Joseph Simmons Biography

Fast Facts

• Was inducted, along with Run-DMC, into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2009
• Was studying mortuary science at LaGuardia Community College when he helped form Run-DMC
• Started out as the protégée and DJ for early rap star Kurtis Blow in 1978, where he got his name "DJ Run" because he could go back and forth between two turntables quickly
• Quote: "Do what you got to do so you can do what you want to do ․․․ whatever it is that's the responsibility that's ahead of you, you have to make sure that you take responsibility so you can have a good life․"
• Quote: "[on his reality show "Run's House"] "I told my family that from the beginning, we will show our family on television but we will teach․ Each show had a lesson․ And it was the truth․ I was always teaching a lesson in my house anyway․""
• Best known as one of the founding members of the hip hop group Run-DMC
• Heavily involved in the fashion industry with his own line of shoes called Run Athletics and his partnership with his brother Russell Simmons, the CEO of Phat Farm
• Released a solo album, "Distortion," in 2005 and toured with Kid Rock in 2008
• Published the book "Words of Wisdom" in 2006, which features inspirational quotes, and "Take Back Your Family," which features parenting tips from himself and his wife Justine, in 2008
• Is an ordained minister in the Pentecostal faith, going by the name Reverend Run