Tag Archives: russell simmons

Happy 67th Birthday To Hip Hop’s First Mogul Russell Simmons!

Russell Simmons' Anonymous Rape Accusers Loses Lawsuit Because Claims Fell Outside The Statute of Limitations

Russell Simmons' Anonymous Rape Accusers Loses Lawsuit Because Claims Fell Outside The Statute of Limitations

Today we celebrate the 67th birthday of Hip Hop pioneer Russell Simmons!

Since the founding of Def Jam Recordings in 1983, Russell Simmons has been an instrumental part in the advancement of Hip Hop culture. Over his illustrious career Russell has launched the careers of multi-platinum artists (LL Cool J, Beastie Boys, and Public Enemy to name a few), co-founded top-selling clothing lines Baby Phat and Phat Farm, created financial institutions with the Rush Card, and award-winning television shows Def Poetry Jam and Run’s House. It is nearly impossible to say what the state of rap music and Hip Hop culture would be today with the Russell Simmons influence.

Lately, Uncle Rush has even begun taking large strides outside of the entertainment and financial industries, becoming Hip Hop’s new-age spiritual guru. Since 2010, Simmons has released self-help books sharing his views on religion, spirituality, and even health. Through his Hindu and vegan lifestyles, Uncle Rush has assumed the role of mentor to a vast majority of today’s top recording artists.

Over the years, Hip Hop empires have risen to power and fallen from the mountaintop. Russell Simmons, however, has always been able to brave the tide and stand strong as one of the most impregnable forces of marketing and branding expertise. Since his first project, Run D.M.C., it has been obvious that no one truly understands Hip Hop the way that Russell Simmons does. His Midas touch continues to transform the culture into something new (and more profitable) with every idea he brings to fruition. He is truly a rap genius.

The post Happy 67th Birthday To Hip Hop’s First Mogul Russell Simmons! appeared first on .

Click Here to Discuss in the Forums

Spread the love
             
 
   

Russell Simmons Escalates Legal Battle with Ex-Wife Kimora Lee Simmons Over Financial Dispute

Russell Simmons Kimora Lee Simmons

Russell Simmons’ legal battle with his ex-wife, Kimora Lee Simmons, appears far from over, despite his earlier optimism about a resolution. Four months ago, Russell hinted that the lawsuit he filed against Kimora was close to being settled, but recent developments suggest otherwise.

According to court documents obtained by In Touch, the 66-year-old music mogul has ramped up his efforts, demanding that Kimora, 49, produce private text messages and appear for a deposition this month as part of their ongoing federal court dispute. The case centers around allegations that Kimora used Russell’s shares of their jointly owned energy drink company to bail out her then-husband, Tim Leissner, from jail.

Russell’s recent legal moves indicate that the two have reached an impasse regarding the production of key documents he believes are critical to proving his case. He is specifically seeking communications between Kimora and Tim Leissner related to financial transactions that are at the heart of the dispute, as well as communications between Kimora and her financial advisors. Despite repeated requests, Kimora has not turned over the texts Russell believes are necessary for his case.

“The only text messages Ms. Lee has produced appear to be messages sent or received by Defendant Leissner, not her,” Russell’s lawyer argued, adding that Russell is entitled to messages containing responsive content, excluding those solely between Kimora and Leissner unless third parties were involved in the conversation.

In addition to the document dispute, Russell is pressing for Kimora to attend a deposition in New York. However, Kimora’s legal team has pushed back, arguing that she resides in Los Angeles, where three of her five children—who are school-age minors—live with her. Her lawyer emphasized that Russell is well aware of her location, noting that he has even sued her in Los Angeles previously. Kimora is insisting that the deposition take place in Los Angeles instead.

As tensions between the former couple escalate, a judge has set a hearing for October to address these issues.

Thoughts?

The post Russell Simmons Escalates Legal Battle with Ex-Wife Kimora Lee Simmons Over Financial Dispute first appeared on The Source.

The post Russell Simmons Escalates Legal Battle with Ex-Wife Kimora Lee Simmons Over Financial Dispute appeared first on The Source.

Click Here to Discuss in the Forums

Spread the love
             
 
   

Today in Hip-Hop History: Slick Rick Drops His 2nd Album ‘The Ruler’s Back’ 33 Years Ago

tumblr 8e2526556f0a41c32acc2bb8708c77a2 bb4e11b7 500

Slick Rick was, and still is, one of the greatest storytellers in hip-hop history. After the promotion and success of his first album, The Adventures of Slick Rick, the British MC continued his ascent to stardom with his sophomore effort The Ruler’s Back.

Slick Rick’s second album was finished quickly because he was hit with a five-year stint behind bars. The first hit single off the album was “I Shouldn’t Have Done It,” reaching number two on the Hot Rap Charts.

Following “I Shouldn’t Have Done It,” Slick Rick released the singles “Mistakes of a Woman in Love With Other Men” and “It’s A Boy.” The project also features production from Mr. Lee and Slick Rick himself. Russell Simmons served as executive producer.

Listen to The Ruler’s Back on Spotify.

The post Today in Hip-Hop History: Slick Rick Drops His 2nd Album ‘The Ruler’s Back’ 33 Years Ago first appeared on The Source.

The post Today in Hip-Hop History: Slick Rick Drops His 2nd Album ‘The Ruler’s Back’ 33 Years Ago appeared first on The Source.

Click Here to Discuss in the Forums

Spread the love
             
 
   

Russell Simmons Says He Has No Reason to Feel Unsafe in America, Will Remain in Bali

Russell Simmons' Anonymous Rape Accusers Loses Lawsuit Because Claims Fell Outside The Statute of Limitations

Russell Simmons is addressing his residency in Bali. Speaking with AllHipHop, Simmons reveals that he isn’t hiding out and is freely welcomed in the United States.

“People saying that I somehow can’t come home when I’m there all the time wears on you,” Simmons said. “It wears on me after a while to keep hearing the same narrative, which is false. I’m always in L.A., I’m always in New York and Miami. And I’ve never had any reason to feel unsafe in America.”

Simmons revealed he doesn’t own any property in the United States and has no intention of ever living in New York City again, opting for Bali.

In March, Russell Simmons was officially served a lawsuit. While at a Bali resort, Simmons received a lawsuit from Drew Dixon, accusing him of defamation.

Dixon is suing Simmons after he called her a “liar” and stated her accusations of sexual assault were an attempt for fame. The comments from the Def Jam mogul are said to have damaged Dixon’s professional career.

According to AllHipHop, Simmons received the lawsuit from a process server named Daniel John Ayoub at 12:30 local time. Ayoub bypassed security by stating he was interested in the resort, hanging out for an hour, and spotting Simmons at a restaurant.

“I recognized him as the person named in the service papers as Russell Simmons is a well-known celebrity and widely known in Bali, Indonesia as well as in the United States and other places,” Ayoub said.

Once Simmons was seated, Ayoub stated he approached: “I said ‘Excuse me, Mr. Simmons, sorry to interrupt your meeting.’ I then handed Simmons the service documents in an envelope and said, ‘This is for you.”

After alerting Simmons that he was being served from the state of New York, Ayoub recalls Simmons dropping the paperwork and responding, “Ah f—. s—!”

Simmons would later wonder how Ayoub got through security and could enter the resort.

In February, Russell Simmons was the subject of another rape allegation from a former Def Jam employee. The Jane Doe states Simmons also obstructed her career from advancing.

The lawsuit was filed in New York City federal court under New York’s Adult Survivors Act, revealing the woman worked for Simmons as an executive and video producer.

Doe’s relationship with Simmons was professional and turned violent, impacting her “financial viability.”

The unidentified woman states Simmons invited her to his home music video work, leading to a “playful” attempt of wrestling turned aggressive behavior and rape. The document reads, “Ms Doe repeatedly told Mr Simmons to get off of her, but he refused.”

Following the incident, the woman stated Simmons would intimidate her in the office when he visited her desk, eventually leading her to have panic attacks. The woman is seeking monetary damages as a result of a trial.

The post Russell Simmons Says He Has No Reason to Feel Unsafe in America, Will Remain in Bali first appeared on The Source.

The post Russell Simmons Says He Has No Reason to Feel Unsafe in America, Will Remain in Bali appeared first on The Source.

Click Here to Discuss in the Forums

Spread the love
             
 
   

Aoki Lee Simmons’s Relationship with 65-Year-Old Vittorio Assaf is Over

Aoki Lee Simmons's Relationship with 65-Year-Old Vittorio Assaf is Over

The relationship between 21-year-old Aoki Lee Simmons and 65-year-old Vittorio Assaf is over. According to Page Six, Kimora Lee Simmons was livid about her daughter’s relationship, which is now over and referred to as a “fling.”

“It’s 100% done. They’re absolutely not dating,” an insider revealed. Aoki is quoted as saying, “Of course, I’m not with him. I was never with him,” despite images of them kissing in St. Barts.

Images of Russell Simmons’ daughter, 21-year-old Aoki, have hit the Internet, showing her enjoying a vacation with her 65-year-old boyfriend.

Seeing the images of Aoki and the man, Vittorio Assaf, founder of Serafina Restaurant Group, Simmons said he would “not kick and scream about her choices.”

Simmons added about the couple currently vacationing in St. Barts, “All I can do is offer my advice and unconditional love.”

You can see the images of Aoki and her bae below.

The post Aoki Lee Simmons’s Relationship with 65-Year-Old Vittorio Assaf is Over first appeared on The Source.

The post Aoki Lee Simmons’s Relationship with 65-Year-Old Vittorio Assaf is Over appeared first on The Source.

Click Here to Discuss in the Forums

Spread the love
             
 
   

Russell Simmons Says He Will Not ‘Kick and Scream’ About 21-Year-Old Daughter Dating a 65-Year-Old Man

Russell Simmons' Anonymous Rape Accusers Loses Lawsuit Because Claims Fell Outside The Statute of Limitations

Images of Russell Simmons’ daughter, 21-year-old Aoki, have hit the Internet, showing her enjoying a vacation with her 65-year-old boyfriend.

Seeing the images of Aoki and the man, Vittorio Assaf, founder of Serafina Restaurant Group, Simmons said he would “not kick and scream about her choices.”

Simmons added about the couple currently vacationing in St. Barts, “All I can do is offer my advice and unconditional love.”

You can see the images of Aoki and her bae below.

Russell Simmons was officially served a lawsuit. While hiding out at a Bali resort, Simmons received a lawsuit from Drew Dixon, accusing him of defamation.

Dixon is suing Simmons after he called her a “liar” and stated her accusations of sexual assault were an attempt for fame. The comments from the Def Jam mogul are said to have damaged Dixon’s professional career.

According to AllHipHop, Simmons received the lawsuit from a process server named Daniel John Ayoub at 12:30 local time. Ayoub bypassed security by stating he was interested in the resort, hanging out for an hour, and spotting Simmons at a restaurant.

“I recognized him as the person named in the service papers as Russell Simmons is a well-known celebrity and widely known in Bali, Indonesia as well as in the United States and other places,” Ayoub said.

Once Simmons was seated, Ayoub stated he approached: “I said ‘Excuse me, Mr. Simmons, sorry to interrupt your meeting.’ I then handed Simmons the service documents in an envelope and said, ‘This is for you.”

After alerting Simmons that he was being served from the state of New York, Ayoub recalls Simmons dropping the paperwork and responding, “Ah f—. s—!”

Simmons would later wonder how Ayoub got through security and could enter the resort.

In February, Russell Simmons was the subject of another rape allegation from a former Def Jam employee. The Jane Doe states Simmons also obstructed her career from advancing.

The lawsuit was filed in New York City federal court under New York’s Adult Survivors Act, revealing the woman worked for Simmons as an executive and video producer.

Doe’s relationship with Simmons was professional and turned violent, impacting her “financial viability.”

The unidentified woman states Simmons invited her to his home music video work, leading to a “playful” attempt of wrestling turned aggressive behavior and rape. The document reads, “Ms Doe repeatedly told Mr Simmons to get off of her, but he refused.”

Following the incident, the woman stated Simmons would intimidate her in the office when he visited her desk, eventually leading her to have panic attacks. The woman is seeking monetary damages as a result of a trial.

The post Russell Simmons Says He Will Not ‘Kick and Scream’ About 21-Year-Old Daughter Dating a 65-Year-Old Man first appeared on The Source.

The post Russell Simmons Says He Will Not ‘Kick and Scream’ About 21-Year-Old Daughter Dating a 65-Year-Old Man appeared first on The Source.

Click Here to Discuss in the Forums

Spread the love
             
 
   

Today in Hip-Hop History: Run-D.M.C.’s Self Titled Debut Album Turns 40 Years Old!

tumblr po7tt6F90g1t1yehoo1 500

On this date in 1984, the Kings from Queens released their first self-titled album on Def Jam Recordings under Rush Management.

This monumental album put Daryl McDaniels (DMC), Joseph Simmons (DJ Run), and Jason Mizell (Jam Master Jay) on the map, and launched one of the most successful careers Hip-Hop has ever seen.

With songs like “Sucker MCs,” “It’s Like That,” “Hard Times” and “Rock Box,” the record was an accurate reflection of the lives of three ambitious kids from Hollis, Queens in New York City in a time before the crack epidemic.

Simmons and McDaniels used to hang around Two-Fifths Park in Hollis in late 1980, hoping to rap for the local DJs who performed and competed there. The most popular one just happened to be Mizell, then known as “Jazzy Jase” because of his flashy wardrobe and b-boy attitude. Eventually, Simmons and McDaniels rapped in front of Mizell at the park, and the rest is history.

As a group, they soon strapped on a pair of Adidas, threw on a rope chain and topped it off with a Kangol hat. Little did they know, they were crafting a signature style, one that has stood the test of time and is widely recognized around the world.

Run-D.M.C. went on to release six more albums, including 1985’s King of Rock and 1986’s Raising Hell. Tragically, Mizell was gunned down on October 30, 2002, at his recording studio in Queens. Countless fans left Adidas sneakers, albums and flowers for the legendary DJ outside of the studio, where the murder occurred. The homicide has yet to be solved.

Run-D.M.C. was also inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2009, making them one of only two Hip Hop acts given that honor at the time.

dmc_389_389

The post Today in Hip-Hop History: Run-D.M.C.’s Self Titled Debut Album Turns 40 Years Old! first appeared on The Source.

The post Today in Hip-Hop History: Run-D.M.C.’s Self Titled Debut Album Turns 40 Years Old! appeared first on The Source.

Click Here to Discuss in the Forums

Spread the love
             
 
   

Russell Simmons Accused of Rape of Former Def Jam Employee in New Lawsuit

Russell Simmons' Anonymous Rape Accusers Loses Lawsuit Because Claims Fell Outside The Statute of Limitations

Russell Simmons is the subject of another rape allegation from a former Def Jam employee. The Jane Doe states Simmons also obstructed her career from advancing.

The lawsuit was filed in New York City federal court under New York’s Adult Survivors Act, revealing the woman worked for Simmons as an executive and video producer.

Doe’s relationship with Simmons was professional and turned violent, impacting her “financial viability.”

The unidentified woman states Simmons invited her to his home music video work, leading to a “playful” attempt of wrestling turned aggressive behavior and rape. The document reads, “Ms Doe repeatedly told Mr Simmons to get off of her, but he refused.”

Following the incident, the woman stated Simmons would intimidate her in the office when he visited her desk, eventually leading her to have panic attacks. The woman is seeking monetary damages as a result of a trial.

The post Russell Simmons Accused of Rape of Former Def Jam Employee in New Lawsuit first appeared on The Source.

The post Russell Simmons Accused of Rape of Former Def Jam Employee in New Lawsuit appeared first on The Source.

Click Here to Discuss in the Forums

Spread the love
             
 
   

Russell Simmons Talks Taking Multiple Lie Detector Tests & Addresses ‘Deadbeat Dad’ Allegations

During the latest episode of In Depth with Graham Bensinger, Russell Simmons addressed his sexual assault allegations, disclosing that he underwent nine lie detector tests. The Def Jam co-founder also confronted allegations of being a “deadbeat dad.”

‘I Took Nine Lie Detector Tests, People Don’t Know That’

Russell Simmons has recently spoken out about the sexual assault allegations against him. 

In the interview with In Depth with Graham Bensinger, released on Dec. 6, the longtime music executive opened up about his decision to take nine lie detector tests. Simmons explained that he felt compelled to take a test for every serious accusation against him. Simmons stressed that he had never been violent and had never apologized for assaulting anyone. 

However, faced with claims from multiple individuals, he felt it necessary to address these allegations through polygraph tests.

“I took nine lie detector tests, people don’t know that,” said Simmons, who was first accused of sexual assault in 2017. Nine separate , seven from the Chairman of the Polygraph Association. One for each and serious accusation,” Simmons said. 

Since 2017, a total of 18 women have come forward with allegations against Simmons, ranging from inappropriate behavior in the workplace to instances of assault and rape. 

‘Violent’ Allegations

Simmons also said that he took one test per “violent” allegation or per claim that he felt could be compounded because several accusers said the same. He explained:

“When someone said, for instance, ‘I was violent,’ one person said that — and I’ve never been violent. Took that. And one said I apologized. I never apologized about assaulting anyone. But if two people say it, because one said it, and #metoo, and the second person said it, then I took a test for it.”

Footage of women who accused Simmons of rape and sexual assault were shown during the interview and each described what happened to them. Users on Twitter (X) reacted to the claims number women and the amount of sexual partners Simmons confessed to have, which he says is over 1,000. 

One user named @eeshgeebor commented “I mean, he moved to a country with a no extradition treaty. If that doesn’t say guilty I don’t know what does,” and one other user named @Yaboit80sbaby commented, “I would think that’s low for Russell Simmons but some of the stories that’s come out about him are cringing!” 

The ‘Deadbeat Dad’ Allegations

Simmons also addressed the allegations of him being a “deadbeat dad.” 

“They know that I love them unconditionally, I can’t unlove them. It’s very hurtful, but you know what my job is? There’s nothing that I can do to convince anyone nor should I need to convince people. I have not responded to any of the negative stuff in the media, the attacks, at all,” Simmons said. 

Simmons also said he is not a deadbeat since he has paid $50,000 a year for 20 years in child support and that he has to talk to his children behind ex-wife Kimora Lee Simmons’ back. 

One user named @heacybagofrice commented, “bull, the youngest is  on tiktok and exposing his  crappy ways.” 

Family Feud

In June 2023, Simmons’ daughter, Ming Lee Simmons, stirred controversy when she excluded any mention of her father in her Father’s Day tribute on social media. This public omission raised questions about the relationship dynamics within the Simmons family and sparked a wave of speculation and discussions on social media.

Updated By: Chris Samuel (12/7/23 at 6:50 pm)

Russell Simmons Takes Lie Detector Test & Challenges Accusers, Results Come In

Music mogul Russell Simmons is really out here saving his image. The hip-hop icon has reportedly taken a lie detector test in an effort to respond to rape accusations with evidence showing he’s in the clear.

According to reports, Simmons took a polygraph test Wednesday (December 13) in Los Angeles to address a recent sexual assault accusation from model Keri Claussen Khalighi.

According to Simmons’ attorneys, Michael Sterling and E. Carlos Tanner, Simmons passed with flying colors, and plans to repeat the test for allegations made by 4 other women. They say Russell will release all the results once he’s completed the tests. Russell and his legal team are inviting any of his accusers, including Khalighi, to also take a polygraph. (TMZ)

A few hours ago, Simmons went to social media and promised to fight back against the growing sexual attack claims.

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bcr6U8AgyNL/

This week, multiple women stepped up and singled Russell out over sexual misconduct.

https://twitter.com/nytimes/status/941088091296673793
https://twitter.com/nytimes/status/941088324084817921
https://twitter.com/nytimes/status/941088704319369216
https://twitter.com/nytimes/status/941088927397634050

Following the latest accusations, Simmons immediately came forward with a statement to deny the graphic claims.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BcqZWCsAlfX/?taken-by=unclerush

Originally Written By: SOHH Squad

The post Russell Simmons Talks Taking Multiple Lie Detector Tests & Addresses ‘Deadbeat Dad’ Allegations appeared first on SOHH.com.

Click Here to Discuss in the Forums

Spread the love
             
 
   

Today in Hip-Hop History: The Beastie Boys’ Dropped Their Sophomore LP ‘Licensed To Ill’ 37 Years Ago

Screenshot 2023 11 15 at 6.06.01 AM

On this date 37 years ago, Adam Horowitz (Ad Rock), Adam Yauch (MCA), and Michael Diamond (Mike D) aka The Beastie Boys, dropped their sophomore LP Licensed To Ill on the Def Jam Imprint under Columbia Records.

On the heels of the successful LL Cool J Radio album and the cult classic flick Krush Groove, Def Jam head honcho Russell Simmons decided to head in the most unconventional direction with the quasi-punk rock/Hip-Hop trio for Def Jam’s follow up to those monumental releases. The original title of this release was Don’t Be A Faggot, but Columbia Records pushed Simmons to change the homophobic title.

Rated as one of The Source Magazine‘s Top 100 Best Albums, Licensed To Ill received the coveted five-mic status, a precedent for Jewish Hip Hop artists. In less than six months after its release, this critically acclaimed project earned the Beastie Boys a platinum plaque, lead by the singles “Brass Monkey,” “No Sleep Til Brooklyn,” “Hold It Now, Hit It” and the storytelling smash “Paul Revere.”

Unfortunately, crew member MCA lost his battle with cancer in 2012, which actually caused a resurgence in the album’s popularity and sales.

Salute to Def Jam, Russell Simmons, Ad Rock, Mike D and the continued legacy of MCA for creating such a timeless Hip Hop classic!

The post Today in Hip-Hop History: The Beastie Boys’ Dropped Their Sophomore LP ‘Licensed To Ill’ 37 Years Ago first appeared on The Source.

The post Today in Hip-Hop History: The Beastie Boys’ Dropped Their Sophomore LP ‘Licensed To Ill’ 37 Years Ago appeared first on The Source.

Click Here to Discuss in the Forums

Spread the love