Russell SimmonsFilmography

Occupation:: Actor, Executive Producer, Producer
Biography:: Def Jam Records co-founder Russell Simmons first branched out into movies when he acted and co-produced in the 1985 rap movie Krush Groove. Essentially a glorified biography of his own life, with Blair Underwood assuming the role of Simmons, the movie didn't score well with critics but was a...Read More

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Hip Hop Moguls: The Rags to Riches Stories of the CEO's of Rap

Actors: Russell Simmons, Sean Combs, Damon Dash

Synopsis: This documentary charts the careers of three men who built themselves into some of the most powerful figures in hip-hop. Viewers learn how Russell Simmons, Sean Combs, and Damon Dash each created a stable of successful performers, and branched out into other creative endeavors like acting and Read More

2009
Your Life, Your Money

Synopsis: Young viewers can learn about various aspects of personal finance through this instructional special. Scrubs' Donald Faison hosts this program that explains concepts such as insurance and loans. ~ All Movie Guide Read More

2009
The Black List, Vol. 1

Actors: Elvis Mitchell

Synopsis: Directed by filmmaker Timothy Greenfield-Sanders and produced by journalist Elvis Mitchell, this collaborative documentary offers an informative collection of portraits of twenty influential African Americans ranging from powerful CEOs to prolific artists, well-known politicians, and dedicated Read More

2008
The Hip Hop Project

Actors: Chris"Kharma Kazi" Rolle, Christopher "Cannon" Mapp, Russell Simmons, Diana "Princess" Lemon, Robin "Kheperah" Kearse

Synopsis: Chris Rolle was born into poverty in the Bahamas and found himself forced to fend for himself as a child when he was abandoned by his mother. Rolle came to America in his teens but soon found himself homeless on the mean streets of Brooklyn, NY. Rolle had a natural talent as a rapper, and had the Read More

5/11/07
Waist Deep

Crew: Executive Producer

Actors: Tyrese Gibson, Meagan Good, Larenz Tate, Shawn Parr

Synopsis: To save his son from ruthless gangsters, a streetwise ex-con finds himself coerced into performing a series of crimes in this gritty thriller. Waist Deep features Tyrese Gibson as O2, a young father and recent parolee whose life on the outside is upended when his young son Junior is taken hostage Read More

6/23/06
Russell Simmons' Def Comedy Jam [TV Series]

Crew: Show Creator

2006
Lockdown, USA

Synopsis: In 1972, New York State established what became known as "The Rockefeller Drug Laws," the strictest legislation against drug trafficking passed by any state in the union. While many felt the laws were unnecessarily harsh, in 1982 Ronald Reagan cited the Rockefeller Laws as a model to be followed Read More

2006
Death of a Dynasty

Actors: Ebon Moss-Bachrach, Devon Aoki, Capone, Robert Stapleton, Rashida Jones

Synopsis: Hip-hop mogul Damon Dash (Paper Soldiers) directs this semi-autobiographical film based on his life as the proprietor of Roc-a-Fella Records. Ebon Moss-Bachrach stars as David Katz, a reporter who, upon interviewing rap producer Damon (Capone), finds himself drawn deeper and deeper into the Read More

4/29/05
Just For Kicks

Actors: Tommy Rebel, Grandmaster Caz, Fab 5 Freddy, Bill Adler, Run-D.M.C.

Synopsis: The documentary Just for Kicks explains how important shoes are in hip-hop culture. ~ Perry Seibert, All Movie Guide Read More

2005
The Industry

Crew: Executive Producer

Synopsis: This documentary examines the hip-hop record industry through the eyes of contemporary hip-hop artists such as Big Boi, Andre 3000, Kanye West and many more. ~ Cammila Albertson, All Movie Guide Read More

2005
Biography: Russell Simmons

Actors: Russell Simmons

Synopsis: This installment of Biography takes a look at hip-hop pioneer, business mogul, and philanthropist Russell Simmons. The program follows Simmons from his humble beginnings growing up in Queens, New York, through his early days as a groundbreaking force in the rap scene, producing and managing such Read More

2005
Hip-Hop: Beyond Beats and Rhymes

2005
Run's House [TV Series]

Crew: Executive Producer

Actors: Joey "Run" Simmons, Justine Simmons, Vanessa Simmons, Angela Simmons, JoJo Simmons

Synopsis: Another of MTV's reality-based sitcoms -- or was it a sitcom-based reality show? -- Run's House focused on the family of rapper-turned-minister Joey "Run" Simmons, of Run-D.M.C. fame. Preferring to be called "Rev Run," the protagonist was the benign ruler of a rambunctious but good-natured Read More

2005
King of Kings

Synopsis: Experience the story of three brothers from South Jamaica, Queens, New York and the allegedly destructive effect that their actions had on the lives of everyday people in 23 states in a documentary featuring special appearances by Russell Simmons, Fat Joe, Magic Juan, and a whole host of hip-hop Read More

2005
The N Word

Synopsis: The biggest names in show business come together to offer their opinions on one of the most inflammatory words in the English language in filmmaker Todd Williams' revealing and thought-provoking documentary. In its long and complex history, the word "nigger" has gone from a cutting and derogatory Read More

2004
Ethics and the World Crisis: A Dialogue With the Dalai Lama

Actors: The Dalai Lama (XIV), Robert A.F. Thurman

Synopsis: Buddhist leader His Holiness, the 14th Dalai Lama of Tibet is the focal point of this panel discussion, in which a group of political, environmental, and spiritual activists discuss the dangers and dilemmas that face the global community at the dawn of the 21st century. Ethics and the World Read More

2004
Street Fury: Envy

Synopsis: Street Fury: Envy features beautiful women in revealing clothing alongside shots of some of the more alluring import cars from countries around the globe. This edition of the Street Fury series includes an appearance by model Anna Nicole Smith. ~ Perry Seibert, All Movie Guide Read More

2004
Russell Simmons Presents Def Poetry: Season 04

Crew: Executive Producer

Actors: Russell Simmons

Synopsis: Season four of the improvisational, uninhibited HBO series Def Poetry Jam offers a full ten half hours -- three more than any previous season. Accordingly, this batch of episodes features the series' biggest and most stellar talent lineup, performing their own angry, outrageous, profane Read More

2004
Inside Hip Hop

Synopsis: The top moguls in hip-hop sit down with host Fatman Scoop to discuss the popular music genre from a business standpoint in this release that aims to provide an informative view of the profitable industry from the highest level. Russell Simmons, Damon Dash, Fat Joe, Mona Scott, Kevin Liles, and Read More

2003
Def Comedy Jam: More All Stars, Vol. 5

Crew: Executive Producer

2003
Paper Chasers

Synopsis: A film crew sets out on a journey across the country to discover how money is made in the world of hip-hop. Director Maxie Collier takes us inside the process as he selects his Paperchasers crew and travels across the United States, interviewing people making a living off hip-hop, from street Read More

2003
Russell Simmons Presents Def Poetry: Season 03

Crew: Executive Producer

Actors: Russell Simmons

Synopsis: The third season of the improvisational performance art series Def Poetry Jam offers the property's biggest lineup of talent yet. In the course of its seven half-hour episodes, the series features such returnees from previous seasons as Black Ice, Danny Hoch, Steve Colman, Jamie Kennedy, Poetri Read More

2003
F.E.D.S.

Crew: Executive Producer

Synopsis: Produced in association with the publishers of F.E.D.S. Magazine, a streetwise journal that prints the bitter truth about crime and gang life in urban America, this documentary examines how the magazine came to be, as well as presenting onscreen versions of some of the most powerful stories from Read More

2003
Russell Simmons Presents Def Poetry: Season 02

Crew: Executive Producer

Actors: Russell Simmons

Synopsis: Seven new half-hour sessions of hilarious, haunting, profane, and profound improvisational poetry are dished up in the second season of HBO's Def Poetry Jam. Produced by Russell Simmons of Def Comedy Jam and hosted by rapper Mos Def, the series, taped at The Supper Club in New York, launches Read More

2002
Hip-Hop VIPs

Actors: Aaliyah, Black Rob, Cam'ron, Capone -n- Noreaga, Dr. Dre

Synopsis: Hip-Hop VIPs contains performances and interviews with 19 hip-hop artists. Filmed entirely in New York City, this video includes interviews with Dr. Dre, Ja Rule, Method Man, and a little-seen segment with Aaliyah. Others featured include Ludacris, Snoop Dogg, and Eve. ~ Andrea LeVasseur, All Read More

2002
Street Dreams

Synopsis: This documentary, hosted by Tony Dofat and produced in part by Heavy D, takes the viewer behind the scenes for the inside story of rap music. The program hits the mean streets of inner-cities, where the music got its start, and follows its rise to popularity throughout America in some pretty Read More

2002
Def Comedy Jam: More All Stars, Vol. 1

Crew: Executive Producer

Synopsis: Some of the best known comedians on the entertainment scene today got their first big break on Russell Simmons' groundbreaking HBO series Def Comedy Jam, and this home video collects raw and uninhibited performances from top-shelf funnymen who've gone on to become headlines on TV and in the Read More

2002
Def Comedy Jam: More All Stars, Vol. 2

Crew: Executive Producer

Synopsis: Russell Simmons' HBO series Def Comedy Jam was one of the first nationwide showcases for African-American comedians, who could perform raw, streetwise material without censorship or interference; many of the show's guests have gone on to become some of the best known comic talents in America Read More

2002
Russell Simmons Presents Def Poetry: Season 01

Crew: Executive Producer

Actors: Mos Def, Russell Simmons

Synopsis: The inaugural season of Russell Simmons' raw and uninhibited Def Poetry Jam consisted of four half-hour telecasts, originally presented live at The Supper Club in New York. With rapper Mos Def serving as host, the series offers an impressive array of improvisational ethnic poetry, running a gamut Read More

2001
24 Hours with Russell Simmons

Actors: Russell Simmons

Synopsis: A day in the life of hip-hop record company magnate Russell Simmons, an interesting person with drive and business savvy. The style is video vérité, complete with hand-held camera and moments where he meets with friends and family, as well as muses on life and future projects in the back of his Read More

2001
Russell Simmons Presents Def Poetry [TV Series]

Crew: Executive Producer

Synopsis: Based on a Tony-winning Broadway production, Def Poetry Jam was the brainchild of Russell Simmons, the same man responsible for HBO's improvisational ethnic comedy series Def Comedy Jam. Hosted by rapper Mos Def, Def Poetry Jam was taped live at The Supper Club in New York. A vast array of Read More

2001
Journeys in Black: Russell Simmons

Synopsis: Russell Simmons is the biggest behind-the-scenes figure in hip-hop. As the founder of Def Jam Records, Simmons helped create one of the strongest and longest-lived labels in rap music; as a manager, he helped make Run-D.M.C. the first worldwide superstars of rap; as producer of the television Read More

2001
Def Comedy Jam: All Stars, Vol. 8

Crew: Director, Executive Producer

Synopsis: Many of today's hottest comedians got their start playing Def Comedy Jam, a late-night forum for their explosive brand of comedy. Of course, many of the names first featured here went on to greater fame and fortune in the years that followed. Two of the names featured here are George Wallace and Mike Epps Read More

2000
Def Comedy Jam: All Stars, Vol. 7

Crew: Executive Producer

Synopsis: Def Comedy Jam gave many young comics of the '80s and '90s the chance they needed to reach a larger audience and strut their stuff on a national stage. Many of these young comics went on to greater fame and greater paychecks in the years that followed. Two of the names featured here include Mark Read More

2000
Def Comedy Jam: All Stars, Vol. 9

Crew: Executive Producer

Synopsis: Some of the hottest young comics got their first big break on the stage of Def Comedy Jam. Freed from the shackles of prime time TV, these comedians used the late night forum to strut their stuff and make the jump from comedy clubs to television and movies. Two of the names featured here are Joe Read More

2000
Def Comedy Jam, Vol. 5

Crew: Executive Producer

Synopsis: This video acts as a highlights reel for some of today's hottest young comedians, many of whom went from stand-up performances on the HBO series Def Comedy Jam to their own television shows and big-screen comedies. Raw, uncensored, cutting-edge humor is the standard for these classic acts from Read More

2000
Def Comedy Jam: All Stars, Vol. 6

Crew: Executive Producer

Synopsis: Martin Lawrence is your host for this collection of highlights from HBO's high-rated urban comedy showcase Def Comedy Jam. Former Saturday Night Live regular Ellen Cleghorne highlights this program of outrageous, uncensored standup comedy. Other guests include William Stevenson, Aries Spears, and Arnez J Read More

2000
Def Comedy Jam, Vol. 12

Crew: Executive Producer

Synopsis: HBO's series Def Comedy Jam provided a showcase for some of the best and brightest new performers on the urban comedy scene, and this home video presents highlights from the show, with Tracy Morgan, Bill Bellamy, and host Martin Lawrence presenting cutting edge comedy that's definitely too rough Read More

1999
Def Comedy Jam, Vol. 11

Crew: Executive Producer

Actors: Joe Torry, Guy Torry

Synopsis: HBO's showcase for the finest young talent in urban comedy, Def Comedy Jam, comes to home video with this release, which features Joe Torry, Guy Torry, and host Martin Lawrence serving up standup too fresh and too raw for network television. ~ Mark Deming, All Movie Guide Read More

1999
Def Comedy Jam, Vol. 13

Crew: Executive Producer

Actors: Mark Curry, Cedric the Entertainer

Synopsis: Some of the biggest, best, and edgiest stars in urban comedy appeared on the HBO series Def Comedy Jam, and this home video release brings together hilarious highlights from the show's run. Performers include Cedric the Entertainer, Mark Curry, and host Martin Lawrence, who perform nightclub Read More

1999
Gridlock'd

Crew: Executive Producer

Actors: Tim Roth, Tupac Shakur, Thandie Newton, Charles Fleischer, Howard Hesseman

Synopsis: In this hard-edged drama with a strong undercurrent of dark comedy, Stretch (Tim Roth) and Spoon (Tupac Shakur) are two friends who share both a passion for music and a dependence on heroin. Stretch and Spoon play in a jazz combo with Cookie (Thandie Newton), and after a New Year's Eve gig, they Read More

1997
How to Be a Player

Crew: Producer

Actors: Bill Bellamy, Natalie Desselle, Lark Voorhies, Mari Morrow, Pierre Edwards

Synopsis: A man who's devoted his life to running around on his woman finally meets his match in this comedy. Dray Jackson (Bill Bellamy) is a ladies' man par excellence, who never lets the fact that he has a girlfriend, Lisa (Lark Voorhies), get in the way of making time with as many other women as Read More

1997
The Funeral

Crew: Associate Producer

Actors: Christopher Walken, Chris Penn, Vincent Gallo, Isabella Rossellini, Annabella Sciorra, Benicio Del Toro

Synopsis: Cult figure Abel Ferrara directed this dark, emotional tale of life among the criminal underworld, set in the late 1930s. The Tempio Brothers -- Ray (Christopher Walken), Chez (Chris Penn), and Johnny (Vincent Gallo) -- work with the mob; Ray is the cool and methodical type, Chez is an angry man Read More

1996
The Nutty Professor

Crew: Producer

Actors: Eddie Murphy, Jada Pinkett Smith, James Coburn, Larry Miller, Dave Chappelle

Synopsis: Eddie Murphy gives one of Jerry Lewis' best-remembered vehicles a 1990s overhaul in this hit comedy. Sherman Klump (Murphy) is a college professor and respected biochemistry researcher who is kind, considerate, and a genuinely nice guy. Sherman is also appallingly overweight; coupled with the fact Read More

1996
The Show

Actors: Sean Combs, Method Man, Biggie Smalls, Russell Simmons, Craig Mack, Dr. Dre, Naughty By Nature, Snoop Dogg, Run-D.M.C.

Synopsis: This documentary offers viewers an in depth look at the world of hip-hop and rap music as it chronicles a diverse group of performers preparing to give a major concert at Philadelphia's Armory. Interspersed amongst the preparations are interviews with rappers past and present, looks at their Read More

1995
The Addiction

Crew: Executive Producer, Producer

Actors: Lili Taylor, Christopher Walken, Annabella Sciorra, Edie Falco, Paul Calderon

Synopsis: Director Abel Ferrara applies his eccentric vision to the vampire genre with this cerebral "Art" film about graduate philosophy student Kathleen Conklin (Lili Taylor), who is bitten by an aggressive female vampire (Annabella Sciorra) and soon spirals into a nightmarish world of blood addiction and Read More

1995
Hardwood Dreams

Crew: Executive Producer

1993
Tougher Than Leather

Crew: Executive Producer, Producer

Actors: Joseph Simmons, Darryl "DMC" McDaniels, Jason Mizell, Richard Edson, Jenny Lumet

Synopsis: Rappers Run-DMC star in this low-budget exploitation crime drama. After the trio signs with a production company for a concert tour, their roadie Runny Ray (Raymond White) is killed after he witnesses a drug-related murder. The trio investigate their friend's death and delight in the violent Read More

9/16/88
Krush Groove

Crew: Co-producer

Actors: Blair Underwood, Joseph Simmons, Sheila E., Mark "Prince Markie Dee" Morales, Damon Wimbley

Synopsis: In-between rappin' numbers by groups like Run-DMC and The Fat Boys, an almost unnoticeable plot unfolds as manager Russell (Blair Underwood) desperately looks for funding to press more records for Run-DMC's first hit. This gets him into deep water when he borrows from the wrong man and then is Read More

1985

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