Russell Simons And How He Helped Shape Human Behavior - Research Paper Example

?Running Head: RUSSELL SIMONS Russell Simons And How He Helped Shape Human Behavior Russell Simons And How He Helped Shape Human Behavior “Everyone is genius at least once a year. The real geniuses simply have their bright ideas close together” (Lichtenberg). The identity of geniuses is their repeated success which cannot be simply attributed to luck. Such extraordinary beings tend to possess power and influence over people for their unmatched expertise in their fields. These persons are not only able to extract the most from their own lives, but also impact others to follow in their footsteps to similar success. The list containing the names of such individuals includes famous personalities like Bill Gates, Steve Jobs (late), Oprah Winfrey, Sergey Brin and Larry Page, Howard Schultz and many more. On this list, Russell Simmons occupies a prominent position for his unrivaled talent and immense geniuses. Russell Simmons, nicknamed Rush, was an African American born on 4th October, 1957, to middle-class parents in Queens, New York. His father was Daniel Simmons, a public school administrator while his mother Evelyn Simmons was a park administrator in New York. Therefore a major part of his upbringing occurred in Queens, New York. He has two brothers; one older and other younger to him. His youth was ordinary till he dropped out of college to promote local musicians like Kurtis Blow and Run-D.M.C. However, Russell Simmons fame started in the 1970s. Russell Simmons married model Kimora Lee in 1998, and has two daughters by the names of Ming and Aoki. Simmons got divorced in 2008 and has not married again since (Simmons 1*, 2011). Russell Simmons is said to be the pioneer of hip-hop black music in the mid-1970s. He changed his focus on hearing rap music, and innovated to produce a new genre of music based on beats and rhythms – the hip-hop (Simmons 3*). He continued to promote musicians bands by organizing inter-city concerts. He was a staunch believer of performing music in their original forms. Therefore, in 1984, along with co-founder and producer Rick Rubin, Russell Simmons launched his own company by the name of “Def Jam Recordings”, which is attributed to have signed seminal luminaries like Jay Z., L. L. Cool J. and Ludacris. It was his ground-breaking vision and a cultural revolution that became an internationally renowned phenomenon called hip-hop (Simmons 2*, 2009). Hence at a youthful age of 27, Russell Simmons was already an entrepreneur of novel music. Russell Simmons supported the originality of rap and hip-hop performances in contrary with the then trend of adapting white styles in music (Simmons 3*). The “Def Jam Recordings” signed up numerous renowned artists of the time and produced several record-breaking and instant-popularizing music pieces. In 1999, Russell Simmons took a leave from his company, only for expanding his business in the following years. He sold “Def Jam Recordings” to Universal Music group for an aggregate worth of $120 million (Simmons 3*). However, this was not the end of Russell Simmons’ reign. Russell Simmons’ “Def Jam Recordings” had made the hip-hop culture popular, eliminating the racial discrimination and promoting the “black culture” in all Americans alike. Several clothing lines introduced distinctively black attires and managed to transact profitably. Seeing this, Russell Simmons also launched his own clothing line by the name of “Phat Farm”. It rapidly grew into a highly profitable business, catering to a burning desire of the time. In 2004, Russell Simmons sold out his clothing line “Phat Farm” as well for a monetary worth of $140 million (Simmons 3*). However, this did not mark the downfall of Russell Simmons; on the contrary, Russell Simmons still had a lot to achieve. After earning significant name and recognition regarding the introduction and prosperity of hip-hop culture in America, Russell Simmons proceeded to enter the media industry. Along with his partner Stan Lathan, Russell Simmons launched his very own film and television production company by the name of “Simmons Lathan Media”. This production company is accredited for producing successful hit shows for HBO channel like “The Def Comedy Jam” and “Russell Simmons Presents Def Poetry”. It has also produced cherished films like the famous “The Nutty Professor”. In addition to these, Russell Simmons is also accredited for producing the Tony-award winning stage production by the name of “Russell Simmons Presents Def Poetry Jam on Broadway”. As if this was not enough, Simmons also produced an international hit on MTV by the name of “Run’s house” (Simmons 4*, 2011). “Running Russell Simmons” is the latest venture on behalf of this inspirational personality which has recently gained it the much-deserved popularity and stardom. Russell Simmons still did not feel as though he had reached the plethora of success, and this achievement hardly marred his enthusiasm for digging his hands in all dimensions in search of another goal. Russell Simmons barged into a foreign field when he launched his financial services business by the name of “Unirush Financial Services”. As with all his previous ventures, this project was launched in collaboration with a consumer-debt investor David Rosenberg. Initially targeted to serve the 60 million Americans under-served by the consumer banking industry, it rapidly gained popularity for its “general purpose reloadable (GPR) debit card services”. Simmons’ financial services business continues to flourish and expand. In 2010, Russell Simmons’ “Unirush Financial Services” collaborated with the “Accel Partners” and “The Carlyle Group” to introduce financial services aimed to provide alternatives to conventional banking for the middle class people (Simmons 2*, 2009). “Unirush Financial Services” continues to boom under Russell Simmons’ guidance. In 2006, Russell Simmons broke yet another ground and stepped into an entirely unrelated field when he launched a major men’s jewelry company by the name of “Simmons Jewelry Co. (SJC)” with his partner and SJC president Scott Rauch (The Huffington Post). This business grew drastically across the borders and spread to all corners of the world. SJC is now a renowned brand, providing artistic masterpieces to over 2000 stores worldwide. Russell Simmons still holds the ownership of this jewelry store. The unique aspect about Simmons Jewelry Company is its participation in funding educational programs in Africa. Through his Diamond Empowerment Fund (DEF), Russell Simmons has not only contributed to the Diamond industry of Africa, but has also initiated charitable work with the returns he receives from his new line of jewelry collection – The Green Initiative. To the plight of Africans, Russell Simmons responded to support them educationally and industrially (The Huffington Post). The exclusiveness of Russell Simmons’ jewelry products gained him the GEM award for innovative designs as well (Simmons 4*, 2011). Two years later, in 2008, Russell Simmons founded GlobalGrind.com – a leading online destination for celebrity entertainment, music, culture and politics. As with all his prosperous projects, this projected was also co-founded with Accel Partners’ managing partner, Jim Breyer. GlobalGrind.com proved to be a huge success with a reported $1.2 million sales in its first year of operations. This website was designed to cater the new and post-racial American population. Through the collaborative efforts, GlobalGrind.com has grown as a community to reach 2.6 million unique users each month. GlobalGrind.com in itself is a unique website, surpassing all hip-hop sites to form a category and genre of its own (Simmons 2*, 2009). GlobalGrind.com still operates under Russell Simmons brand name. Russell’s more recent ventures include two clothing lines – Argyle culture and American Classics (Simmons 4*, 2011). Argyle culture is said to be the first fashion brand that communicates with the “Urban Graduate” in its style, pattern and designing. This brand was launched in partnership with Macy’s and produces 9 different categorical cloth products like Sportswear, Clothing, Headwear, Hosiery, Accessories, Jewelry and Optical wears. It will not be wrong to call Argyle culture a lifestyle brand as it transcends from men’s apparels into women’s fashion wears and home furnishings (Simmons 2*, 2009). American Classics is a similar clothing line providing branded wears in affordable prices. However, both these clothing lines were launched in 2008 and still exist under Simmons’ supervision. On this note, it is worthy to mention that Russell Simmons also launched cologne by the name of Atman in year 2006 (Ting, 2006). Russell Simmons is also the fortunate writer of a best seller – “Do You! 12 Laws to Access the Power in You to Achieve Happiness and Success”. This book, written in 2008, achieved the 4th best seller position by New York Times and was even showcased on The Oprah Winfrey Show. The content of this book combines effective business practices with spiritual foundation to bring out the best in a person and put him/her on the path of career success (Simmons 4*, 2011). In a recent interview, Simmons mentioned about writing another book focused on worldly success also focused on the subject of needing nothing in real (Black, 2011). The content of this book is expected to be more religiously inclined, philosophical and spiritually centered in nature. This job is allegedly in process. Russell Simmons philanthropic inclinations are evident from his community works. He spends considerable time in working for social, political and philanthropic causes. In 1995, he along with his brothers Danny and Joseph Simmons founded Rush Philanthropic Arts Foundation. This Foundation proved to be a worthwhile platform for bringing the underprivileged and handicapped talented individuals to light. Russell Simmons is the chairman for Rush Community Affairs and the Foundation for Ethnic Understanding (Simmons 2*, 2009). The aims of these organizations are to eliminate discrimination and bring all ethnicities and religions together, closer to one another in a tolerating atmosphere. Following the success of Hip-Hop Summit in 2001, Simmons founded the Hip-Hop Summit Action Network (HSAN) in partnership with a civil rights activist Dr. Benjamin Chavis. HSAN aims to harness the cultural relevance of hip-hop music and to use it as a catalyst for promoting the importance of education and other social and societal matters relevant to the youth. Among HSAN’s achievements are the changes made and approved in Rockefeller Drugs Laws of 1973, reintegrating an aid of $300 million back into the New York City education budget, promoting awareness about voting and getting the youth registered for votes in order to introduce them to internal affairs of the country and the organization of “Get Your Money Right” Financial Empowerment International Summits for three successful years. HSAN has organized events in numerous cities of America, promoting awareness about drug abuse, emphasizing importance of education, propagating the essentiality of financial literacy and the significance of voting (The Huffington Post). Russell Simmons has not only worked for human beings – his inexpressible love for animals is reflected in him being a vegetarian and his affiliation with numerous organizations working against animal abuse. Simmons is a member of PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) and ASPCA (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals). Simmons became a part of promoting educational awareness regarding animal abuse and neglect for their needs. He was also a part of the negotiations of PETA with KFC (Kentucky Fried Chicken) in ensuring better breeding and slaughtering of chickens used by this brand (Simmons 2*, 2009). Russell Simmons is also a staunch believer of equal rights for all, including LGBT’s (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender) equality of rights. Indeed he took part in the Los Angeles’ Gay Pride Rally in 2010 where he alleged to support the cause for marriage rights till it would be formalized. Hence Simmons efforts regarding LGBT rights gained him the GLAAD award – Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation Media Award (Simmons 2*, 2009). In his recent interview, Russell Simmons shared his intentions and efforts for buying a TV network. According to him, he had been trying hard for a long time to obtain an ownership for a TV network (Black, 2011). The multi-talented genius Russell Simmons has proved himself to be, these efforts will most likely pay off in affirmative in near future. Another unheard investment made by Russell Simmons is for “Skinny Water”. The core motive behind this investment was Simmons’ love for providing people with those products that impact their lives positively (Black, 2011). With so many different lines of businesses and new projects on mind, Russell Simmons relies on meditation and yoga for obtaining better focus of his objectives and the problems faced for achieving his goals. Simmons’ focus for expanding his business operations had not been backed by greed for money – instead, he believes in providing services as a better mission for his business than simply multiplying money. He also revealed his secret behind the widespread expansion of his business realms. He would start out solo, work hard and create a team. The disoriented team would gradually tune into his mission and eventually become so efficient in the business, often out-smarting the pioneer. This is when Simmons would slowly tune out, handing over the responsibility to his team members while he plunged himself into another unique venture (Black, 2011). All through his life, Russell Simmons has maintained the position of an inspirational figure for the youth. From “Def Jam Recordings” to “Argyle Culture” – Simmons journey has aimed at eradicating the disease of discrimination from the society. All his products and services have been unified on the subject of users. In fact, his pioneering era of hip-hop has unified people across the globe – people from different continents could relate to each other on the basis of Simmons’ recordings. His main target audience has been the youth, “a generation that Simmons has strongly encouraged, nurtured and supported, and one that has proven to be more giving, loving and compassionate than the generation before them” (Simmons 4*, 2011). However, different projects were aimed at different sectors and sub-sectors of this youth. He has also attempted to unify ethnicities and religions to promote bonding. Russell Simmons is an inspiration for all for his success in quintessential serial entrepreneurships (Black, 2011). His down-to-earth and humble attitude in life is not only appreciable, but also a source of learning and inspiration for masses. Simmons has not only portrayed perfect timings in letting go of his businesses and entrusting them to responsible members, but also reflects such a phenomenon is not impossible. Simmons’ efforts in lifting poverty and his incessant efforts at promoting education among everyone alike are appreciable. As a person, businessman, serial entrepreneur, community-worker, social-worker and a philanthropist, Russell Simmons is truly a role model for this generation. His ability to maintain and juggle numerous things at a time is commendable. Russell Simmons has truly influenced human behavior positively with his own restless activities for the betterment of people. Simmons’ has undoubtedly set an example for his followers, and also left his secrets and his legacy in the form of his book, to take all interested individuals on their paths to success. But most importantly, Russell Simmons efforts in reconciling the differences between the races – black and whites – and unifying them for common betterment of the society will be remembered forever. References Lichtenberg, G. (n.d.). Intelligence Quotes. BrainyQuotes.com. Retrieved from http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/quotes/g/georgclic103627.html Simmons 1*, R. (2011). Russell Simmons Biography. Biography.com. Retrieved from http://www.biography.com/people/russell-simmons-307186 Simmons 2*, R. (2009). Russell Simmons. Rush Communications. Retrieved from http://www.rushcommunications.com/russell-simmons/ Black, T. (2011). What makes Russell Simmons so Successful?. Inc Magazine. Retrieved from http://www.rushcommunications.com/argyleculture/what-makes-russell-simmons-so-successful/ Simmons 3*, R. (n.d.). Russell Simmons. They Made America. Retrieved from http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/theymadeamerica/whomade/simmons_hi.html The Huffington Post. (n.d.). Russell Simmons. The Huffington Post. Retrieved from http://www.huffingtonpost.com/russell-simmons Simmons 4*, R. (2011). Russell Simmons. GlobalGrind.com. Retrieved from http://globalgrind.com/celebrities/russell-simmons Ting, Y. (2006). Russell Simmons Launches Atman. Fashion Flash. Retrieved from http://www.midweek.com/content/columns/fashionflash_article/russell_simmons_launches_atman/ Read More