Russell Simmons: From Hollis Crew to Hollywood Hills (But Seriously, Where'd He Come From?)
Ah, Russell Simmons. The Def Jam don, the streetwear sultan, the yoga enthusiast (wait, what?). Dude's got a resume longer than a Kanye West Twitter rant. But one burning question has always simmered in the minds of inquiring minds (and those stuck in geography class): where in Los Angeles is Russell Simmons actually from?
Hold Your Horses, Hollywood: Buckle up, because the answer might surprise you. Russell Simmons isn't actually a native Angeleno. Nope, he wasn't born and raised under the California sun. This hip-hop mogul actually hails from the Hollis neighborhood of Queens, New York City. Yes, you read that right, folks. East Coast, baby!
So, What Gives? Well, as the story goes, Simmons eventually set his sights on the West Coast sunshine and moved to Los Angeles sometime in the early 2000s. Tinseltown beckoned, and Simmons, ever the savvy businessman, set up shop in the Hollywood Hills. Apparently, the lure of celebrity and, let's be honest, some sweet digs, was too much to resist.
Trading Subways for Studios: We can only imagine the culture shock. Swapping the hustle and bustle of New York City for the laid-back vibes of LA. Rush hour traffic on the 405 vs. bumping into Jay-Z at the Polo Lounge? Decisions, decisions.
But Hey, It Worked Out: Despite the East Coast roots, Simmons clearly thrived in LA. He became a fixture in the Hollywood scene, rubbing shoulders with the A-list and expanding his business ventures. Maybe the palm trees and celebrity air just agreed with him.
The Moral of the Story? Don't believe everything you read on the internet (or hear in a rap song). Russell Simmons might be a California transplant, but his New York influence is undeniable. So next time you see him sipping green juice in Beverly Hills, just remember, this hip-hop OG got his start back in the boroughs.
