Godfather of Hip-Hop Grows up

Russell Simmons is an innovator and an entrepreneur. Often called the godfather of hip-hop, Simmons might be better termed an urban-wear mogul or a marketing guru. Credited with bringing rap to the mainstream, Simmons founded Def Jam Records in the early 1980’s alongside Rick Rubin, going on to launch the careers of Run-D.M.C., the Beastie Boys and LL Cool J. In the 1990’s Simmons produced “Def Comedy Jam.” The HBO show ran for 7 years launching the careers of many famous comics.

Simmons knows how to combine the appropriate amount of panache and sophistication with just enough urban grit to make his products unique and appealing. Founding urban clothing line Phat Farm in 1992 (Baby Phat followed), Simmons sold parent company Phat Fashions LLC to the Kenwood Company in 2004 for a reported $140 million but stayed on as CEO, managing the day-to-day operations of the company up until recently.

Simmons, now 45, is starting his own fashion lines for the sophisticated urban man. Argyle Culture and Atman are designed for the hip-hop generation now grown up; fashionable in a classic way yet still seeking that bit of urban flare. The argyle pattern itself has been associated with country club prep and the Ivy League yet this iconic cuspidate pattern and sophisticated fabrics such as herringbone and houndstooth have been incorporated into Argyle Culture’s premier collection, subtly enhanced with Simmons iconoclastic urban aesthetic. Atman is an even higher end men’s boutique line.

As human beings, the minute we stop learning and growing, we lose that essence that makes us dynamic and effective. Russell Simmons is a prime example of what ingenuity, hard work and insight can achieve in the span of two decades.

Source: Sonshine Communications