Talk:Russell Simmons
i belive the networth is wrong
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How do you get rid of the "go and die dirty little people" at the bottom of the screen?
the "interview" section
seems to be copied directly, and without citation, from some external source, perhaps http://www.askmen.com/toys/interview_100/108_russell_simmons_interview.html
Removed interview
This text was in the article, likely copyright violation. Reproduced here for reference to those who want to use it for the article: Junes 22:22, 23 January 2006 (UTC)
Q: You've graced the covers of many magazines, most recently, it was Business Week, a symbol of corporate America -- how was making the cover of that magazine different?
Well, whenever there is press, you hope there is a good effect, be it on your social, political, philanthropic, or business activities. The BW cover is helping in the negotiations and deal making process... it's helpful and good timing.
Q: I know, I had to negotiate to secure this interview... (laughs). You have gotten quite far in business; when you started, did you know it would come to this?
Well, you see what is in front of you and what you can add to it... some people change the money, others do it only for the money, some do it for the art. You have to be in it, but you also have to enjoy it. When I did Run-DMC, I enjoyed it... before that, there was Curtis Flow, a disco DJ... and I saw what I could add to that. When Curtis got me on a plane to Amsterdam, it was my first flight... it was my first time in another country... they called me Mr. Simmons... that was a big thing, it opened my eyes.
Q: You referred to social, political and business landscapes -- where do you draw the line?
I wanted to put a statement about George W. Bush with one of the companies that I had a relationship with... this person thought George W. Bush was an okay person, so we had to compromise over that. What I am saying is that I was being a good partner. But if I want to pay for a school in Harlem, yeah, I will push for that...
Q: Let's shift the focus to Pepsi... you threaten with a boycott, and then they become one of your clients...
They are not my client, they have given money to our community, but not paid any money to any company that I belong to... they are now doing something that is a smart program.
Q: You state that you do not get attached to any one business, you go from one to another. You have a knack for survival, but how much of your natural instinct to survive is reflected in your business dealings?
I don't know... I try not to be too fearful... in other words, I do take risky investments... the idea we had with Pepsi was never one that was intended to better anything that I was involved in, other than hip-hop, and I was called in to help the process.
Q: There was a film based on your life, yet you were the only one to not play yourself, why?
I did not have any talent, I did not want to go into movies... Blair Underwood is a multitalented and handsome guy (laughs)... he figured out where and how I would fit in...
Russell Simmons on mistakes, success, and the war between Ja Rule and 50 Cent...
Q: Any glaring mistakes when you look back?
The fact that I can look back and reflect is a blessing... through all of my experiences, even if I do not like it when they happen, things happen to help us.
Q: You have contributed to the success of many artists -- which one are you most proud of?
Public Enemy, L.L. Cool J... even if I did not have a lot input, I am proud of Jay-Z, Ludacris, Ashanti... the new artists who push the barriers. So, I am proud of relationships with all of them. If the word "pride" comes to mind, I am proud and feel blessed to be around them.
Q: You co-founded Def Jam but no longer run it -- how does that make you feel?
Oh no, I work for them, they ask me what I want... I am working with some Vivendi artists... I also work with the media... like with Ja Rule and 50 Cent...
Q: Speaking of Ja and 50, are you concerned that their "war" might escalate?
I see the media and some fans calling for their blood... they do not necessarily notice, the fans, that they are calling for blood, but they are instigating matters... to see who will die first. We are trying to reverse that, we'd like the artists to lead the fans and media.
Q: I am a fan of both, but don't you think that with 50 Cent walking around bragging about being shot nine times, he is asking to cause a raucous?
Well, they are two gladiators... but I see it as a way that I can influence two powerful people to set aside differences.
Q: What is the one product that you are most proud of?
The hip-hop summit network registered 80,000 [people] for one event... for me, the hip-hop summit turned out to be a real success... it is an ongoing process of engaging the community and the people, that is the work that I am most proud of.
Q: Nothing infuriates you more than people who call Phat Farm an "ethnic label;" how do you respond to critics who say that rap sales are fueled by suburban white kids?
I don't see color, I see culture. The enemy is ignorance... we need the government to step in and repair the past. I see this generation as the best one we have ever had -- look at 50 Cent and Eminem... overcome the struggle.
Q: You are a successful man who commands much respect and wields considerable power -- what do you love about your life?
There is a purpose in life... we realize that we have a relationship with God. Whether it is in the Bible, the Koran, the Torah... all those scriptures lead us to have a connection with what guides us... that is our purpose, we get that from the actions we do... just the process, then, is what makes me happy.
Q: The word "phat" made it into the dictionary... what were your thoughts on that?
Phantastic!
Q: Thanks for your time Russell, we know you're a busy man. Stay cool...
External links
I've wikified some of these links, and if the editor who inserted them (or anyone else with the time to look at them) could flesh out the descriptions, that would be great. --HelpRing 23:20, 26 January 2006 (UTC)