Russell Simmons: Full Interview

Russell Simmons reminisces on his career, highlighting his decision to drop out of college, the experience of working alongside Rick Rubin, and how Def Comedy Jam bolstered the Def Jam brand. Plus, in our sit-down interview at his home in Bali, Simmons breaks his silence on sexual assault allegations made against him, acknowledging past insensitivity but denying ever partaking in violent or non-consenting behaviors. Simmons goes on to address Oprah’s departure from the film On the Record, detail his current legal dispute with his ex-wife, and explain how his move to Bali has given him 'a new lease on life.'
#podcast #interview #bali

0:00 - Early Life with Parents
6:50 - Hunting for Snakes in Jamaica, Queens
7:24 - Relationship with Drugs
11:05 - Quitting Drugs and Alcohol
13:22 - Robbed at 16 Years Old
14:50 - Dropping Out of College and the Value of Education
16:43 - Charles Gallery, Small's Gallery, and Renaissance Harlem
18:00 - Long-term Goals and Business
21:40 - Managing Will Smith
24:40 - Important Life Figures
29:46 - Relationship with Trump
32:52 - Def Comedy Jam
35:16 - Def Jam, the epicenter of Hip-Hop
36:05 - Selling Def Jam
38:32 - Biggest Professional Success
40:33 - Importance of Hip-Hop
43:31 - Family Life and Dynamics
51:24 - Sexual Assult Allegations
1:03:23 - "A new lease on life"

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Episode debuted nationwide in 2023.

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