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.

• PICS: Queen Latifah’s new “Queen” perfume
• VIDEO: Queen Latifah’s “Fast Car” shoot with 2010 Mustang
• VIDEO: Queen Latifah’s “Fast Car” video is a Ford Mustang ad
• PICS: Common & Queen Latifah on the set of “Just Wright”
• Queen Latifah signs new contract with Jenny Craig

Russell Simmons x American Classics. Russell Simmons is going out of his way to show the world that his new American Classics clothing line is NOT urban. The clothing line, which launched beginning of this month, is available only at Wal-Mart for lower budget prices but apparently Russell is not happy with the fact that his clothing line was called “urban.” He states in his official Global Grind blog:

“American Classics is meant to reflect classic style for everyone.¬† So when I notice that WWD and others have described my American Classics line as urban, for those writers you have to ask yourself, what defines my line as urban?¬† Their definition of urban seems almost to be a bad word and is certainly a confining one.¬† My intention is to dress America without limitation.”

For the record, I never said American Classics was urban, in fact it’s about as non-urban as Russell’s current girlfriend. As if Russell telling us American Classics is not urban I think it’s pretty easy to tell he’s trying to communicate this in his ads and “infomerical” video. Looks straight out of a Tommy Hilfiger catalog.

• Russell Simmons launches Wal-Mart clothing line
• Russell Simmons launches new HBO series “Brave New Voices”
• Russell Simmons celebrates Sponge Bob with $75K chain
• Kanye West kills rumors that his clothing line will be sold at Wet Seal
• Jay-Z, Pharrell, others release limited Barack Obama tees

Russell Simmons has teamed up with Wal-Mart, the largest retailer in the country, to market and distribute Simmons’ new clothing line called American Classics. According to the official press release, American Classics will be featured in over 10% of Wal-Mart stores (approx. 350 stores) and is also available for purchase on the official Wal-Mart website as well.

Unlike Simmons’ other clothing lines including Phat Farm and Argyle Culture, American Classics will be priced to sell during these times of financial difficulty. American Classics’ first season has a heavy focus on purple, navy, and white and includes jeans, sweater vests, casual sports shoes, and woven and knit shirts with 80% of the collection priced at $15 or less.

Looks like Russell continues to make moves and stay relevant and most important, he realizes that the days of the bling era and extravagant spending are long gone. Right now it’s about value and saving…let’s see if American Classics fares better than Master P’s Wal-Mart line though.

• New ads emphasize Russell Simmons’ clothing line is NOT urban
• Video: Russell Simmons talks partnership w/ Kay Jewelers
• Master P with exclusive Wal-Mart clothing line
• will.i.Am launches new i.am clothing collection
• Russell Simmons launches new HBO series “Brave New Voices”

Russell Simmons’ jewelry line, Simmons Jewelry Co. (as we mentioned, available at your local Kay Jewlers) is celebrating the 10 year anniversary of Sponge Bob Square Pants with a limited edition 12 ct white diamond pendant valued at $75,000. The pendant also includes 18 ct of yellow and white gold and will be sold off at auction to raise money for a non-profit org led by Simmons.

Too bad Sean Kingston does not have another hit single. He is the ONLY person I could think of that would realistically bid on this. Via: ProHipHop

• Hip-hop artist jewelry collections go up for auction
• Video: Russell Simmons talks partnership w/ Kay Jewelers
• Pharrell shows off new KAWS diamond pendant
• Raekwon drops another limited edition t-shirt
• Russell Simmons launches Wal-Mart clothing line

• Russell Simmons celebrates Sponge Bob with $75K chain
• New ads emphasize Russell Simmons’ clothing line is NOT urban
• Method Man & Redman Adidas print ads
• Russell Simmons launches Wal-Mart clothing line
• Video: Will.I.Am creates music for Australia cause

The campaign will run a series of 30 and 60 second spots all focused around meeting together for a big pool party. My favorite is this K.G. vs. Jeezy spot. Check all the ads out here and remember to keep coming back to WoooHa, Inc. for all the latest hip-hop marketing and business info you can handle.

The Invitation – Jeezy, Missy Elliott, Russell Simmons, DMC

The Game – Young Jeezy vs. Kevin Garnett

The House Party

• Method Man & Redman Adidas print ads
• Video: Extended Young Jeezy vs. KG Adidas ad
• Young Jeezy shows off “Snowman” Adidas sneakers
• Young Jeezy’s Belvedere Vodka “Circulate” music vid
• Video: Young Jeezy’s new Belvedere Vodka ad campaign