Russell Simmons was well-known for a long time, but, it wasn't until he hit HBO with the show Def Comedy Jam, did he become a household name.

Simmons is one of the founders of Def Jam Records. This is the label that brought the likes of the Beastie Boys and LL Cool J.

Russell Simmons is a self-made man and is one of the most influential people in the world of hip-hop music.