Russell Simmons

Most people believe that results matter. The idea that results matter is one that you have to keep letting go of. And most of the time, I believe it.

I am very lucky that I have talented and creative people around me. Also, meditation has been a very big part of my freedom, because it allows me to watch all the things going on and allows me to focus.

When I started the diamond business, no black person, period, was in it to do what we're trying to do to change the industry. So I like to do things that I see clearly that are in my, you know, scope. And then, I had to figure how I get talented or smart business people around me to execute. That's what I have to do.

I think when you're very dedicated to something and you're engaged fully, you become a giver.

I produced Run DMC. I produced some early records, lots of records early on.

The difference between blues, jazz, rock n' roll and rap is that rap stayed poor. Even the white rappers are poor. It's scarier to look at poor people; it makes everyone uncomfortable. Their pain is something that people would like to see swept under the rug.