Russell Simmons

Biography: Russell Simmons
$24.95

The Men Behind Def Jam: The Radical Rise of Russell Simmons And Rick Rubin
$21.95
Alex Ogg did a superb job in his book on Russel Simmons and Rick Rubin, founders of the record label, "Def Jam". Ogg gave the men who launched the careers of Jay-Z, LL Cool J, Run-DMC, the Beastie Boys, and other stars of hip hop their props. While I found it was an insightful read, I discovered that homorous touches and memorable moments abound throughout the book. Since I am an fan of the Beastie Boys, I enjoyed the early part of the book which dealt with the rap/rock phenomenon in the 1980's, although I was a bit dissapointed that Ogg didn't delve more deeply into how Rubin got to be friends and roomates with Adam Horovitz (Ad-Rock of Beastie-Boy fame.) Nevertheless, Alex Ogg, a gifted writer, knows how to put together a good Def Jam history book, and without a doubt loves hip-hop very much.

The Industry
$9.97
I plan to show this to my high school juniors/seniors, hoping they can work past the occasional f-bomb, as the presentation of the manager, A&R rep and other industry elites far outweighs the foul language. In particular we see smart, focused, professional young African-Americans making on-point decisions for their clients, putting in the long hours and dedication it takes to make themselves and their clients successful. Very well done. -- PC, Chicago

Def Poetry - Season 1
$12.98
I am not sure what "Def" is.
I am not even sure I know what "Poetry" is, although I try to read much with an open mind--no, that's not what poetry appeals to--much with an extra sensitivity.
[There is some which has motivated me for life:

"I saw a man pursuing the horizon./Round and round they sped./This greatly disturbed me./I accosted the man, 'You can never. . .'/'You lie,' he cried, and ran on." Stephen Crane]

But whatever Def Poetry is, each episode of this season of this show begins with poetry--a snippet of Gwendolyn Brooks or William Shakespeare or Langston Hughes or Dylan Thomas, Def Poets, the show proclaims, all.
[And more:

"Oh generation of the thoroughly smug and the thoroughly uncomfortable./I have seen fishermen picknicking in the sun./I have seen them with untidy familes,/I have seen their smiles full of teeth and heard ungainly laughter./And I am happier than you are,/And they were happier than I am. . .Ezra Pound]

Whatever Def Poetry is--other than poetic, be it rant or performance--it is effective.
Before you--you teenage boy--suggest to your date you both jump in the backseat of a car, you should hear part of this--to see, to feel--what the girl may think. Before you--you college graduate dismiss the thought of teaching--you should hear part of this--to understand, to feel--"what teachers make".
Please, I'm ready for season next.