Is Kevin Liles Related to Russell Simmons? Know Here
by V Gomala
Updated Sep 25, 2024
Is Kevin Liles Related to Russell Simmons?
No, Kevin Liles and Russell Simmons are not related by blood, despite some rumors. However, they have strong professional connections. Liles, a longtime music executive, worked closely with Simmons when he became president of Def Jam Recordings, a company Simmons co-founded. Liles joined Def Jam in the early 1990s and later became its president.
So, it confirms that Kevin Liles and Russell Simmons are unrelated. Kevin Liles, a longtime music executive and co-founder of 300 Entertainment, has announced that he will step down as chairman and CEO of 300 Elektra Entertainment on September 30, 2024.
Who is Russell Simmons?
Russell Wendell Simmons is a famous American businessman, writer, and music executive. He co-founded the hip-hop record label Def Jam Recordings and started clothing brands like Phat Farm, Argyleculture, and Tantris. Simmons is also a promoter of veganism and yoga, and has written books about health, lifestyle, and business. In 2011, his net worth was estimated to be $340 million.
| Full Name | Russell Wendell Simmons |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | October 4, 1957 (age 66) |
| Place of Birth | New York City, U.S. |
| Occupation(s) | Entrepreneur, Writer, Record Executive |
| Years Active | 1984–present |
| Spouse | Kimora Lee Simmons (m. 1998; div. 2009) |
| Children | 2 |
Russell Simmons Career
Russell Simmons co-founded Def Jam in 1986 with Rick Rubin. Simmons later co-produced films like Krush Groove (1985) and The Nutty Professor (1996). He also started Rush Communications, which includes multiple businesses and non-profits, and produced popular TV shows like Def Comedy Jam and Def Poetry Jam.
In 1992, Simmons launched the clothing line Phat Fashions LLC, which included the Phat Farm and Baby Phat labels. The brand became popular for its classic hip hop style, selling through stores in New York, Montreal, and 3,000 retailers in the U.S. He sold Phat Fashions to the Kellwood Company for $140 million in 2004.
In 2001, Simmons faced criticism from Conrad Tillard over negative language in rap music, leading to a public debate on hip hop culture. Simmons held his own summit in response, defending the community. In 1995, he co-founded the Rush Philanthropic Arts Foundation to support youth art education and provide opportunities for underrepresented artists.
In 2014, Simmons received an honorary doctorate from Claremont Lincoln University for his work promoting mindfulness and inter-religious collaboration. In 2021, he launched an NFT collection called "Masterminds of Hip Hop," curated by Snoop Dogg, highlighting key figures in hip hop history.
Who is Kevin Liles?
Kevin Liles is an American music executive and co-founder of 300 Entertainment. In 2020, Billboard Magazine named him R&B/Hip-Hop Executive of the Year for his work in activism and for helping with the success of artist Megan Thee Stallion.
| Name | Kevin Liles |
|---|---|
| Birthplace | Baltimore, Maryland, U.S. |
| Age | 56 |
| Education | Woodlawn High School; Morgan State University |
| Occupation | Record Executive |
| Years Active | 1986–present |
| Spouse | Erika Liles (m. 2010) |
| Children | 4 |
Kevin Liles Career
Kevin Liles started his career as a DJ and songwriter before being hired by Def Jam Records. By 2004, he left Def Jam to pursue other projects, and in 2014, he co-founded 300 Entertainment with Lyor Cohen, Todd Moscowitz, and Roger Gold. The company quickly gained attention by signing popular rappers like Megan Thee Stallion, Gunna, Migos, and Young Thug.
In early 2021, Warner Music Group bought 300 Entertainment for $400 million. In 2022, 300 Entertainment merged with Elektra to form 300 Elektra Entertainment Group. Under Kevin Liles' leadership, the new company continued to have success with hit releases.
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