieved tremendous success in their respective careers and have been recognized for their contributions to the music and entertainment industry. Russell has been honored with numerous awards, including NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Literary Work – Biography / Auto-Biography for his book “Success Through Stillness: Meditation Made Simple.” Daniel, on the other hand, has been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of Run-DMC, recognizing his role in the evolution of hip-hop music.
| Russell Simmons | Daniel Simmons Jr. |
|---|---|
| Founder of Def Jam Records | Member of Run-DMC |
| Co-founder of Rush Communications | Starred in reality TV show “Run’s House” |
| Author of multiple books | Featured on “Adventures of the Smart Patrol” album by DEVO |
Both Russell and Daniel continue to inspire and influence individuals across various industries through their work and achievements, proving that with hard work, dedication, and a strong value system, one can achieve success and bring positive change to the world.
Name and profession of Russell Simmons’ brother
Russell Simmons has a younger brother named Joseph “Rev Run” Simmons, who is best known as a founding member of the iconic hip-hop group Run DMC. Joseph was born on November 14, 1964, in Queens, New York, just like his older brother Russell.
As a member of Run DMC, Joseph rose to fame in the 1980s with hits like “It’s Tricky,” “My Adidas,” and “Walk This Way” with Aerosmith. The group was known for its distinctive style of mixing hip-hop with rock music, which helped to popularize hip-hop music and culture in mainstream America.
Some interesting facts about Rev Run
- Joseph was originally known as “Easy D” before changing his stage name to “Rev Run.”
- He is a practicing minister and has been featured on the reality TV series “Rev Run’s Sunday Suppers” on the Cooking Channel.
- Joseph has authored several books, including “Words of Wisdom: Daily Affirmations of Faith” and “Take Back Your Family: How to Raise Respectful and Loving Kids in a Dysfunctional World.”
Rev Run’s solo career
After Run DMC disbanded in 2002, Joseph launched a successful solo career as a rapper and producer. He released two studio albums, “Distortion” in 2005 and “Rev Run: Live” in 2008, which featured collaborations with artists like Kid Rock, Snoop Dogg, and Nas.
Joseph has also been involved in various TV and film projects, including co-hosting the reality show “Run’s House” on MTV, and appearing in the films “Tougher Than Leather” and “Krush Groove.”
Summary of Joseph “Rev Run” Simmons
Joseph “Rev Run” Simmons is a talented musician, writer, and TV personality who has made a significant impact on hip-hop culture and beyond. Along with his older brother Russell, he has helped to shape the course of popular music and entertainment over the past several decades.
| Birthdate | Profession | Albums |
|---|---|---|
| November 14, 1964 | Rapper, producer, minister, author, TV personality | Distortion (2005), Rev Run: Live (2008) |
Joseph’s contributions to the world of hip-hop and beyond continue to be celebrated by fans and critics alike, and his legacy is sure to endure for many years to come.
Significant contributions of Russell Simmons’ brother
While Russell Simmons may be the more well-known name in the family, his brother, Rev Run (also known as Joseph Simmons), has made significant contributions of his own. Here are a few examples:
- Music career: Rev Run was a founding member of the iconic hip-hop group, Run-DMC, in the 1980s. Along with Darryl “DMC” McDaniels and the late Jason “Jam Master Jay” Mizell, the group helped pioneer the genre and cemented themselves as legends in the industry.
- Reality TV star: In 2005, Rev Run and his family starred in the MTV reality show, “Run’s House.” The show followed the daily lives of Rev Run, his wife, and their five children. It was a hit with audiences and ran for six seasons.
- Spiritual leader: Rev Run is a practicing minister and has used his platform to share his faith with others. He has written several books on spirituality, including “Words of Wisdom: Daily Affirmations of Faith” and “Take Back Your Family: A Challenge to America’s Parents.”
Additionally, Rev Run has been involved in various philanthropic endeavors over the years. He has worked with organizations like PETA and the Rush Philanthropic Arts Foundation (founded by his brother) to support animal rights and provide resources for young artists, respectively.
Overall, Rev Run has made his mark in the entertainment industry, as well as in the realm of spirituality and philanthropy.
Relationship between Russell Simmons and his brother
Russell Simmons, the business magnate, and media personality is one of the successful entrepreneurs in the entertainment industry. But many people wonder who is Russell Simmons’ Brother? Well, Russell has an older brother named Daniel Simmons, Jr., who is also a successful entrepreneur and author.
- Daniel Simmons, Jr. was born on March 14, 1964, in Queens, New York, USA.
- He is an American author, businessman, philosopher, and motivational speaker.
- Daniel is also the founder of Rush Communications, the parent company of Def Jam Recordings, Phat Farm, and other ventures that he co-founded with his younger brother, Russell Simmons.
Daniel and Russell have had their fair share of disagreements and public feuds over the years, but they also have a strong bond and have collaborated on numerous business ventures. Despite their differences, they have always supported each other’s endeavors and have remained close as brothers.
One of the most notable collaborations between the brothers was the creation of Def Jam Recordings, which they co-founded in 1983. This legendary label is responsible for launching the careers of some of the biggest names in hip-hop, including LL Cool J, Public Enemy, and the Beastie Boys.
Another successful venture that the brothers launched together was Phat Farm, the popular hip-hop clothing line that became a massive success in the late 1990s and early 2000s. The brand was one of the first to merge the worlds of fashion and hip-hop, and it was hugely influential in shaping the style and culture of the era.
| Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Birthplace | Daniel Simmons, Jr. was born in Queens, New York, USA. |
| Business Ventures | Together, Russell and Daniel co-founded Def Jam Recordings, Phat Farm, and other ventures. |
| Feuds | The brothers have had public disagreements and feuds over the years. |
| Bond | Despite their differences, they have a strong bond as brothers. |
In conclusion, while Russell Simmons is more well-known to the general public, his older brother, Daniel Simmons, Jr. is also a successful entrepreneur and author. Despite their differences and occasional disagreements, the brothers have a strong bond and have collaborated on numerous successful business ventures that have left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry.
Comparison of Russell Simmons and his brother’s achievements
Brothers Russell and Joseph Simmons have both made notable contributions in the fields of entertainment and activism. Known for their philanthropic and entrepreneurial endeavors, the Simmons brothers have left their mark on the world in various ways.
- Music: Russell Simmons launched the iconic hip-hop record label Def Jam, which helped launch the careers of countless legendary artists such as LL Cool J, Public Enemy, and Beastie Boys. Joseph Simmons, aka Reverend Run, was part of the influential hip-hop group Run-DMC, known for their hits like “It’s Tricky” and “Walk This Way.”
- Fashion: Russell Simmons founded the fashion brand Phat Farm, which became a popular brand in the hip-hop community. Joseph Simmons created the clothing brand Run Athletics, which was also popular among the hip-hop crowd.
- Activism: Russell Simmons has been a vocal activist for a variety of causes, including animal rights and social justice. He founded the Rush Philanthropic Arts Foundation, which helps to support disadvantaged youth through the arts. Joseph Simmons has also been involved in activism, partnering with his brother to support various causes and also advocating for anti-violence and gun control efforts.
- Television: Russell Simmons has produced several successful television programs, including “Def Comedy Jam” and “Run’s House,” which featured his brother Joseph Simmons and his family. Joseph Simmons also starred in the reality show “Rev Run’s Sunday Suppers.”
- Authorship: Russell Simmons has authored several books, including “Do You! 12 Laws to Access the Power in You to Achieve Happiness and Success” and “Success Through Stillness: Meditation Made Simple.” Joseph Simmons has co-authored several books with his wife, including “Take Back Your Family: How to Raise Respectful and Loving Kids in a Dysfunctional World.”
While the Simmons brothers have both achieved success in different ways, they share a common thread of using their platforms to effect positive change in the world.
| Russell Simmons | Joseph Simmons | |
|---|---|---|
| Music | Founder of Def Jam | Member of Run-DMC |
| Fashion | Founder of Phat Farm | Founder of Run Athletics |
| Activism | Rush Philanthropic Arts Foundation | Anti-violence and gun control advocate |
| Television | Producer of “Def Comedy Jam” and “Run’s House” | Starred in “Rev Run’s Sunday Suppers” |
| Authorship | Authored “Do You! 12 Laws to Access the Power in You to Achieve Happiness and Success” and “Success Through Stillness: Meditation Made Simple.” | Co-authored “Take Back Your Family: How to Raise Respectful and Loving Kids in a Dysfunctional World.” |
Despite facing different challenges and pursuing different paths, Russell and Joseph Simmons have both left their mark in the entertainment and activism worlds, making significant contributions along the way.
Tragic incidents involving Russell Simmons and his brother
Russell Simmons, the American entrepreneur and co-founder of Def Jam, has had a tumultuous personal life, marked by tragedies involving his brother, Daniel Simmons, Jr. In this article, we’ll delve deeper into some of the most notable incidents that have affected both their lives.
- The murder of Daniel Simmons, Jr.: In 2008, Daniel Simmons, Jr. was killed in his home in Queens, New York, during a robbery attempt. The tragedy sent the entire Simmons family into a state of shock and mourning, with Russell publicly expressing his outrage over the senseless act of violence. The case remains unsolved to this day.
- Daniel Simmons, Jr.’s drug addiction and struggle with mental health issues. According to media reports, Daniel was plagued by drug addiction and mental health problems for much of his life. In interviews, Russell has spoken candidly about the challenges of trying to help his brother through such difficult times, admitting that he often felt powerless to do anything.
- Russell Simmons’ sexual assault allegations and Daniel’s support. In recent years, Russell Simmons has faced numerous accusations of sexual misconduct from multiple women, which he has vehemently denied. In response to the allegations, Daniel Simmons, Jr. has publicly defended his brother, calling him “innocent until proven guilty” and expressing his belief that the accusations were part of a larger conspiracy against him. However, some have criticized Daniel’s stance as being tone-deaf to the broader #MeToo movement and the experiences of survivors of sexual assault.
Despite the many difficulties faced by both brothers, Russell has continued to be a major figure in the music and entertainment industry, while also devoting much of his time and resources to philanthropic pursuits. Meanwhile, those who knew and loved Daniel Simmons, Jr. continue to honor his memory and reflect on the legacy he left behind.
Public perception of Russell Simmons’ brother
Russell Simmons’ brother, Daniel “Danny” Simmons Jr., is an accomplished artist and writer in his own right. However, his public image has undergone various changes over the years, with some negative press affecting his reputation.
- Drug addiction and legal issues: In the early 2000s, Danny Simmons was arrested multiple times for drug possession and driving under the influence. These legal troubles tarnished his public image and led to a period of negative press coverage.
- Redemption and art career: Despite these setbacks, Danny Simmons has since turned his life around and is now celebrated as a successful artist and writer. His artwork has been featured in galleries and museums across the country, and he has written several critically acclaimed books.
- Controversy over Rush Arts Gallery: In recent years, Danny Simmons has been involved in controversy over the management of Rush Arts Gallery, a non-profit organization he founded in 1995. Critics have accused him of financial mismanagement and conflicts of interest, but Simmons has denied any wrongdoing.
- Support for creative community: Despite these controversies, Danny Simmons remains a vocal advocate for the creative community, particularly artists of color. He has spoken out about the lack of diversity in the art world and has worked to create opportunities for emerging artists.
Overall, Danny Simmons’ public image has been shaped by a mix of personal struggles, artistic achievements, and controversial business dealings. However, his dedication to supporting and promoting creative talent has earned him respect and admiration in many circles.
As Tim Ferriss reminds us, “Perception is reality, but it’s not always the only reality.” While Danny Simmons’ public perception has certainly shifted over the years, his contributions to the arts and commitment to empowering others remain a defining aspect of his legacy.
FAQs About Who Is Russell Simmons Brother
1. Who is Russell Simmons brother?
Russell Simmons has a younger brother named Joseph Simmons, also known as Rev Run.
2. How is Joseph Simmons related to Russell Simmons?
Joseph Simmons is Russell Simmons’ younger brother.
3. What is Joseph Simmons known for?
Joseph Simmons is a musician, rapper, and founding member of the hip hop group Run-DMC.
4. What other ventures has Joseph Simmons pursued?
Apart from his music career, Joseph Simmons has also appeared on several TV shows, including his own reality series, “Run’s House.”
5. How successful is Joseph Simmons as a musician?
Joseph Simmons has been highly successful as a musician, with Run-DMC becoming one of the most influential and successful hip hop groups of all time.
6. Does Joseph Simmons still make music?
While Joseph Simmons has not released any new music in recent years, he still performs regularly and has made occasional guest appearances on other artists’ tracks.
7. What is the relationship between Russell Simmons and Joseph Simmons like?
Despite their different careers, Russell and Joseph Simmons are known to be close and supportive of each other’s work.
Closing Thoughts
Now that you know more about who Russell Simmons’ brother is, you can appreciate the impact his music and career have had on the world of hip hop. We hope you found these FAQs helpful and informative. Thank you for reading and please visit us again for more interesting articles.