Rev Run

Joseph ‘Rev. Run’ Simmons transitioned from being a pioneering hip-hop artist to a spiritual leader and television personality, impacting music, fashion, and family values. After playing a pivotal role in bringing rap music into the mainstream as a founding member of the highly influential hip-hop group Run-DMC, Rev Run went on to achieve unprecedented success, transforming the music industry and pop culture. As a founding member of Run-DMC alongside Darryl ‘D.M.C.’ McDaniels and the late Jason ‘Jam-Master Jay’ Mizell, Joseph Simmons, known professionally as Rev Run, helped pioneer a distinctive sound combining hip-hop with hard rock elements.

The group made history as the first hip-hop act to achieve a Gold record with their self-titled debut album in 1984, followed by the Platinum-certified ‘King of Rock’ in 1985. Their seminal 1986 album ‘Raising Hell’ became the first multi-platinum hip-hop record and featured the groundbreaking collaboration ‘Walk This Way’ with Aerosmith, which soared to No. 4 on the Billboard Hot 100. Run-DMC further broke barriers as the first hip-hop act to have music videos on MTV in 1985, appear on ‘American Bandstand’, and grace the cover of ‘Rolling Stone’.

His journey from an iconic hip-hop figure to a celebrated television personality and author showcases a rare adaptability and commitment to positive influence. Through his continued work in media and philanthropy, Rev Run remains a prominent and revered voice in American pop culture, consistently demonstrating his ability to connect with diverse audiences and champion meaningful causes.