Russell Simmons

The Source’s December 1995 issue did a story on how Russell Simmons, rapper and Def Jam CEO, wanted to start a newsletter for rappers. Simmons said “No one’s political agenda is going to be serviced. We know what we don’t like (in the rap industry)... We need rappers to be aware of the things that affect them. We want them to be in touch with the people who generate information” (The Source, December 1995). Russell knew the value of information and wanted rappers to be more aware of…

came out in 1979 from the Sugerhill Gang whose track ‘Rappers Delight’ hit #36 on the US pop charts and #2 on the US R&B charts. While it was technically a hip hop song it paved the way for the commercial success of rap as a music style. In 1981 Russell Simmons helps his younger brother Run record a song that goes nowhere but after hearing Run's friend Darryl McDaniels he makes them…

Cathleen Rountree author of “In Defense of Hip-Hop” issued her article of the Santa Cruz Sentinel, May 19,2007. She believes that hip-hop shouldn’t be the scapegoat and blame of the violent acts that goes on. Her rhetorical tools such as evidence makes her argument very effective. It is not just negative music, without credibility never judge a book by its cover. Rountree starts off by talking about Don Imus when he called the Rutgers women’s basketball team “nappy-headed hoes” (212). Next…

Star factor and personal relationships For a modern audience, it is easy to assume that the social ills of big budget Hollywood are a sign of decadent contemporary society. Social faux pas, dramatic falls from grace, and feuding spoilt starlets are a symptom of the ever popular celebrity gossip and rumour; now so instantly accessible due to the rise of internet technology. However, when we examine some first-hand accounts of drama and scandal present upon the sets and in the offices of big…

Hip hop culture can be traced all the way back to the 1930’s when African American men would retell stories, sometimes of World War I, using rhythm, rhyme and poetry for entertainment. This process was often referred to as “signifying” or “playing the dozens.” These soon were passed on and became what we today know as rapping. Telling a story was still a prevalent part of rapping but improvisation was introduced around the 1970’s. During this time, there were block parties around New York and…

In “Decoded”, Jay-Z discusses his life in hip-hop. He connects his career to past artists and events in history. Jay-Z has become one of the most influential people in hip-hop. He has been a prominent figure for decades in music. Jay-Z’s influence on other artists has changed hip-hop’s history itself. The stories of his past, which he shares in “Decoded”, are a part of history because they all shaped his career and made hip-hop what it is today. In “Decoded”, Jay-Z shares a few moments…

asia Johnson English 131.45 Essay 2: First Version Why I Love Pop Culture Contrary to what many believe, you wouldn’t be who you are if it wasn’t’ for pop culture. Pop culture is the way of life targeted towards younger people. A reason I love pop culture is because it links every person on the planet. It serves as a unifying force for people of all backgrounds. Pop culture includes music, sports, television, fashion, social media, politics, and print. However, the three most influential forms…

Mike, has used his platform through Hip-Hop to drive supporters of the Black Lives Matter movement to write legislators regarding communal concerns and has tested out his own political career as a Georgia State Representative. Similarly, Russell Simmons in regards to Black Lives Matter has reached out to Governor Cuomo regarding police brutality concerns of New York, and Hip-Hop legend Jay Z has donated more than 1 million dollars to the initiatives of the Black Lives Matter Movement local and…

”At least four accusers have accused Mario of inappropriate touching over the course of two decades. Batali admitted to these allegations, and in only a few days time, ABC said they fired Mario Batali from “The Chew.” A third man accused was Russell Simmons, the famous hip-hop mogul and producer that helped form Def Jam brand. He announced he was stepping down from his various companies following sexual harassment allegations. Multiple women have come forward…

Animal testing has been around since ancient times. Ancient greek and Romans tested different medical procedures on animals purely to satisfy curiosity. Because anaesthetics were not discovered until near the end of the nineteenth century, all of these experiments were tested on animals without pain relief. Anyone that has accidently stepped on their dog’s paw, knows that animals definitely feel pain. Back in the 1500’s there was an Anatomy and Physiology professor, named Andreas Vesalius. He…