Journeys in Black: Russell Simmons Synopsis & Summary

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 shows Def Comedy Jam and Def Poetry Jam, he expanded the boundaries of spoken-word performance and established its connection to hip-hop culture; and his Phat Farm clothing line has put him on the leading edge of contemporary urban fashion. Journeys in Black: Russell Simmons is a documentary produced for the BET cable network in which Simmons discusses his career and the ideals which have helped make him a success. - Mark Deming, All Movie Guide