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Russell beagan to produce the groundbreaking series Def Comedy Jam for HBO in 1991.
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Russell's wedding to Kimora Lee was performed by his brother, Joe (Rev Run).
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Russell was voted the world's 'Sexiest Vegeterian' in 2002 by PETA.
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Russell turned the story of the founding of Def Jam Records into a movie called Krush Groove in 1988. Blair Underwood played Russell, Rick Rubin, and Run DMC played themselves.
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Russell appeared in the music video for Jay-Z's "Change Clothes".
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Russell appeared in the music video for Aaliyah's "Miss You".
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Russell is a vegan and a vegeterian, who took a stance against Kentucky Fried Chicken and Factory Farms, for the cruel way they kill their animals.
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Russell's hit HBO series, Def Comedy Jam was made into a Broadway show.
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Russell sold his share of Def Jam Records in 1999, to Universal Music Group for 100 million dollars.
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Russell practies Yoga, Tai Chi, and meditation to stay centered and relaxed.
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Russell expanded Def Jam Records, to include both clothing lines, Def Comedy Jam television productions, magazine, advertisements, and Def Jam Movies. The new conglomerate was renamed Rush Communications.
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Russell was left as the CEO of Def Jam Records, after Rick Rubin left in 1988.
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Russell called for a boycott on Pepsi products after the corporation hired Ludacris on as a spokesperson, then fired him, due to a rant issued by Bill O'Reilly, admonishing his obscene lyrics. Russell was shocked when the Pepsi CEO's decided to replace Ludacris with Ozzy Osbourne, a star with an equally, if not worse language habits.
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Russell turned the responsibilities of running 'Baby Phat' over to his future wife, former model Kimora Lee.
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Russell branched out into a men's clothing line, in 1992, calling it 'Phat Farm'. Once that venture took off, he added the women's apparrel, calling their line 'Baby Phat'.
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Russell was a hustler growing up, and he got involved with the street gangs in New York. It was when he found talented artists, he turned his interests elsewhere.
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Russell and Rick signed major talent to their music label, including: Run DMC, LL Cool J, Oran Juice Jones, and Public Enemy.
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Russell teamed up with Rick Rubin in 1984 to form Def Jam Records.
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Russell went to City College of New York to study sociology, but left early to promote rap artists and club acts.