Rating: 
Summary: Very Engaging Read !Moves Fast!
Review: A lot of autobios are self serving and this one is no exception. That said, it is very interesting . I learned a lot about the pitfalls of these label deals of the kind that Puffy had with Arista and No limit had with Priority. Secondly,I learned a lot about how rap was perceived during its rise from a guy who was there. I also appreciate his positive attitude on Race.He acknowledges the role of whites in his success and teaches youth that you have to deal with The Man if you want to go aBOVE A CERTAIN LEVEL. Just watch out for the self serving stuff:Nearly every artist is described as a friend even though I know some of these guys ....are not fans. Chuck D of Public Enemy calls him Hustle Scrimmins but there's no sign of a problem in these pages. Ditto the Beastie Boys .ANd LL Cool J .Plus he takes credit for PE when Rick Rubin signed him over Russells Objections. stuff like that. Still the book i part of a growning body of work on a topic we all love. Nice brezzy writing style.
Rating: 
Summary: A VERY Top-Line Look At The Man Behind The Marketing
Review: Anyone who knows anything about Def Jam or Russell Simmons in general will realize this is an EXTREMELY top-line look at the man who is largely responsible for turning hip hop into its own hybrid of corporate culture. A lot of people who were players in the development of the def jam image or long-time soldiers in his camp are not mentioned, significant events are left out and certain explanations of what went down or his motivations behind important decisions are vague at best. Even seemingly positive, life-altering subjects are left undiscussed. He shows a picture of his "model" wife's pregnant, naked stomach in the photo section and credits her with being the most beautiful, intelligent woman he's ever met but doesn't even tell how he met her or why he (the most notorious "model chaser" around) picked this particular one to marry.Russ does spin some interesting tales and makes a few insightful comments about certain hip hop artists and how some of his deals were structured, but overall that's not enough. If you're really hoping to take a look into the soul of America's favorite hip hop impressario or hoping to pick up pointers on how to hone your music biz skills, look elsewhere.
Rating: 
Summary: Wisdom has been passed on!!!!
Review: As you may have read some may say that they expected more. You have to read deeper into the book. I believe this is a great book, it shy's away from the glamour and focuses on the reality. Many may think that the industry and the super star lifestyle is a lucky life but it is a hard life, one that you choose the dedicate your life to. Russell gives you insight on the situations and how to handle them. Wisdom has been passed on and only of you have the same drive will you understand the message.
Rating:
Summary: hip hop history
Review: i found the book to be a strong read about a person who built a businessandmanaged to keep ot successful and afloat for a long time. i critisize some of his remarks regarding how hip hop violence was not instigated by the music itself. when i read that i remember being at ozzy concerts years ago and he would instigate people to go crazy. there is music that pushed people to explode and go nuts. hip hop is that type of music. like it or not, thats why i like listening to it. an impressive read in a simple format.
Rating:
Summary: Culture of Hip Hop Education 101...
Review: I have always admired the business savvy Russell Simmons. However, I am a forty-something mother whose son has adopted the hip hop culture. I praise this book because it gave me a clear understanding and appreciation for hip hop, that I did not have in the beginning. The book covers his life, the music indusry and business. I really enjoyed this book and highly recomend it to parents that just don't understand. It also contains some nice photos from Russell's personal collection.
Rating:
Summary: Culture of Hip Hop Education 101...
Review: I have always admired the business savvy Russell Simmons. However, I am a forty-something mother whose son has adopted the hip hop culture. I praise this book because it gave me a clear understanding and appreciation for hip hop, that I did not have in the beginning. The book covers his life, the music indusry and business. I really enjoyed this book and highly recomend it to parents that just don't understand. It also contains some nice photos from Russell's personal collection.
Rating:
Summary: When I grow up I want to be like Uncle Rush!
Review: I have been a big fan of Russell since Run DMC's "Here We Go" and meeting him and his brother back in 1986 in Cincinatti, Ohio during the Raising Hell tour. He was in a hotel lobby getting his hustle on the phone and I was hollaring at his brother talking about I did not have no ticket and told them to come to this venue at the Capital Center in Landover, MD. Needless to say I got the ticket and my first experience at a rap concert. It was defintely a blast. And I really became hook on hip hop and the Def Jam's family. This is the book that I've been waiting for a book from my idol the legendary Mogul Russell Simmons to tell about his rise in the entertainment/fashion/media business. It was surprising and interesting to learn about how other people try to dis him and screw him more than once. Yet Rush live and learn and maintain his reputation because he was and still is about making that money! I respect him even more now on the matter of how he refused to be catergorized as a black business but a business that cater to all races. Catering to one race is ok but to all race is where the money is and this does not make you a sell out but a smart businessman. Please be warned that this book is very explict for it language and sexual related stories and honest admission of using drug in the past but that is only because the co-author Nelson George is keeping it real for Russell. So go ahead and order and give this book for your kids and so they can learn being the CEO of your own business is the key to success and independence and self-reliance in life. People need to stop emulating the wrong people. Emulating successful people and twisting and tweaking to make it work for yourself! College folks get this book so you can prepare for your own business as soon you get your paper. Ain't nuthing going to be given to you on a silver platter, you got to hustle to get to the top! Be unique and active about your passion. This book is very inspiring and it show that Russell is human and he a force to be reckon with in the business community. The only negative I have to said about this book is the use of the nXXXa word. I am a Black male myself but my opinion that word is played out. But hey it about where you are from and whom you represent. One thing I wish Russell wrote about in his book on the reason why he does not wear a suit!!The book is a biography and a lesson on how not to get screw in the business world. You get really behind the scence in the shady music business and see how a CEO have to interact on a daily basic to the point of becoming a babysitter and parent because it was his baby (idea) and he got to see it where he was able to sell it for a large amount of money (exit stragerty) and move on to something bigger. So when I think of Def Jam , first thing come to my mind is Russell Simmons. Keep rising to the top Uncle Rush! Represent! Cuz you are bad!
And may God bless each of y'all!
Rating:
Summary: Good story, bad book.
Review: I know what you are thinking. If this book is so bad, why did I give it four stars? First of all, the book only deserved 3 ½ stars but unfortunately that is not an option due to technical difficulties (this is my first review!). Second, this is a very interesting story about a self-made millionaire who pioneered and profited from an industry that didn't exist 30 years ago. However, this book leaves a lot to be desired. Life & Def sets sail with a strong start. Simmons details his childhood and introduces his creative family. He explains the strong influence of his mother (the free-spirit painter who encouraged her children to seek non-traditional occupations), and his father (the writer who believed in a 9-5, but encouraged artistic expressions and even wrote lyrics for Run DMC!) Despite the strong start, the ship soon goes off course. Simmons bombards you with names, (random) dates, and industry specific terms. He gives brief overviews of important milestones such as his successful HBO show Def Comedy Jam, only to return (briefly again!) later in the book. My love of hip-hop and desire for entrepreneurial success pushed me through the choppy waters of this book. I especially struggled to stay afloat during the last 30 pages. By this time I was mentally exhausted from wading through oceans of acronyms, abbreviations, and run-on sentences. Simmons offers a plethora of advice. He candidly shares his mistakes and regrets in an attempt to save the reader from the same. However, he gives you a map for success omitting the last leg of the trip! At the end of the book, I was lost at sea searching for answers to the many issues that plagued the author. The best example of this is the recurring theme of drugs. Simmons readily admits that he heavily indulged in everything from marijuana, to cocaine, to angel dust (his hallucinogen of choice.) He then briefly (3 pages!) outlines how yoga led him in his quest for spirituality. He never mentions when (or if?) he discontinued the heavy drug use. Despite the poor writing, this book is a must read for any hip-hop lover or entrepreneur. He does provide facts, tips, do's, and don't's, of any business. However, this book does his story no justice. Call me old fashioned, but I still think that the best way to write an autobiography is in chronological order. As an avid reader and aspiring writer, Life & Def reinforced the importance of a good EDITOR.
Rating:
Summary: Good story, bad book.
Review: I know what you are thinking. If this book is so bad, why did I give it four stars? First of all, the book only deserved 3 ½ stars but unfortunately that is not an option due to technical difficulties (this is my first review!). Second, this is a very interesting story about a self-made millionaire who pioneered and profited from an industry that didn't exist 30 years ago. However, this book leaves a lot to be desired. Life & Def sets sail with a strong start. Simmons details his childhood and introduces his creative family. He explains the strong influence of his mother (the free-spirit painter who encouraged her children to seek non-traditional occupations), and his father (the writer who believed in a 9-5, but encouraged artistic expressions and even wrote lyrics for Run DMC!) Despite the strong start, the ship soon goes off course. Simmons bombards you with names, (random) dates, and industry specific terms. He gives brief overviews of important milestones such as his successful HBO show Def Comedy Jam, only to return (briefly again!) later in the book. My love of hip-hop and desire for entrepreneurial success pushed me through the choppy waters of this book. I especially struggled to stay afloat during the last 30 pages. By this time I was mentally exhausted from wading through oceans of acronyms, abbreviations, and run-on sentences. Simmons offers a plethora of advice. He candidly shares his mistakes and regrets in an attempt to save the reader from the same. However, he gives you a map for success omitting the last leg of the trip! At the end of the book, I was lost at sea searching for answers to the many issues that plagued the author. The best example of this is the recurring theme of drugs. Simmons readily admits that he heavily indulged in everything from marijuana, to cocaine, to angel dust (his hallucinogen of choice.) He then briefly (3 pages!) outlines how yoga led him in his quest for spirituality. He never mentions when (or if?) he discontinued the heavy drug use. Despite the poor writing, this book is a must read for any hip-hop lover or entrepreneur. He does provide facts, tips, do's, and don't's, of any business. However, this book does his story no justice. Call me old fashioned, but I still think that the best way to write an autobiography is in chronological order. As an avid reader and aspiring writer, Life & Def reinforced the importance of a good EDITOR.
Rating: 
Summary: Very Average
Review: I Respect Nelson George from way back when, but this Book doesn't really do much for Me one way or the other.as for Russell Simmons I respect the fact He made His Way but overall I don't find Him that Challenging&I can't Respect How He let His Artists kinda just slip without taking care of them Better.Public Enemy,LL COOL J to name a few didn't get the best shake from Him.He gets into His Lifestyle&that's basically it.nothing more nothing less.Very Ordinary read.
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