Joseph Simmons
Joseph Ward Simmons (born November 14, 1964) is one of the founding members of hip hop group Run-D.M.C.. He is known as DJ Run, Joey Simmons or Rev Run, which is a play on his religious title. Born in Hollis, Queens, New York, he is the younger brother of Daniel "Danny" Simmons, Jr and Def Jam Records co-founder Russell Simmons. He entered the scene via his older brother Russell, as a DJ for his first big act Kurtis Blow. He assumed the alias 'Son of Kurtis Blow', but later changed it to 'Run Love'.
Career
Joseph (or simply Run) founded Run-D.M.C. as a lead-vocalist (or MC) along with MC'ing friend Darryl "DMC" McDaniels and DJ Jason "Jam-Master Jay" Mizell. The group's work is considered by many to be inventive and original, using numerous revolutionary styles, including the pioneering work of Jam Master Jay. Run began using the stage name of "Rev Run" after he was ordained as a reverend in Zoe Ministries. His first work as Rev Run was a feature in the single Song 4 Lovers by UK pop band Liberty X in September 2005. It was followed by his first solo album, Distortion.
The first single from the album, "Mind On The Road", is featured in the EA Sports's Madden NFL 06 video game. Mind On The Road uses samples from the song "I Love Rock 'N Roll," in the tradition of Run-DMC's 1980's hits using samples like Aerosmith's hit "Walk This Way."
Simmons and his family are also the focus of the MTV reality show, Run's House.
As a member of Run-D.M.C., Simmons, along with Darryl "DMC" McDaniels and the late Jason "Jam-Master Jay" Mizell will be eligible for the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2008.
He is the author of a book of spiritual devotions titled Words of Wisdom: Daily Affirmations of Faith.
Family
Simmons is married to Justine Simmons, mother of his children Daniel (Diggy) and Russell (Russy). Justine is stepmother to Rev Run's three oldest, Vanessa, Angela, and Joseph (JoJo), by his ex-wife Valerie Vaughn.
Vanessa Simmons is Simmons' oldest child. Born in 1983, she is a fashion model for the Ford Modeling Agency and an aspiring actress. She ranked #82 in Maxim's Hot 100 of 2006. Vanessa previously attended St. John's University in Queens, NY.
Angela Simmons, born in 1987, graduated from Fashion Industries High School of New York City in 2005 and enrolled in college that fall. She is executive editor of Word Up! magazine, and publisher of a subsidiary publication, Angela's Rundown. Angela's Rundown, a monthly magazine, targets youths age 14-18 and cover teen issues, style, music, and fashion while offering fashion tips and in-depth celebrity interviews. Angela and Rev Run made a cameo in Bow Wow's video "Shortie Like Mine" which premiered on October 11, 2006.
His oldest son is Joseph "Jo Jo" Simmons, Jr. who was born in 1989. Upon graduating from high school, his father gave him a BMW 3 series and although he is planning to attend college, he is 'shopping' his demo out to record labels.
Rev Run's two youngest sons are Daniel "Diggy" Simmons (born in 1995) and Russell "Russy" Simmons II (born in 1997). On September 26, 2006, Justine Simmons gave birth to Victoria Anne Simmons, but Victoria died shortly after birth.
New album
According to MTV, Rev. Run will be releasing a full collaboration album with Kid Rock titled 'Running With the Kid'.
See Also
- Run DMC
- Russell Simmons
- Baby Phat
- Phat Farm
- Run's House
- Jam Master Jay
- Darryl McDaniels
- Hip Hop
- Adidas