The difference between blues, jazz, rock n' roll and rap is that rap stayed poor. Even the white rappers are poor. It's scarier to look at poor people; it makes everyone uncomfortable. Their pain is something that people would like… — Russell Simmons Copy Share Image
Being materialistic is part of the hip-hop community's nature, because jazz and blues and rock 'n' roll, when they started out in the urban communities, were about the American Dream, and the lack of opportunity in that structure. So they… — Russell Simmons Copy Share Image
I'm born into the cycle of giving that we're all born into, and I recognize it. So just because something is a good business,… — Russell Simmons Copy Share Image
If you don't break a hole through the brick wall, don't just start digging a new hole. Keep going until you break through that… — Russell Simmons Copy Share Image
A large portion of American citizens, especially people of color, have lost confidence in our criminal justice system. Many have called for appointing special… — Russell Simmons Copy Share Image
There's one overriding issue, namely, that we live in a police state so long as the police get to police themselves. And that is… — Russell Simmons Copy Share Image
I used to think anxiety and insomnia drove me to success, but it was the stillness that let me be good at anything. When… — Russell Simmons Copy Share Image
[Performing artists] are making greater percentages. People are going to live events more and it's a big success story for everyone - except the… — Russell Simmons Copy Share Image
I think I will always have a connection to young people, to try to bring their voices to the polls, bring their voices wherever… — Russell Simmons Copy Share Image
The best defense for any group of people is what we do to defend other people. — Russell Simmons Copy Share Image
Culture in America and everywhere else comes from the suffering, from those who don't want the old ways. They want to bring in the… — Russell Simmons Copy Share Image
I try to use my voice. I know that celebrity is valuable, and people do listen. — Russell Simmons Copy Share Image
![“[Performing artists] are making greater percentages. People are going to live events more and it's a big success story for everyone - except the music industry itself.” quote by Russell Simmons](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/54c/russell-simmons-900_art_performing-artists-are-making-greater-pe_132648.jpg)
