Episode 659: Russel Simmons: Mogul or Monster?

On this episode of the world famous Sofa King Podcast, we look at the achievements, impacts, and allegations against the original Hip-Hop mogul, Russell Simmons. A young Simmons fell in love the new art form of rap and immediately took charge of the genre’s future. He signed Kurtis Blow from his dorm room on to a label that didn’t exist, and he hustled every DJ in New York until he got him a record deal. From there, he created Def Jam records and was architect to the success of acts such as Run-DMC, The Beastie Boys, Public Enemy, and LL Cool J. He produced movies, reinvented stand up, created a fashion line, and put poetry slams on the map. In 2018, he stepped down from all of his corporate ties due to multiple sexual assault claims. Even under that dark shadow, Simmons stands out as a cultural titan that every rap mogul since has imitated.

Visit Our Sources:

https://www.biography.com/musician/russell-simmons

https://www.thehistorymakers.org/biography/russell-simmons-40

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Russell_Simmons

https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/russell-simmons-sexual-assault-allegations-a-timeline-202515/

https://www.nytimes.com/2017/12/13/arts/music/russell-simmons-rape.html

https://www.celebritynetworth.com/richest-celebrities/richest-rappers/russell-simmons-net-worth/