big in the game
Russell Simmons
Hip Hop mogul Russell Simmons tells Annika Allen about
bringing his comedy brand to the UK, losing his close friend
Bernie Mac and what it’s like living the American Dream
Over the years, Russell has experienced the
launch of careers of many talented comedians
including Bernie Mac who sadly passed away last
month. ‘I was at home working on my computer read-
ing Globalgrind.com – an online information centre for
hip-hop heads – and the news of Bernie Mac’s death
came up a couple of seconds after it happened,’
Russell remembers. ‘I have many fond memories of
him. One time I remember early on in his career, he
had a bad experience on stage. It was his first time
on a national platform and he was booed off and his
first response was: ‘I ain’t scared of you mother*******.’
That became his calling card and I was there when
he coined that phrase. He had great creativity and
expression and I saw it develop. He was the funniest
guy all around. A great giver, a great person.’
Running Phat farm
Russell, who also created the clothing line Phat Farm
continues saying: ‘My designers design stuff and
when we find something like a little hood, we say
that’s a Bernie Mac sweater. We liked him a lot. We’re
going to miss him,’ he says laughing at the memory.
From his humble beginning in Queens, New York,
Russell has come a long way. ‘Every day I’m grateful
H
ip Hop pioneer and entrepreneur Russell for all my successes. I didn’t know what was going to
Simmons has brought his legendary brand Def come from everything I was doing. The idea was to
Comedy Jam to the UK. This groundbreaking give what I had and to keep on giving, so I’m thrilled
comedy has been around for over a decade, starting to be where I am – but I didn’t expect to reach here.’
on US channel HBO in 1991. Since its inception it has He is clearly living the America dream but in his
seen America’s black comedy elite grace its stage New York Times best selling book Do You! Russell
– with the likes of Chris Tucker, Dave Chappelle and talks about a time when mainstream America thought
Bernie Mac to Martin Lawrence. Most recently the that black people could never live that dream. ‘The
UK’s very own Gina Yashere – now living in the US American Dream is black. Barack Obama is the
– took centre stage. But what has taken Def Comedy American Dream. Urban clothing companies like
Jam so long to reach our shores? Russell explains.
‘Well we know you guys in the UK wanted it and we
eventually found the right promoters to work with. It fit
“Companies like Phat Farm
our schedules, it also fitted the comedians’ schedules
– and so we made it happen.’
represent the American Dream”
Working with Kojo RocaWear, Sean Jean and Phat Farm represent the
DJ Kid Capri has been the DJ for the show since its coming of age of the American Dream.’
launch in the Nineties. He is essential to the brand and Despite his involvement in numerous hip-hop
helped create the buzz as the comedians entered the projects and his links with TV, film, music and fashion,
stage and walked to the mic. The UK show featured what Russell is most proud of is his charity work.
dynamic US comics Tony Roberts, Dominique, As a committed philanthropist, Russell heads Rush
Capone and Patrice O’Neal as well as former Flavour Philanthropic, which exposes disadvantaged youth to
cover star and the UK’s favourite comic Kojo who the arts. He’s a Goodwill Ambassador of CISRI-ISP
hosted the show. ‘Kojo reminds me of Chris Tucker,’ enabling the organisation to ‘launch an awareness
states Russell. ‘He’s so funny and it was obvious to campaign using hip hop as a vehicle to address
put that connection there – to have some of the British war, poverty and HIV/AIDS, as well as serving as the
sense of humour on stage. I’ve been talking about Chairman of the Foundation for Ethnic Understanding,
Kojo for a while – I’m excited to be working with him.’ which is dedicated to bringing religions and ethnicities
The entrepreneur is also keen to work with Kojo together. ‘I love the charity work and the semi-
when he moves Stateside. ‘He’s on fire, so we’re political initiatives I’m involved in. The fact that black
definitely going to work on some projects together.’ people in the world are poor is a concern for me.’
He’s also keen on bringing the Def Comedy brand to
the UK on a regular basis. ‘As long as there’s new
ds by Annika Allen
To buy tickets or to be kept posted on forthcoming
or
talent to expose, I think it will be a good thing.’ comedy events, log onto www.livenation.co.uk
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