Music producer Russell Simmons (L) gets a kiss on his head from actor Will Smith as Smith presented the Lifetime Achievement Award to Simmons, founder of Def Jam Records, at the 1999 Source Hip Hop Music Awards at the Pantages Theater in Hollywood August 18. The awards show will be telecast in the United States August 20 on the United Paramount Network.

FSP/MMR/KM 

Music producer Russel Simmons and his wife Kimora Lee arrive at State Supreme Court in New York City, where Simmons' friend Sean "Puffy" combs is on trial on weapons possession and bribery charges, March 12, 2001. Closing arguments were expected to begin Monday in the trial stemming from a 1999 shooting at a Manhattan nightclub where three people were injured. Combs has denied all charges in the case.

MS/SV 

Hip-hop mogul Russell Simmons (L) speaks at a press conference in New York on June 15, 2001 at the conclusion of the first "Hip-Hop Summit". More than 200 rappers, music executives, and black lawmakers gathered for the event to seek ways to clean up rap's violent image, regulate lyrics, stop rapper feuds, and discuss hip-hops potential role as a political force. Minister Ben Muhammad (R) also attended.

PM/JP 

Jesse Jackson (C) is escorted into the Source Hip-Hop Image Awards by
Def Jam CEO Russell Simmons (R) on Miami Beach August 19, 2001. Jackson
was the keynote speaker at the show to honor artists and others who
have been a positive influence in the industry.

CB 

Hip-Hop mogul Russell Simmons (R) poses with rapper Scarface at a party
hosted by recording label Def Jam September 5, 2001 in New York. The
event celebrated the reunion of Simmons and Lyor Cohen with original
Def Jam co-founder Rick Rubin. REUTERS/Shannon Stapleton

SS/BK 

Hip-Hop mogul Russell Simmons (L) and his pregnant wife Kimora Lee Simmons (R) arrive at the Apollo theater in New York on April 24, 2002. The Democratic National Committee concert held at the Apollo kicks off a nationwide voter registration drive. REUTERS/Chip East 

A model for designer Kimora Lee Simmons wears part of the 2003
collection for Baby Phat in a fashion show in New York on September 22,
2002. Simmons is married to Hip Hop mogul Russell Simmons. REUTERS/Chip
East

CME 

A model for designer Kimora Lee Simmons wears part of the 2003
collection for Baby Phat in a fashion show in New York on September 22,
2002. Simmons is married to Hip Hop mogul Russell Simmons. REUTERS/Chip
East

CME 

A model for designer Kimora Lee Simmons wears part of the 2003
collection for Baby Phat in a fashion show in New York on September 22,
2002. Simmons is married to Hip Hop mogul Russell Simmons. REUTERS/Chip
East

CME 

A model for designer Kimora Lee Simmons wears a bikini as part of the
2003 collection for Baby Phat in a fashion show in New York on
September 22, 2002. Simmons is married to Hip Hop mogul Russell
Simmons. REUTERS/Chip East

CME 

A model for designer Kimora Lee Simmons wears a sheer blue outfit as
part of the 2003 collection for Baby Phat in a fashion show in New York
on September 22, 2002. Simmons is married to Hip Hop mogul Russell
Simmons. REUTERS/Chip East

CME 

A model for designer Kimora Lee Simmons wears part of the 2003 collection for Baby Phat in a fashion show in New York on September 22, 2002. [Simmons is married to Hip Hop mogul Russell Simmons.] 

A model for designer Kimora Lee Simmons wears part of the 2003 collection for Baby Phat in a fashion show in New York on September 22, 2002. [Simmons is married to Hip Hop mogul Russell Simmons.] 

A model for designer Kimora Lee Simmons wears part of the 2003 collection for Baby Phat in a fashion show in New York on September 22, 2002. [Simmons is married to Hip Hop mogul Russell Simmons.] 

A model for designer Kimora Lee Simmons wears a sheer blue outfit as part of the 2003 collection for Baby Phat in a fashion show in New York on September 22, 2002. [Simmons is married to Hip Hop mogul Russell Simmons.] 

Hip hop mogul Russell Simmons speaks at the "Musicians United to Win
Without War" press conference in New York February 27, 2003 while
musician David Bryne looks on. Artists spanning the contemporary
musical spectrum gathered today to announce the creation of yet another
arm of the anti-war movement. REUTERS/Shannon Stapleton

SS/ME 

(L-R) Tom Andrews, former Congressman and National Director of Win
Without War, Lou Reed, Minister Ben, of the Hip Hop Summit, Rosanne
Cash, David Byrne and Russell Simmons pose for photographers at the
"Musicians United to Win Without War" press conference in New York
February 27, 2003. Artists spanning the contemporary musical spectrum
gathered today to announce the creation of yet another arm of the
anti-war movement. REUTERS/Shannon Stapleton

SS/ME 

(L-R) Tom Andrews, former Congressman and National Director of Win Without War, Lou Reed, Minister Ben, of the Hip Hop Summit, Rosanne Cash, David Byrne and Russell Simmons pose for photographers at the "Musicians United to Win Without War" press conference in New York February 27, 2003. Artists spanning the contemporary musical spectrum gathered today to announce the creation of yet another arm of the anti-war movement. 

Rev. Joseph "Run" Simmons (L) of RUN-DMC fame and founder of Def-Jam
Records Russell Simmons (right) arrive at the premiere of the movie
"Death of a Dynasty" in New York on May 7, 2003. The film opened at the
Tribeca Film Festival, the second year of the week-long movie festival
designed to draw people to downtown New York City, the area most
effected by the attacks of September 11, 2001. REUTERS/Chip East

CME 

Hip-Hop musician Russell Simmons (standing, 2nd L) and former Cabinet
Secretary Andrew Cuomo (R) lobby for the repeal of drug laws in New
York, May 8, 2003, including a law which would have reduced the
sentence of Veronica Flournoy, seen at left. The laws, which impose
mandatory sentencing for drug crimes, were enacted 30 years ago by then
New York Governor Nelson Rockefeller. Standing with their mother are
eight-year-old Candace (L) and six-year-old Keeshawna. REUTERS/Chip
East

CME/GN 

Hip-Hop music leaders Russell Simmons (L) and Sean Combs (R) lobby for
the repeal of drug laws in New York on May 28, 2003. The laws which
impose mandatory sentencing for drug crimes were enacted 30 years ago
by then New York Governor Nelson Rockefeller. REUTERS/Chip East

CME 

Hip-Hop music leaders Russell Simmons (L) and Sean Combs (R) listen to
former Cabinet Secretary Andrew Cuomo lobby for the repeal of drug laws
in New York on May 28, 2003. The laws which impose mandatory sentencing
for drug crimes were enacted 30 years ago by then New York Governor
Nelson Rockefeller. REUTERS/Chip East

CME 

Hip-Hop music leaders Russell Simmons (C) and Sean Combs (R) listen to
former Cabinet Secretary Andrew Cuomo (L) lobby for the repeal of drug
laws in New York on May 28, 2003. The laws which impose mandatory
sentencing for drug crimes were enacted 30 years ago by then New York
Governor Nelson Rockefeller. REUTERS/Chip East

CME 

Russell Simmons (3rd R) and the cast of Def Poetry Jam accept their
Tony Award in the special theatrical event category at the 57th Annual
Tony Awards at Radio City Music Hall in New York on June 8, 2003.
REUTERS/Chip East

PM 

Music conglomerate Vivendi Universal rang the opening bell of the New
York Stock Exchange to celebrate re-signing singer LL Cool J to Def Jam
records. In attendance were Lyor Cohen (L), The Island Def Jam Music
Group Chairman and CEO, singer LL Cool J (C), Russell Simmons (2nd from
R), Def Jam Records founder, Richard Grasso (R) Chairman and CEO of the
NYSE, with two unidentified staff members at the NYSE on July 7, 2003.
Stocks were up more than 150 points in mid morning trading after
traders returned from the Independence Day long weekend. REUTERS/Chip
East

cme/GAC 

PP03090095 PIC:NYK101D

Music conglomerate Vivendi Universal rang the opening bell of the New York
Stock Exchange to celebrate re-signing singer LL Cool J to Def Jam records.
In attendance were Richard Grasso (L) Chairman and CEO of the NYSE, Russell
Simmons (C), Def Jam Records founder, and singer LL Cool J (R) at the NYSE
on July 7, 2003. Stocks were up more than 150 points in mid morning trading
after traders returned from the Independence Day long weekend. REUTERS/Chip
East 

Music conglomerate Vivendi Universal rang the opening bell of the New
York Stock Exchange to celebrate re-signing singer LL Cool J to Def Jam
records. In attendance were Russell Simmons (L), Def Jam Records
founder, singer LL Cool J (C) and Lyor Cohen (R), The Island Def Jam
Music Group Chairman and CEO at the NYSE on July 7, 2003. Stocks were
up more than 150 points in mid morning trading after traders returned
from the Independence Day long weekend. REUTERS/Chip East

cme 

Music producer Russell Simmons and wife Kimora poses as they arrive at the Vanity Fair Oscar party at Mortons restaurant in West Hollywood, California February 29, 2004. REUTERS/Ethan Miller FSP 

Music producer Russell Simmons and wife Kimora poses as they arrive at the Vanity Fair Oscar party at Mortons restaurant in West Hollywood, California February 29, 2004. 

Reverend Run of Run-DMC (R) and entrepreneur Russell Simmons cheer during speech at a Young Women's Leadership School in East Harlem, the only all girls' public school in New York, on May 26, 2004. Simmons, Young Women's Leadership School Students and Mercedes-Benz USA celebrated National Scholarship Month with a new national scholarship program currently accepting applications. A total of $500,000 in scholarships will be awarded this year for college bound seniors nationwide who are the first in their families to attend college. REUTERS/Anders Krusberg AF 

Entrepreneur Russell Simmons speaks at a Young Women's Leadership School in East Harlem, the only all girls' public school in New York, on May 26, 2004. Simmons, Young Women's Leadership School Students and Mercedes-Benz USA celebrated National Scholarship Month with a new national scholarship program currently accepting applications. A total of $500,000 in scholarships will be awarded this year for college bound seniors nationwide who are the first in their families to attend college. REUTERS/Anders Krusberg AF 

Russell Simmons poses for pictures on the red carpet upon his arrival at a benefit in New York City on December 1, 2004. The benefit, presented by Alicia Keys, was for "Keep A Child Alive", an organization that provides life-saving medications to children with HIV/AIDS in Africa. REUTERS/Seth Wenig SW 

Russell Simmons and his wife ( no name available) arrive at the Bethesda-by-the-Sea Episcopal Church for the wedding of Donald Trump to Slovenian model Melanai Knauss in Palm Beach, Florida, January 22, 2005. REUTERS/Marc Serota MS 

Russell Simmons and his wife ( no name available) arrive at the Bethesda-by-the-Sea Episcopal Church for the wedding of Donald Trump to Slovenian model Melania Knauss in Palm Beach, Florida, January 22, 2005. REUTERS/Marc Serota MS 

Hip Hop music pioneer Russell Simmons (R), shakes hands with Antinio Reid (L) as they announce a music label venture between his RSMG and Island/Def Jam Music, at a press conference in New York, April 13, 2005. Simmons is the co-founder of the original Def Jam Records. REUTERS/Chip East CME 

Hip Hop music pioneer Russell Simmons (L) sits with artist Jay-Z as they announce a music label venture between his RSMG and Island/Def Jam Music, at a press conference in New York, April 13, 2005. Simmons is the co-founder of the original Def Jam Records. REUTERS/Chip East CME/HB 

Hip Hop music pioneer Russell Simmons (C) sits with Steve Bartels, President of Island Music Group (L), Antonio Reid, Chairman of Island Def Jam (2nd from R), musician Jay-Z (2nd from L) and Tony Austin, President of RSMG (R) as they announce a music label venture between his RSMG and Island/Def Jam Music, at a press conference in New York, April 13, 2005. Simmons is the co-founder of the original Def Jam Records. REUTERS/Chip East CME 

Reverend Run (Joey Simmons) (L) of the hip hop group "Run DMC" discusses his new MTV reality television series "Run's House" during a session of the Television Critic's Association Summer press tour in Beverly Hills July 14, 2005 as his brother, producer Russell Simmons (R), looks on. The series, from producers Sean "P. Diddy" Combs and Russell Simmons, which premieres October 2005, is television's first hip hop reality sitcom, capturing the real-life drama and hysterical antics of Reverend Run, his wife and five children. REUTERS/Fred Prouser FSP/YH 

Sean "P. Diddy" Combs, producer of the new MTV reality television series "Run's House", makes a point during a session of the Television Critics Association summer press tour in Beverly Hills July 14, 2005. The series, which will premiere October 2005, stars Reverend Run (Joey Simmons) of the hip hop group "Run DMC" and is also produced by Russell Simmons. It is television's first hip hop reality sitcom, and captures the real-life drama and hysterical antics of Reverend Run, his wife and five children. REUTERS/Fred Prouser FSP/SA 

Reverend Run (Joey Simmons) of the hip hop group "Run DMC" and star of the new MTV reality television series "Run's House" listens in Beverly Hills. Reverend Run (Joey Simmons) (L) of the hip hop group "Run DMC" and star of the new MTV reality television series "Run's House" listens during a session of the Television Critic's Association Summer press tour in Beverly Hills July 14, 2005 as his brother, producer Russell Simmons (C), makes a point along with producer Sean "P. Diddy" Combs. The series premieres October 2005 and is television's first hip hop reality sitcom, capturing the real-life drama and hysterical antics of Reverend Run, his wife and five children. REUTERS/Fred Prouser 

Reverend Run (Joey Simmons) of the hip hop group "Run DMC", who is the star of the new MTV reality television series "Run's House", poses during a session of the Television Critics Association summer press tour in Beverly Hills July 14, 2005. The series, from producers Sean "P. Diddy" Combs and Russell Simmons, premieres October 2005. It is television's first hip hop reality sitcom, which captures the real-life drama and hysterical antics of Reverend Run, his wife and five children. REUTERS/Fred Prouser FSP/SA 

Russell Simmons and Sean "P. Diddy" Combs attend a session of the Television Critic's Association Summer press tour in Beverly Hills. Russell Simmons (L) and Sean "P. Diddy" Combs, producers of the new MTV reality television series "Run's House" attend a session of the Television Critic's Association Summer press tour in Beverly Hills July 14, 2005. The series, which stars Simmons' brother, Reverend Run (Joey Simmons) of hip hop group "Run DMC", is television's first hip hop reality sitcom, capturing the real-life drama and hysterical antics of Reverend Run, his wife and five children. REUTERS/Fred Prouser 

Reverend Run (Joey Simmons) of the hip hop group "'Run DMC" discusses his new MTV reality television series "Run's House" during a session of Television Critic's Association Summer press tour in Beverly Hills July 14, 2005. The series, from producers Sean "P. Diddy" Combs and Russell Simmons,which premieres October 2005, is television's first hip hop reality sitcom, capturing the real-life drama and hysterical antics of Reverend Run, his wife and five children. REUTERS/Fred Prouser FSP/YH 

Reverend Run (L) and Russell Simmons arrive at the Hip Hop Honors awards in New York September 22, 2005. REUTERS/Chip East 

Hosts Russell Simmons (L)and Reverend Run speak during the VH1 Hip Hop Honors in New York City September 22, 2005. The show will air on September 26. REUTERS/Seth Wenig 

Russell Simmons poses for photographers while arriving for the Victoria Secret fashion show in New York, November 9, 2005. REUTERS/Chip East 

Singers Russell Simmons (C) and Jay-Z (L) arrive for closing arguments in the money laundering trial of Irving and Christopher Lorenzo at the Federal Court in Brooklyn, New York, November 30, 2005. The prosecution has presented its case in the federal money laundering trial of Hip-Hop label, Murder Inc., now known as The Inc., and record execs Irv and Chris Lorenzo. REUTERS/Chip East 

Singer Russell Simmons speaks to journalists as he departs during a break in closing arguments in the money laundering trial of Irving and Christopher Lorenzo at Federal Court in Brooklyn, New York November 30, 2005. The prosecution has presented its case in the federal money laundering trial of Hip-Hop label, Murder Inc., now known as The Inc., and record executives Irving and Christopher Lorenzo. REUTERS/Chip East 

Singers Russell Simmons (C) and Jay-Z (L) arrive for closing arguments in the money laundering trial of [Irving and Christopher Lorenzo] at the Federal Court in Brooklyn, New York, November 30, 2005. [The prosecution has presented its case in the federal money laundering trial of Hip-Hop label, Murder Inc., now known as The Inc., and record execs Irv and Chris Lorenzo.] 

Singer Russell Simmons speaks to journalists as he departs during a break in closing arguments in the money laundering trial of [Irving and Christopher Lorenzo] at Federal Court in Brooklyn, New York November 30, 2005. [The prosecution has presented its case in the federal money laundering trial of Hip-Hop label, Murder Inc., now known as The Inc., and record executives Irving and Christopher Lorenzo. ] 

Chris 'Ludacris' Bridges (L) and producer Russell Simmons attend the gala opening of the new Harry Winston flagship store in Beverly Hills, California January 11, 2006. REUTERS/Phil McCarten 

Russell Simmons, founder of Def Jam records and husband of Baby Phat designer Kimora Lee Simmons, speaks to reporters backstage before the Baby Phat show at New York Fashion Week February 3, 2006. REUTERS/Seth Wenig 

Russell Simmons, founder of Def Jam records and husband of Baby Phat designer Kimora Lee Simmons, speaks to reporters backstage before the Baby Phat show at New York Fashion Week February 3, 2006. REUTERS/Seth Wenig 

Ming Lee (L) and Aoki Lee, children of Russell and Kimora Lee Simmons, walk the runway at the Child Magazine Fall 2006 fashion show during New York Fashion Week February 6, 2006. REUTERS/Brendan McDermid 

Ming Lee walks the runway as her parents Russell (R) and Kimora Lee (2nd R) Simmons watch, at the Child Magazine Fall 2006 fashion show during New York Fashion Week, February 6, 2006. REUTERS/Brendan McDermid 

Ming Lee (L) and Aoki Lee, children of Russell and Kimora Lee Simmons, walk the runway at the Child Magazine Fall 2006 fashion show during New York Fashion Week February 6, 2006. REUTERS/Brendan McDermid 

Ming Lee walks the runway as her parents Russell (R) and Kimora Lee (2nd R) Simmons watch, at the Child Magazine Fall 2006 fashion show during New York Fashion Week, February 6, 2006. REUTERS/Brendan McDermid 

Russell Simmons speaks at a news conference in New York February 28, 2006, about the Smithsonian National Museum of American History's decision to add items from Hip Hop culture to the permanent collection. The museum will trace hip hop from its origins in the 1970's as an expression of urban black and Latino culture to its status today. REUTERS/Chip East 

Russell Simmons speaks at a news conference in New York February 28, 2006, about the Smithsonian National Museum of American History's decision to add items from Hip Hop culture to the permanent collection. The museum will trace hip hop from its origins in the 1970's as an expression of urban black and Latino culture to its status today. REUTERS/Chip East 

Russell Simmons (R), Chairman and CEO of Rush Communications, and his wife Kimora Lee Simmons take part in the Hip Hop Summit "Get your Money Right" in Detroit, Michigan March 25, 2006. REUTERS/Rebecca Cook