"Don't worry about what others are doing. Do you!" ~ Russell Simmons
Fast Facts
Dropped out of college to begin promoting local musicians, including Kurtis Blow and his brother Joseph's rap group Run-D.M.C.
In 1984, co-founded Def Jam Records, which launched the music careers of the Beastie Boys, Public Enemy, LL Cool J and Run-D.M.C.
Founded Phat Farm clothing company in 1992.
