He and partner Rick Rubin founded Def Jam Recordings, creating the foundation for the cultural revolution known as hip hop. Def Jam was just one part of his hip hop empire. He founded Rush Communications, Phat Farm clothing company, television shows, a management company, a magazine and an advertising agency.
Simmons sold his stake in Def Jam Records to Universal Music Group for $100 million, and in 2004, he sold Phat Farm for $140 million.
As always, the lecture series allows its guest speakers 30-to-45-minute to lecture, then an equal amount of time is set aside for an impromptu style forum for interaction and Q & A's with the audience.
Over 10,000 people have attended the past events, with 55% to 60% being students and their families. The Brilliant Lecture Series targets speakers who appeal to the leaders of tomorrow, our young people of today.
The forum's intent is to inspire and increase public awareness within Houston, and the surrounding communities by providing a platform where Texans can interact with national and international leaders, role models, philanthropists, humanitarians and authors.
Another of Simmons accomplishments is writing a book "Do You! 12 Laws To Access The Power In You To Achieve Happiness And Success." Simmons is just another of the notable Black authors in Houston this weekend during the Houston Black Expo and National Black Book Festival. Sphere: Related Content
