Summary: Russell Simmons isn't shy about expressing his opinion, and doesn't mince words, whether it's about Hollywood's lack of diversity, global warming, veganism, or the election. "The first thing I said is 'I'd rather Kim Kardashian be president,'" Simmons says of Donald Trump, a man he's known and had a friendship with for some 30 years before the 2016 campaign. One of the most extraordinary businessmen in modern American history, Simmons achieved enormous success in a variety of endeavors. As co-founder of Def Jam Recordings, Simmons helped bring hip-hop music into the mainstream. He later created fashion lines like Phat Farm and produced HBO's Def Comedy Jam, which helped launch the careers of megastars like Chris Rock, Bernie Mac, Martin Lawrence and many more. Today, Simmons is chairman and CEO of Rush Communications, which includes over 10 businesses and three non-profits. He's also the author of several best-selling books, including Success Through Stillness and The Happy Vegan. "The integration of culture is an explosion," he says. "It's so much fun. That's what America is about. That's where the success comes in."
