Russell Simmons is a well-known entrepreneur, business executive, and producer. He is best known for being the co-founder of Def Jam Recordings and the creator of Phat Farm clothing line. He has had a successful career in the entertainment industry, making a significant impact on the music, fashion and media industries.
Russell Simmons’ net worth
As of 2023, Russell Simmons’ net worth is estimated to be around $340 million. He has accumulated his wealth through his various business ventures, particularly in the music, fashion and media industries.
General information
| Net Worth | $340 million |
| Full name | Russell Wendell Simmons |
| Known as | Russell Simmons |
| Date of Birth | October 4, 1957 |
| Place of Birth | Queens, New York City, United States |
| Height | 5’9” (1.76 m) |
| Nationality | American |
| Education | City College of New York |
| Profession | Entrepreneur, Businessperson, Producer |
What is Russell Simmons’ salary?
Information about Russell Simmons’ salary is not publicly available. However, it’s highly likely that he makes a significant amount of money on a yearly basis. According to some analyses based on his total net worth and the possible yield that he earns on his current wealth, it is estimated that he earns around $30 million per year.
What made Russell Simmons famous?
Russell Simmons is a renowned music industry figure, known for co-founding Def Jam Recordings, a highly influential and successful record label that launched the careers of many famous hip hop artists such as LL Cool J, Run-DMC, The Beastie Boys, and Public Enemy. He also played a pivotal role in popularizing and mainstreaming hip hop music and culture.
Simmons’s business acumen extends to fashion with the creation of Phat Farm, a successful clothing line that helped establish the urban fashion industry and was a pioneer of streetwear fashion. He also expanded his brand to other clothing lines and accessories, making Phat Farm a household name. He is also recognized for his philanthropic efforts, through the Rush Philanthropic Arts Foundation.
How did Russell Simmons make his fortune?
Russell Simmons made his fortune primarily through his successful career in the entertainment industry, particularly through his co-founding of Def Jam Recordings in 1984. The label is estimated to have generated hundreds of millions of dollars in revenue from album sales, touring, merchandise, and licensing deals.
Simmons also created Phat Farm, a successful clothing line that helped pave the way for the urban fashion industry and was an early pioneer of streetwear fashion. The brand is estimated to have generated hundreds of millions of dollars in revenue from clothing sales, licensing deals, and other ventures.
In addition to his work with Def Jam and Phat Farm, he has made money through his various business ventures, such as his production company and his media company, All Def Digital. Due to owning several successful companies his personal net worth is estimated to be over $340 million.
Family and relationships
| Partner | Kimora Lee Simmons (ex) |
| Father | Daniel Simmons Sr. |
| Mother | Evelyn Simmons |
| Siblings | Daniel, Jr., Joseph (Rev Run) |
| Children | David, Robyn |
Russell Simmons was married to model Kimora Lee Simmons from 1998 to 2009. They had two daughters together, Ming and Aoki. He has a close relationship with his family, particularly with his brothers Daniel and Joseph, and his daughters Ming and Aoki, who have followed in his footsteps in the fashion industry.
Russell Simmons with famous actress Taraji P. Henson.
Early life and education
Russell Simmons, born in 1957 in Queens, New York, had a background in public school administration and city park management. His brother Joseph, known as Rev Run, is a member of the famous hip hop group Run-DMC. Simmons attended City College of New York, where he met influential DJ/Bboy Kurt Walker, and was introduced to the emerging hip hop scene. He dropped out of college after attending a performance by Eddie Cheeba in 1977, and decided to pursue a career in the music industry.
Interesting facts
Here are some interesting facts about Russell Simmons:
- Russell Simmons co-founded Def Jam Recordings at the age of 24, and it went on to become one of the most successful record labels in the history of hip hop music.
- He created Phat Farm, a successful clothing line that helped pave the way for the urban fashion industry.
- Russell Simmons became a vegan in 1997.
- Simmons is a practicing yogi and he is a strong advocate for yoga and meditation.
Notable achievements
Russell Simmons is a trailblazer in the world of hip-hop and entertainment. He co-founded Def Jam Recordings, one of the most successful and influential record labels in the genre, and played a key role in launching the careers of many well known artists. He also helped pioneer the fusion of hip-hop and rock music through Run-DMC’s collaboration with Aerosmith on the iconic track “Walk This Way.”
Simmons’ impact on the music industry has been immense, and his influence can still be felt to this day.
Additionally, he has also made significant contributions to fashion, helping to establish the streetwear style associated with hip-hop culture through his Phat Farm clothing line.
Get to know Russell Simmons
To gain a deeper understanding of Russell Simmons and his impact on the entertainment industry, readers can check out his memoir “Life and Def: Sex, Drugs, Money, + God” which was published in 2001. Additionally, the HBO documentary “Russell Simmons Def Poetry” showcases his contributions to spoken word and poetry.
Final word
Russell Simmons is a highly successful entrepreneur, business executive and producer who has made a significant impact on the music, fashion and media industries. With an estimated net worth of $340 million, he has built a fortune through his various business ventures, particularly in the music, fashion and media industries.
