Russell Simmons releases his second inspirational book titled Super Rich: A Guide to Having it All. In an interview with AllHipHop, Simmons said the book delves deeper into the secrets that helped him obtain a net worth of over $300 million. ”I hope it promotes prosperity and well being for whoever reads it” said the hip hop mogul. To order the book check Amazon. To read excerpts from the book click here.
Forbes takes a closer look at Russell Simmons’ entrepreneurial side in this “Serial StartUps” video feature. Everything from his Rush Communications to his own credit card line is discussed. A great view inside one of the true masters of business.
This past weeks E3 Convention was a big launching point for the long-awaited Def Jam Rapstar video game. Up until then, there was very little public awareness of the title save for the current viral video campaign they were executing.
Marketing for the video game has now gone full force including full online game play access to reviewers and the king of Def Jam himself, Russell Simmons, even weighs in on the game in a recent Q&A with Billboard.
Past Def Jam-branded videogames have been focused more on fighting. Why is this the first music-focused game you’ve backed?
It seemed like there was a white space out there. It’s nice to do something that’s necessary and obvious like this. It needed to be done. There’s a lack of visibility of hip-hop in games, I don’t know why. But, we’re here now.
What do you hope Rapstar will achieve, other than sales?
I like the poetry. It can help kids be more expressive and creative. That’s a good exercise for their brains.
How do you feel about the way hip-hop has been represented in games so far?
They say videogames have helped hip-hop. Well now it’s time for the opposite. All these games forget it’s more of a lifestyle. It has more of a cultural impact and influence than they give it credit for.
What’s the most interesting innovation of the game in your mind?
I’m not a videogame dude. I’m a chairman of a company. I leave the details to guys like Kevin [Liles] and others. For me, it was just an obvious idea I felt comfortable with.
Any future videogame plans?
We’re in the videogame business and we have been in the videogame business. We’re not going anywhere.
Rush Philanthropic x Pepsi Refresh Project. Since the Pepsi Refresh Project gives grants to fund refreshing ideas that change the world, Rush Philanthropics is urging for your vote to continue their incentives to further help the community. To help raise money for the company’s projects vote at refresheverything.com/voterussellsimmons.
Russell Simmons x GlobalGrind. Russell Simmons has been really focusing on his GlobalGrind site the past year or so and the hard work has been paying off as traffic has been steadily increasing each month. Now they are going into the digital short arena kicking things off with the 8 week series “Hustles with Russells” featuring Affion Crockett as Simmons’ double. Check the teaser trailer.
Russell Simmons x Comedy Central. Russell Simmons and Stan Lathan the producers of “Def Comedy Jam” are developing a new stand-up series with cable network Comedy Central.
“We’ve been trying to get into business with Russell and Stan for a while now and this new stand-up series is an exciting first venture for us to partner with them,” said Elizabeth Porter, senior vp, specials and talent. “As someone who was a huge fan of ‘Def Comedy Jam,’ working alongside these two incredible visionaries on this series has been nothing short of amazing.”
The “Def Comedy Jam” series helped start the careers of Chris Tucker, Dave Chappelle, Martin Lawrence and more. To begin your day with a chuckle check the jump for a performance by Damon Wayans Jr.
Russell Simmons x Oxygen. The cable network which caters towards females 18-54 and is famous for reality programming such as “The Bad Girls Club” is now bringing in Uncle Russell into the mix. “The Russell Simmons Project” will follow the female assistants of Russ as they manage his “business deals… family life, party planning and love life.”
“Throughout my career I have surrounded myself with people smarter than me,” Simmons said. “This show will let them shine and provide insight into how we build our empire from the inside out.”
The show is currently in development and set to air in 2010. We think this will be a good move for Russell as his business dealings for the most part have been kept out of mainstream publicity compared to someone like Puffy. It will be nice to see all that Russell is doing aside from hooking up with hot women taller than him.
Russell Simmons x Brave New Voices. Russell continues to do business where the real money is as he has now secured a production deal for the upcoming HBO series “Brave New Voices.” The series kicks off on Sunday and according to the press release:
…chronicles the lives of¬†teen poets from seven cities around the nation as they prepare to compete in Youth Speaks’ annual Brave New Voices Festival. It’s narrated by Queen Latifah. Idris Elba hosts the finals.
Check the preview video compliments of Rap Radar. Say what you want about Russell, but with this HBO money and Wal-Mart money through his new clothing line, it’s pretty safe to say he is Recession proof. Guess he won’t be needing these Fat Joe kicks anytime soon.