Talk:Russell Simmons/Archive 1

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 — Preceding unsigned comment added by 67.175.245.219 (talk) 00:05, 22 January 2006 (UTC)

Dont the Simmons have like 4daughters not just 2? — Preceding unsigned comment added by Hope. (talk • contribs) 20:18, 20 July 2006 (UTC)

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...

Untitled
i belive the networth is wrong — Preceding unsigned comment added by Samson902 (talk • contribs) 03:54, 16 July 2006 (UTC)


 * According to an article in B-Net quoting Forbes from 1999 Master P was worth 360M at the time and other sources indicate that he is now deep in the 600s. While that money comes from a lot of sources, the top three claimed in this article also have numerous income streams not tied to hip hop.  — Preceding unsigned comment added by 71.63.88.158 (talk) 15:16, 22 March 2009 (UTC)

old quote: "vandalism is stupid" says grampa simmons while spraying grafetti on a defensesless wall. "boy tell you" says granny jekins. "back in my day you could buy a quarter with a nickel" this i boring id rather make a praying mantis and a lizard fight while playing metallica in the back round then pouring blue and yellow m&ms on the winner. — Preceding unsigned comment added by 208.188.3.80 (talk) 14:44, 5 September 2008 (UTC)

Brain Pop
He Stared in Brainpop Voting []/ —The preceding unsigned comment was added by 68.111.143.177 (talk) 20:16, 13 February 2007 (UTC).

RushCard
Should the name of the prepaid card Simmons created be changed to the more complete "Prepaid Visa RushCard"? The sister card (Baby Phat Prepaid Visa RushCard) could also be mentioned. JMS1225 20:28, 26 April 2007 (UTC) —The preceding unsigned comment was added by JMS1225 (talk • contribs) 20:05, 26 April 2007 (UTC).

Potential source for citation regarding the RushCard being for "consumers who would other wise have problems obtaining a checking/debit account": — Preceding unsigned comment added by JMS1225 (talk • contribs) 20:08, 3 May 2007 (UTC)

Removal of words from rap lyrics
I've restored the bit I added about Simmons calling for certain words to be taken out of rap after it was deleted by an anonymous user. I see no real reason for this deletion, especially as the call made the mainstream news in the UK, something rap rarely does. I thought I would include a section here in case there are strong feelings against restoring this but I suspect that it was a random vandal as the user has no other edits. Keresaspa 15:14, 27 April 2007 (UTC)


 * It is funny that the guy that created racist comedy jam wants to clean up rap. —Preceding unsigned comment added by 76.185.6.18 (talk) 12:53, 25 September 2008 (UTC)

Net Worth
Although the source is cited, that wealthiest in hip-hop website is very inaccurate. With a simple google search you can find websites that estimate his networth at closer to $500 million dollars. — Preceding unsigned comment added by 76.190.219.23 (talk) 02:20, 9 May 2007 (UTC)

I wouldn't consider Simmons to be a an "entertainer," as he is described in the paragraph that mentions his net worth. JMS1225 13:41, 9 May 2007 (UTC)

Net Worth 2
Diddy is the third richest hip-hop entertainer [4]), having a net worth estimate of US $346 Million.[5]. ..

and then. ..

Russell Simmons is the third richest hip hop entertainer, having a net-worth estimate of $325 million.[1] He is only behind Jay-Z at $547M and P Diddy at $358M

Russell Simmons and Sean Combs articles don't concur. Even if they did they still sound incorrect.

— Preceding unsigned comment added by TrAzE (talk • contribs) 02:59, 1 September 2007 (UTC)

WikiProject class rating
This article was automatically assessed because at least one WikiProject had rated the article as start, and the rating on other projects was brought up to start class. BetacommandBot 15:47, 10 November 2007 (UTC)

Inaccurate article; suggested changes
I work for Russell Simmons. The articles about him are somewhat biased and inaccurate. For instance, it leaves out Mr Simmons extensive philanthropic work, as well as some of his businesses. The link to this USA Today Business section cover story may help (http://www.usatoday.com/money/companies/management/2007-05-13-exec-simmons-usat_N.htm), We'd like the article to be updated. Due to conflicts of interest, we'd prefer if somebody else than me did the job.

Thank you.

Leahjlmpr (talk) 20:30, 20 November 2007 (UTC)

Reads like a commercial. What about his FAILURES?
Where is the mention of 360degrees hip hop dotcom? A dismal failure. This article looks like it's written by Simmons' PR dept. 203.57.241.67 (talk) 23:40, 25 May 2008 (UTC)Encise

This article is completely biased. Nothing about the RUSH card and how he exploits the poor. Nothing about Harriet Tubman. Did Simmons write this himself? — Preceding unsigned comment added by Stubborn Myth (talk • contribs) 00:50, 12 December 2013 (UTC)

It appears that Rushcard has been having a technical issue for more than a week. Users are complaining that they have not been able to access their money. Anyone? WriterWithNoName (talk) 22:40, 22 October 2015 (UTC)

Simmon's PR dept is actively engaged in editing this article. WriterWithNoName (talk) 23:28, 8 March 2016 (UTC)

Quick question
On March 2, 2008 he officially endorsed Barack Obama for President [21]

- Who cares? That's not encyclopedia status. It's Fox News status. —Preceding unsigned comment added by 71.10.88.69 (talk) 18:37, 2 July 2008 (UTC)

Reverted to previous version
I reverted this article to a previous version (see history), as it apppears to have suffered multiple vandalizations, changing the name "Russell Simmons" to "John O'Leary" (in addition to multiple other changes). I wonder about the motivations of the vandal. — Preceding unsigned comment added by Tbessie (talk • contribs) 22:10, 26 February 2009 (UTC)

minor change
hey team... sorry I don't know the proper way to go about fixing this myself. I don't think Richard Simmons, Jr, is Russell Simmons's brother. Change seems to have happened here

Revision as of 19:49, 20 April 2009 (edit) (undo) 207.62.236.114

when the name was switched from 'Daniel' to 'Richard'

cute.

anyway just thought I'd let you all know. thanks,

66.245.17.144 (talk) 05:15, 4 June 2009 (UTC)

Diamonds Empowerment Fund?
Seeing a mention on Gisele Bündchen's page about a Diamonds Empowerment Fund run by Russell Simmons. Is that this Russell Simmons? Morfusmax (talk) 16:28, 18 April 2013 (UTC)

Archiving error
I don't know what's causing the archive box on this talk page to show a bunch of irrelevant redirects instead of the actual archives. I reported the problem but didn't receive an answer. As of this writing, the actual archives for this talk page can be found here: Talk:Russell Simmons/Archives/2011. --BDD (talk) 21:17, 17 May 2015 (UTC)
 * I fixed the archive box problem. It is necessary to subst the TALKPAGENAME template in the archiveprefix parameter. P p p  e r  y   (talk) 01:08, 13 July 2016 (UTC)

Protecting This Article
Unregistered users have been removing edits made to this page when they reflect negatively on Russell Simmons. The latest example is the continued removal of the reference to Simmons Rushcard bank card. The passage is accurate, as well as correctly cited. I ask that this page be protected from users with no previous edits. WriterWithNoName (talk) 14:47, 20 December 2015 (UTC)
 * There are not enough edits to this article to justify protection at this time. But feel free to request at WP:RFPP if problems persist. &mdash; Martin (MSGJ · talk) 09:19, 21 December 2015 (UTC)
 * This page is of no interest to me, I simply happened upon the event in question and came here looking for information. It seems as though someone doesn't like it when Simmons receives negative publicity. I've restored the edit for the third and last time. WriterWithNoName (talk) 13:33, 21 December 2015 (UTC)


 * I still think that this article needs to be protected somehow, particularly against unregistered editors, and/or those with fewer than 100 edits. The continued removal of of factually based material that reflects badly on Simmons needs to be addressed. WriterWithNoName (talk) 23:23, 8 March 2016 (UTC)

External links modified
Hello fellow Wikipedians,

I have just added archive links to 1 one external link on Russell Simmons. Please take a moment to review my edit. If necessary, add after the link to keep me from modifying it. Alternatively, you can add to keep me off the page altogether. I made the following changes:
 * Added archive https://web.archive.org/20130725211742/http://www.davidlynchfoundation.org/video/pressconference.html to http://www.davidlynchfoundation.org/video/pressconference.html

When you have finished reviewing my changes, please set the checked parameter below to true to let others know.

Cheers.—cyberbot II  Talk to my owner :Online 20:34, 9 February 2016 (UTC)

Title Error
I am unable to make changes to the official title/profession at the very top of Russell Simmons' page... "American businesmsan" ... Can someone please correct the spelling and change it to "businessman" or better yet, "entrepreneur" Thanks FoxieRoxy (talk) 05:26, 21 March 2017 (UTC)

Russell Simmons' Harriet Tubman Sex Tape
64.175.41.111 (talk) 12:19, 1 December 2017 (UTC)
 * https://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/08/15/harriet-tubman-sex-tape-russell-simmons-issues-apology-controversial-parody_n_3762326.html
 * http://www.nydailynews.com/entertainment/russell-simmons-pulls-controversial-harriet-tubman-sex-tape-youtube-outrage-article-1.1427764
 * https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2013/aug/16/russell-simmons-defamed-harriet-tubman
 * https://www.usatoday.com/story/life/people/2013/08/15/russell-simmons-apologizes-for-controversial-video/2658879/
 * http://deadline.com/2013/08/russell-simmons-pulls-controversial-harriet-tubman-sex-tape-after-youtube-channel-launch-564920/
 * http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-2394853/Russell-Simmons-apologises-Harriet-Tubman-sex-tape-parody-takes-YouTube.html
 * https://twitter.com/spikelee/status/368047970027339776
 * http://www.indiewire.com/2013/08/update-russell-simmons-pulls-video-issues-apology-for-harriet-tubman-sex-tape-skit-165950/
 * https://jezebel.com/russell-simmons-apologizes-for-icky-harriet-tubman-sex-1148232024
 * https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/5657590/russell-simmons-apologizes-for-harriet-tubman-sex-tape-parody
 * http://talkingpointsmemo.com/news/russell-simmons-apologizes-for-harriet-tubman-sex-tape
 * http://www.philasun.com/commentary/guest-editorial-russell-simmons-sells-us-out-with-harriet-tubman-sex-tape/
 * https://www.metro.us/news/video-nsfw-russell-simmons-apologizes-for-controversial-harriet-tubman-sex-tape/tmWmho---934beXvd8utQ
 * https://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/she-the-people/wp/2013/08/16/harriet-tubman-is-no-laughing-matter/
 * https://www.bet.com/news/national/2013/08/15/russell-simmons-apologizes-for-harriet-tubman-sextape-posted-on-video-channel.html
 * http://gawker.com/who-knew-a-skit-called-harriet-tubman-sex-tape-would-1149408516

Why is there so much speculative/unsubstantiated stuff about harassment allegations? It overshadows the content of the article. — Preceding unsigned comment added by 181.196.3.14 (talk) 09:51, 28 January 2018 (UTC)