Diamond Empowerment Fund Benefits from Ponahalo Diamond Sale

"Two radiant rocks cut from the 316-carat Ponahalo diamond" will be sold at Christie's this week:

"The pair of megadiamonds, weighing in at 102 and 70 carats, respectively, are expected to draw high bids, with the larger jewel predicted to sell for $4 million and the smaller gem a mere $2.2 million."

A "portion" of the proceeds will benefit the Diamond Empowerment Fund which was founded in the wake of Russell Simmon's factfinding/pr expedition to South Africa and Botswana.

Related ProHipHop Coverage:
2006's Unfinished Agenda: Truth, Justice & Diamonds

Russell Simmons' Kids to Get $20k Each a Month

More news from TMZ:

"TMZ has obtained documents in the Russell and Kimora Lee Simmons divorce case. The docs, filed yesterday in LA Superior Court, say the hip-hip pioneer has to shell out $20k a month -- per daughter!!! -- in child support to Kimora."

Russell Simmons' Argyle Culture Ads: Ok Ads, Sucky Clothes

Wooohah has some ad scans of Russell Simmons' Argyle Culture line that seem to communicate where they're coming from pretty well though I actually like this pic of Myorr Janha, VP of marketing and public relations quite a bit more.  However I'm not a good judge of Simmons' impact as a model of his own clothes.

Russell is pushing the "urban graduate" concept which is a really nice, creative term for a demographic whether real or imagined.

I have a lot of issues with Russell Simmons in relationship to the politics, spirituality and money triangle but I'd tell you I hate these clothes even if I really dug the guy.  Most of this kind of thing is just recycling of stuff that was popular years ago and I just don't want to see it anymore.

Polo sucks too.  Really ugly clothes like most preppy wear.

But if you like that kind of thing, knock yourself out.

More pics of various kinds can be seen at the official Argyle Culture website though it appears to still be under construction.

Russell Simmons & UNICEF Snowflake Signal Start of $hopping $eason

This is just too perfect for words.

Russell Simmons to Host UNICEF's 2007 New York Snowflake Lighting:
Honoring the spirit of giving, Tiffany & Co. and Hallmark Cards, Inc. will sponsor the 2007 UNICEF Snowflake Lighting...Onlookers will enjoy music and hot chocolate while watching the magnificent UNICEF Snowflake light up, signifying the beginning of the gift-giving season across the globe.

Russell Simmons to Speak at Media & Money Conference

Russell Simmons joins a group of serious heavyweights at the first Dow Jones/Nielsen Company Media and Money conference happening November 7th and 8th in New York.

Keynote speakers will include:
Jeffrey Bewkes, President & COO, Time Warner
Michael Eisner, Founder, The Tornante Company
Norman Pearlstine, Senior Advisor, The Carlyle Group

Simmons will be providing the inspirational keynote on "Business Karma":
In this session, Mr. Simmons will share lessons of his journey from New York City streets to the pinnacle of business accomplishment and his views on how success is not something you achieve, but something you do.

Official Site:
Media and Money 2007

Kimora Lee Simmons Steps Up as Russell Leaves Phat Fashions

Late last week Russell Simmons stepped down as CEO of Phat Fashions and Kimora Lee Simmons expanded her role as President and Creative Director of Baby Phat to become Creative Director of Phat Fashions.

It's unclear if a new CEO will be named or if those duties will subsume to Kellwood CEO Robert C. Skinner, Jr.

Russell Simmons: Servant of Hip Hop

Russell Simmons was interviewed for NPR by Farai Chideya earlier this month in an intense reminder of the dangers of feeding one's ego with spiritual practices such as yoga.

When he's asked if he feels that the kind of music his company produces can have harmful effects, the conversation can turn volatile, as it did during our sit-down. At one point, Simmons characterized our discussion in less-than-family-friendly terms...While he is going off, he is leaning off — away from the mic, that is. He's talking to his assistant in studio, complaining about the interview, and I'm thinking, "Is he about to run the heck out of here?"

Luckily, he didn't. In the end, after a long back-and-forth, Simmons explained that his role is to promote all of hip-hop, good and bad, not to be a judge or a gate-keeper.

"Did they tell you why I came here?" Simmons asks once things cool down. "My job is as a servant of hip-hop. That's my job, and people who criticize are not able to serve properly."

There's plenty more in the interview for both fans and foes.

Russell & Kimora File Libel Action Against In Touch

Russell & Kimora Lee Simmons have filed a libel action against In Touch magazine but nobody seems to know why and nobody's telling.

I'm assuming that's In Touch Weekly.

Russell Simmons Makes NY Times Advice Bestseller List

Russell Simmons' Do You! makes 4th place on the NY Times Bestseller list in the Hardcover Advice category.

Here's the current top 5 Hardcover Advice bestsellers:
1. THE SECRET, by Rhonda Byrne
2. THE LOVED DOG, by Tamar Geller with Andrea Cagan
3. LITTLE GREEN BOOK OF GETTING YOUR WAY, by Jeffrey Gitomer
4. DO YOU!, by Russell Simmons with Chris Morrow
5. THE WEIGHT LOSS CURE “THEY” DON’T WANT YOU TO KNOW ABOUT, by Kevin Trudeau

Tough competition, eh?

Chuck D @ Guitar Center Sessions, Compares Russell Simmons to a Buzzard

Chuck D @ Guitar Center Sessions: Pt. 3

Chuck D recently appeared at the Guitar Center's GC Sessions in New York whose "goal is to help musicians further their musical aspirations and provide tools for career growth."

Chuck dropped some jewels recorded in a series of short videos including the above in which he describes folks like Russell Simmons as buzzards:
A buzzard is not a bad bird...it just takes advantage of the dead.

The gang at TuneCorner went and have photos of the event.

I just found out about TuneCorner which seems to be a company blog for TuneCore.  Though it's not mentioned in the post, according to a nice write up of TuneCore in the Wall Street Journal, Guitar Center is an investor.

That said, TuneCore looks like a service worth checking out for artists and labels that want to sell digital tracks.

Russell Simmons Promotes Do You! w/Literacy Events

Russell Simmons - Do You!

This week brings the release of Russell Simmons' self help guide Do You! 12 Laws to Access the Power in You to Achieve Happiness and Success.  The NY Times' Harry Hurt III says:

Unfortunately, most of “Do You!” consists of hackneyed material you could just as well do without. With the exception of the moderately defiant “Spit truth to power,” the other 11 laws are familiar bromides that read like page filler churned up by Madison Avenue book packagers. They include: “Have a vision and stick with it,” “Never give less than your best,” “Surround yourself with the right people,” “There are no failures, only quitters” and “Successful people stay open to change.”

But, wait, Harry, Donald Trump['s secretary] wrote the foreward!  And there's nothing hackneyed about his approach to life.

Simmons is working with Literate National Atlanta on literacy/pr events in the Atlanta area.

Update:
I was just checking out YouTube in case Russell had a video about the book.  Didn't find anything but I did find the following appearance on Fox News last year:

Here Mr. Simmons is talking about success as a mindset and he gives the example of poor people who say they're starving but, really, they're overweight!

You know, it's a shame to see Russell's lack of knowledge about health issues and the fact that overweight poor people are typically malnourished because high calorie, low quality foods are cheaper:

As a rule, processed foods are more “energy dense” than fresh foods: they contain less water and fiber but more added fat and sugar, which makes them both less filling and more fattening. These particular calories also happen to be the least healthful ones in the marketplace, which is why we call the foods that contain them “junk.” Drewnowski concluded that the rules of the food game in America are organized in such a way that if you are eating on a budget, the most rational economic strategy is to eat badly — and get fat.

Please, Mr. Simmons, let's stop the madness, learn about the true state of poor people and stop trafficking in classist, oppressive cliches for self-promotional purposes, shall we?

Update:
This discussion about hip hop lyrics is also giving Russell Simmons lots of chances to get his book some promotion on shows like the O'Reilly Pit, which I hear is rather popular for some weird reason.

I couldn't actually stand to watch this clip but the promo starts the appearance and that's what's important here.

Russell Simmons & Ben Chavis' HSAN Statement Regarding Offensive Terms Reveals Lucrative Strategy

The Hip-Hop Summit Action press release is out and Russell Simmons and Ben Chavis are leading the way towards corporate responsibility and industry self-regulation by advocating the following:

HSAN is concerned about the growing public outrage concerning the use of the words "b*tch," "ho," and "n*gger." We recommend that the recording and broadcast industries voluntarily remove/bleep/delete the misogynistic words "b*tch" and "ho" and the racially offensive word "n*gger."

Going forward, these three words should be considered with the same objections to obscenity as "extreme curse words." The words "b*tch" and "ho" are utterly derogatory and disrespectful of the painful, hurtful, misogyny that, in particular, African American women have experienced in the United States as part of the history of oppression, inequality, and suffering of women. The word "n*gger" is a racially derogatory term that disrespects the pain, suffering, history of racial oppression, and multiple forms of racism against African Americans and other people of color.

In addition, we recommend the formation of a music industry Coalition on Broadcast Standards, consisting of leading executives from music, radio and television industries. The Coalition would recommend guidelines for lyrical and visual standards within the industries.

We also recommend that the recording industry establish artist mentoring programs and forums to stimulate effective dialogue between artists, hip-hop fans, industry leaders and others to promote better understanding and positive change. HSAN will help to coordinate these forums.

This is a smart move positioning HSAN in a potentially quite lucrative role moving forward in response to recent concerns spurred by the Don Imus fiasco.  HSAN gives the industry a socially responsible face just as Russell Simmons did for the diamond industry.  That's a real money making role and, in a strictly financial sense, it's hard to fault anyone for making that move.

On the political tip, this actually moves HSAN out of the social change arena and clarifies their pr role moving forward.  With Imus fired because advertisers pulled support, this tale continues to be one of marketing.

Kimora Lee Simmons to Share Her Fantabulous Life on TV

The Style Network brings the  reality of Kimora Lee Simmons to the small screen this summer in a celebreality show tentatively titled KIMORA.

I'm looking forward to seeing how she works with her staff:
Like all great leading ladies, Simmons surrounds herself with a formidable professional staff, which includes publicists, managers, creative directors and fashion designers, as well as an extensive personal staff of nannies, chefs, drivers, stylists and hair/makeup artists. It's a large group to handle, but Kimora Lee Simmons has no problem assuming leadership.

What, no Yes Men?  I think I've found my dream job!

"Yes, Ms. Kimora, I think erasing Russell's existence from the press release is a great idea.  It's time for him to stand on his own two feet.  After all, like the release says, you're the one that popularized the term Phat."

See, I'm a natural!

Russell Simmons at Diamond Industry Oscar Events

Serena Williams, Russell Simmons and Eva Pigford at CELESTIAL

The diamond industry really hit the Oscar scene hard this year including a week of activities hosted by the Diamond Information Center called CELESTIAL - A Diamond Affair 2007.

CELESTIAL events included a "Diamond Tribute Tea" for Russell Simmons where the first offerings from The Simmons Jewelry Company's Green Initiative collection were announced.

In related news:
At Oscar Ceremony, Artists to Wear Red Teardrop Pin in Support of Amnesty International Campaigns on Child Soldiers and Conflict Diamonds

Send Links On Russell Simmons' Blood Diamond Campaign

I'm working on a longer piece on Russell Simmons' efforts on behalf of the diamond industry to counter the effects of the movie Blood Diamond, which I'm calling the Blood Diamond Campaign.

If you've written or read something that you think is relevant to the topic at hand, drop a comment with the link or email me at:
clyde(at)prohiphop(dot)com

Russell Simmons Helps Diamond Industry Get Ahead Of Leonardo DiCaprio's Blood Diamond Flick

The Simmons Jewelry Company's fact-finding mission's report on diamond mining and related operations in South Africa and Botswana, conducted at the "invitation" of the Diamond Information Center, is well-timed to get ahead of Friday's release of Blood Diamond starring Leonardo DiCaprio.

The creation of a non-profit, the Diamond Empowerment Fund with a trademarked D.E.F., and of a fundraising product, Green Initiatives jewelry, nicely ties together such efforts by establishing a long-term platform for good works and good pr.

For some reason, the U.S. government is also worried about Blood Diamond and I'm very curious about their concern.  It seems to go a bit beyond protection of U.S. business interests.

In any case, the film will definitely stir up a lot of interest in the history of conflict diamonds and the complicity of current operations in that history, from jewelry companies to national governments, especially among that all important diamond buying demographic, Ladies That Love Leonardo or L.T.L.L.(@).

Of course, except for folks in hip hop who are making money in jewelry, hip hop artists have already successfully insulated themselves from such concerns by repeatedly verifying that "it's all about the Benjamins" while building Bling Nation.

The press release says they're dropping something on YouTube but I couldn't find it.  I'm also guessing on the web address of the Diamond Information Center.  I'll update.

Related Coverage:
The Boston Globe takes a closer look at the controversy and other industry responses.

Update:
Ok, that above link to the Diamond Information Center is correct and, according to Sekita Ekrek of the DIC, is funded by Diamond Trading Company, the "sales and marketing arm of the De Beers Group".

Here's the Simmons' trip to Africa YouTube video.  Oddly enough, though someone has created a RUSHphilanthropic channel and posted a comment as Russell Simmons on the posted video, it was actually posted by 51geelock51 whose other contribution to YouTube is a selection of random pirated tv clips.

There are some mildly deceptive elements here but they aren't clearcut and the PR rep for the DIC does seem to be answering my questions in a straightforward manner so far so I'm not going to assume that this campaign is similar to the Armand charade.

In fact, the story seems to be that DeBeers got Russell Simmons, who has a jewelry company, to go be the frontman for what will be a very difficult campaign.

That's quite a legitimate role but various odd details make it appear as if they're trying to cover their tracks a bit.  I'll come back to this in a separate post because I think some of the criticisms directed at Russell are actually unfair, especially when describing him as a diamond industry pawn.  He's a participant, not a pawn.

Final Update:
I'll hold other info for a followup but I wanted to clarify here that I did contact the folks at Rush Philanthropic and they clarified that they had approved the YouTube activity though I don't have further details.  It really isn't looking like deception so much as poor exection of an initial appearance on YouTube.

I'll come back with a closer look at this campaign and the reason why I consider it a lost opportunity for companies in the diamond industry who are willing to conduct themselves in a responsible manner.

Further ProHipHop Coverage:
2006's Unfinished Agenda: Truth, Justice & Diamonds

United Nations: Russell Simmons & Ben Chavis, Jay-Z & MTV

The United Nations seems to want in on the hip hop celebrity scene and recently named Russell Simmons and Dr. Benjamin Chavis as UN Goodwill Ambassadors.

Now, news that Jay-Z is hanging at the UN has gotten out!

Here are the Secretary-General's remarks at [the] launch of UN MTV Jay-Z collaboration to raise awareness on the worldwide water crisis:

I am therefore very pleased to announce today a groundbreaking collaboration between the United Nations, MTV and Jay-Z to raise awareness about the world's water crisis.

All of us at the United Nations are excited about this initiative. Working with MTV and Jay-Z, we hope this campaign will motivate youth to take action both in their own lives, and in support of broad eco-friendly initiatives.

MTV's global reach and credibility can play an important role in educating and empowering its audience.

Jay-Z, through his enormous influence, will inspire young people everywhere to care, conserve, and join in the search for solutions to our water crisis.

Or move some units on his upcoming world tour:
Jay-Z & Friends Do It For The Thirsty Kids!

Update:
Actually, Jay-Z will be touring in the MTV production of Jay-Z Cares About Thirsty People.

All kidding aside, this is a nice, safe way for Jay-Z to inch into a bigger public role.  And water is a very big deal.

MTV has more, much more:
Although he acknowledged that it might be difficult to shake off the sadness of seeing so much human tragedy during the day and become a fun-loving showman at night, he said the shows will not be melancholy.

"Music is escapism," he said. "Also, I'll take joy in the fact for that two hours or however long I'm playing, everyone can enjoy themselves and forget about the issue we're talking about."

Update 2 Via Nah Right:
Jay-Z clarifies that his education will not extend to "bureaucracy", whatever that means, and that he'll be taking the Michael "No Waves" Jordan approach to corporate responsibility, thank you very much.

Russell & Kimora Lee Simmons to Divorce

I truly don't recall having heard any of the rumors that Russell and Kimora Lee Simmons were going to split up, but I did think about that earlier today before I saw the news.  I mainly thought about what kind of divorce settlement would occur and the fact that supporting Kimora in the manner to which she was accustomed would keep Russell on the hustle.

In any case, the Simmons announced that they will divorce, via a statement to the Associated Press.  I bet it was appearing on that damn tv show that did them in, just like the Louds back in the 70s!

Baby Phat & Brand Kimora at New York Fashion Week

Kimora Lee Simmons helped kick off New York Fashion Week with a showing of the fall line for Baby Phat at which oh so many fabulous people appeared.

As Ericka N. Goodman put it:
The show provided the spirit of what hip-hop has become - a lifestyle that is both Hollywood and "hood," multifaceted, and of course, fabulous.

All this fab talk refers, of course, to the release of Kimora's new book Fabulosity: What It Is and How To Get It, whose 15 laws of fabulosity comprise a "rhinestone-studded, fur-lined checklist for the next generation of glamazons" beginning with:
Law #1: "Work yourself into a frenzy of high hopes and aspirations"

And Kimora Lee Simmons has certainly followed her own advice to become "Kimora Lee: The Brand".  In fact, hubbie Russell Simmons says he has a "vision of Kimora being the greatest brand in the world."

As noted in various accounts, Brand Kimora is an "aspirational brand" or, as CEO Kimora stated, "They see my life... they want my clothes. Got it?"

Well, if Madonna could take drag queen culture to the bank, why can't Miss Kimora?  Speaking of which, whatever happened to Caushun and Baby Phat Records?

More fantabulous photos of the 2006 Baby Phat show at New York Fashion Week.

Official site: Baby Phat

Available from Amazon:
Kimora Lee Simmons - Fabulosity: What It Is and How To Get It

Will Griffin On the Launch of DoD

Will Griffin, the President & COO of Simmons Lathan Media Group, responded to my post Simmons & Co. Launch Video On Demand Service with some comments about the launch of DoD.

Among other things, he addressed my question about what was meant by the use of such terms as "authentic branded entertainment" in the initial press release. As it turns out, that's meant to indicate their focus on brands that have a history of sponsorship and advertising in relationship to hip hop, such as Coca-Cola, General Motors and Reebok.

While I know that won't satisfy everyone's take on authenticity, especially those who label themselves hip hop purists, from a marketing perspective it seems like a reasonable way to discuss what's happening with DoD. Actually, though I have mixed feelings about branded entertainment, i.e. product placement, that's definitely where marketing is going. With the development of such phenomenon as TiVo, online ad banner blindness and, for the old school, leaving the room to get a snack during commercial breaks, advertisers are having to struggle to do their thing.

To some degree, I think that DoD represents another example of how hip hop is in the forefront of alternative forms of marketing, as it has been with street and buzz marketing, from street teams to mixtapes. And, though branded entertainment has raised concerns from a variety of folks including the Writers Guild of America, I don't think there's any question that it will be one of the major growth areas in advertising in coming years.

Will seems like an approachable and communicative guy so check out his rather informal comments following my earlier post. Hopefully I'll be able to follow up with an email interview at a later date after I get a chance to check out what they're doing.

Simmons & Co. Launch Video On Demand Service

The Simmons Lathan Media Group (SLMG) is partnering with Comcast ON DEMAND to launch an urban video on demand service called DoD with Coca-Cola, General Motors and Reebok as "Founding Partners." I guess this is the new version of the Def On Demand service announced between SLMG and Clear Channel late last year that I don't think ever materialized.

The service will launch November 11th and each month will have a theme. This month's is "Mixtapes, the Lifeblood of Hip-Hop" and programming will include:
"Exclusive bios on 50 Cent and Eminem, who began their careers featured on mix tapes. The channel will have RBK-produced content from Jay-Z, Allen Iverson and G-Unit. Also available on DoD(TM) are mix tape sessions with Clinton Sparks, Eminem's DJ; video mix shows that combine mix tapes remixed with music videos and dance battles featuring street style dancing."

Apparently AllHipHop.com will be providing interviews with various hip hop stars. They're also providing a news service for DefJamMobile so I guess they're the Simmons & Co. go to guys for news and interviews.

To me, one of the most interesting aspects is that the programming will include branded entertainment, i.e. product placement within the shows:
"DoD(TM) will help brands integrate their marketing messages within the programming. In partnership with Clear Channel Entertainment Properties, DoD(TM) has already signed on Coca-Cola, General Motors and Reebok as founding partners. They will be featured in authentic and innovative branded-entertainment programs, and will be incorporated in cross-promotional DoD(TM) marketing campaigns."

I'm curious as to what "authentic branded entertainment" might be just as I'm curious as to what the press release is indicating by describing DoD as a "new grassroots brand".

I'm also reminded of how disappointing I find the online strategies of so many major hip hop companies. For example, the press release directs us to www.dodpresents.com which is "Coming Soon". If one goes to the Simmons Lathan Media Group website and clicks on the VOD/PPV link (Video on Demand, Pay Per View) one finds it's still linked to www.defondemand.com which is a dead site. I'm guessing that they had to let that go when the Clear Channel deal didn't work out but you'd think somebody would update the links now and then.

It's unfortunate that they don't seem able to use the Def On Demand name because that's a lot better and more recognizable than DoD which is also the abbreviation for the Department of Defense.

DefJamMobile, Kimora Lee Kitty, Interviewing Russell

Here's what I don't get about the current announcements regarding the partnership between American Greetings/AG Interactive and Def Jam Enterprises to create DefJamMobile.  Didn't they announce that last year?

Maybe they're just finally launching the project, though it's weird to see the early history erased.  In any case, in a coup for AllHipHop.com, they'll be providing the daily news for subscribers.

In related news of the Simmons family, Kimora Lee has signed a two book deal with Regan Books to produce a lifestyle book for women followed by a children's book, both due in 2006.  Ms. Simmons and Sanrio have also thoughtfully provided the Hello Kitty Collection by Kimora Lee Simmons.  What an inspiration to us all!

Speaking of inspiration, while Talking Hip Hop Business is off to a slow start, there are a variety of reasons I'm not itching to interview the big guys like P. Diddy and Russell Simmons.  For one thing, they all talk in sound bites.  I also don't believe that they are willing to respond to tough questions, not that anyone seems to be asking any.  But, I think this account of a phone interview with Russell pretty much sums things up.  I'd just become another cog in his marketing machine.

Russell Simmons: Lying = Good Brand Building

I thought it was pretty weird when Russell Simmons revealed that he thought that paid shoutouts for the Big Mac would only work if the deals with rappers were secret.  Obviously, such placements work better if people think the rappers are sincere but that's a dangerous deception given the current attention to such shoutouts.  But now it turns out that Russell Simmons has been lying about sales of Phat Farm to boost the image of his brand.

Today, the NY Times states that in a civil deposition last July regarding some deal with TVT on which Def Jam reneged, Simmons was quoted regarding, "the amount of hype that goes on when I discuss the value of Phat Farm . . . It is how you develop an image for companies. So in other words, you give out false statements to mislead the public so they will then increase in their mind the value of your company."

For example, "Simmons appeared on CNBC saying that Phat Fashions was 'doing $350 million' in sales. In fact, Phat Fashions' revenue for 2002 totaled $14.3 million, according to court papers and the company."

Even more telling, the NY Times states:
"Throughout his testimony, Mr. Simmons appears unreserved, offering occasionally lengthy answers and cursing. Yet at another point . . . he asked, suddenly: 'It is not going to come out, right, about me lying to everybody? Right?'"

Gee, Russell, now everybody's going to know you're a liar.  Then again, liars do really well in America, so you'll probably be just fine.

HSAN Partners with Problematic Education Company

The Hip-Hop Summit Action Network is in partnership with Platform Learning, a private for-profit provider of Supplemental Educational Services (SES) or tutoring, for an awareness campaign. The press release states that "through their partnership, Platform Learning and HSAN are aiming to raise awareness among parents and students of the availability of federally-funded SES at eligible public schools."

It's unclear why such programs need publicity since the schools would be informing children and parents about the programs. In all likelihood, this agreement is about Platform Learning publicizing themselves to school administrators in a booming market while HSAN receives major donations. According to a recent article in the NY Times, such programs have been unregulated with funds provided through the No Child Left Behind act.

The Times had this to say about Platform Learning:
"So far, most of the problems reported appear to reflect poor management. In March, for instance, the Chicago school system asked Platform Learning Inc., the nation's largest federally financed tutoring company, to leave seven of its schools because of numerous lapses - including repeated absences by tutors - leaving hundreds of struggling students without extra help just before the Illinois Standard Achievement Test. In one incident at the Spry Community School on the West Side of Chicago, six Platform tutors did not show up for work one day, and about 70 students wound up watching the movie "Garfield" instead of studying reading and math."

The Chicago Tribune also addressed problems with Platform Learning. In addition to the Chicago situation, the Tribune states:
"New York City Schools, expected to pay Platform about $35 million for tutoring in 105 schools this year, also is investigating the company for not conducting background checks on all employees and using incentives and prizes to encourage enrollment and attendance. Atlanta schools reined in Platform's "overly aggressive" recruiting efforts. In Los Angeles, a school official said he is disappointed with Platform's performance on a pilot program launched in October."

""We're less than happy ... because you don't promise folks something you can't deliver," said John Liechty, an associate superintendent who runs the $75 million after-school tutoring programs for the 750,000-pupil Los Angeles Unified School District. "They are coming out of the gate so fast in so many cities. I think they've bitten off more than they can chew.""

Russell Simmons Music Group Press Conference

RollingStone.com has a nice little writeup about today's press conference announcing the Russell Simmons Music Group.

The Russell Simmons Music Group Emerges

The NY Times reports that the Russell Simmons Music Group is now more than a comment made in passing. Simmons has signed on for a three year deal in which the Music Group will be a joint venture with Island Def Jam. Saying that he intends to "work with L.A. in whatever capacity he wants," Simmons is rebutting past perceptions of "beef" with Antonio "L.A." Reid who became Island Def Jam's chairman after Lyor Cohen went to Warner Music Group.

Apparently Simmons feels that this move will also facilitate his continued involvement in Def Jam projects in which he still plays a part. However, rap seems the least of these interests as the first records he's mentioned are a rock album from Rev. Run and an album from pop/R&B group Buttafly.

The New York Post reminds us that perceptions of a beef are based on that fact that "last year Simmons wrote an open letter to the music industry disparaging Reid's hip-hop credentials and blasting his appointment as head of Def Jam." The NYP also characterizes the joint venture as 50-50 according to a "source." You know, I've never heard any of these joint ventures characterized as anything but 50-50. I'd love to see the breakdown on how these things actually work.

A press conference is scheduled today in New York with "Antonio "L.A." Reid (Chairman, Island Def Jam Music Group), Steve Bartels (President, Island Records), Shawn "Jay-Z" Carter (President, Def Jam Records), and Russell Simmons (Chairman of Rush Communications)" where the new venture is expected to be announced.

Russell Simmons Presents Yoga Without the H Word

The press release announcement for Russell Simmons Presents Yoga Live tells us everything but the connection to hip hop, though that must be the "modern twist" that involves "integrating contemporary upbeat music to motivate students through a rigorous workout." For the most part, Yoga Live seems like just another attempt at marketing yoga in its Western form as a combination of meditation and exercise with the Yoga Live name to tie it together.

The interesting part is the use of GoodTimes Entertainment to provide infomercials and, possibly, other marketing and distribution services, as they've done for exercise videos for Cindy Crawford and Billy Blanks.

Although the website doesn't have a track list, a Reuters article claims that the video series is set to "72 tracks of original hip-hop music". The article also quotes Simmons as saying, "We packaged it intentionally in a way for people to digest the physical practice. . . It's not meant to get them worried about religion or spirituality."

The Reuters article also shares various concerns regarding the commercialization of yoga. While such concerns are understandable, much of the history of yoga in the West is an extended tale of marketing and adaptation. Most forms of yoga practiced in the West are relatively new and many were developed with a Western audience in mind. To a large degree, Simmons is just continuing the development of Western yoga as a physical practice that encourages one to open up to spiritual pursuits without ever having to use the H word, Hinduism.

Nevertheless, Simmons' nefarious new age schemes are revealed at GetYogaLive where Russell offers, in addition to the video set, a "Yoga Live Healthy Eating Plan" plus tips for a vegetarian diet and a 7-day supply of Yoga Live Multivitamins. And I just love the all white teaching staff, with Russell on the cover, it's so multicultural!

I was most surprised to find that the Yoga Live trademark is credited to GT Merchandising & Licensing at the bottom of the GetYogaLive website rather than to Russell Simmons or one of his own entities. According to this suit filed against GoodTimes Entertainment on behalf of the FTC, GT Merchandising & Licensing is a division of GoodTimes. Let's hope that YogaLive does better than the Copa Hair System or Richard Simmons' (no relation to Russell, that we've uncovered to date) Blast Off the Pounds program.

Umm, when did Simmons, Russell not Richards, launch Hip Hop LAWS OF SUCCESS?

Sony's PSP Had Help from Kimora, Russell & Damon

The launch of Sony's PSP has been helped along by hip hop business people (sans artists). Recently, a fashion show called Pret a PSP featured "one of a kind" PSP accessories, including a "pure gold case with seven carats of yellow and black diamonds encrusted on the front and back" from "Baby Phat By Kimora Lee Simmons featuring Simmons Jewelry Company". I tell you, those joint ventures result in some long names

Apparently, "one of a kind" also means prototype, as the Simmons PSP case is now reportedly retailing at $35,000. The fashion show was part of an extensive campaign that included tv spots and print ads and turned standing in line into an event.

Various launch parties featured Russell Simmons and Stan Lathan, of Simmons Lathan Media Group, and Damon Dash with Carson Daly. Apparently Carson got booed extensively when introduced and responded with, "No go ahead. Soon you’ll be playing the Carson Daly game on your PSP. You can kill me as much as you want.” Engadget took the opportunity to ask Damon Dash about the Rocbox 2 but apparently squandered the moment.

GameSpot has a cool PSP Resource Center while Joystiq's coverage seems to be beating out Kotaku.

I had a PSP moment on one of San Francisco's Muni light rail cars when we were stopped beside one of the posters for the PSP. This kid that must have been no more than 8 was peering around various grownups to see the ad and then turning around to his sister to get her to verify that it was the PSP. I totally blew the moment but I would have loved to hear what the kid had to say cause he looked intensely focused without being overly excited. Honestly, I'd rather see a launch party with kids like that than Kimora, Russell or Damon.

Russell and Run Take a Business School Daytrip

During the recent NBA All-Star weekend festivities in Denver, Russell Simmons and the Rev. Run made a joint appearance at a business class at UC Denver.  Arranged by mtvU, the event was ostensibly focused on marketing, however Simmons is described as "straying away from topics" with Run pushing him "back on track with some good-hearted ribbing at his brother's expense."  He was also said to have emphasized "basic values like integrity" and suggested that students should "market only for a product that had their total support so that they could approach their work with a clean conscience."

Simmons is then quoted as saying, "Do something that's truthful and good, or dig your own grave and f*ck you," earning ProHipHop's platinum plated What The f*ck?!? award for giving out sh*tty advice to people who are unlikely to have such a luxurious approach to accepting accounts.

Not to be outdone, students are said to have focused their questions on the "present and future of hip-hop" rather than on business topics.  In a rare moment of clarity, Simmons is described as explaining that his activities were motivated by "market pressures" rather than having his "finger on the pulse of future culture."

In fact, I'm running into more comments that Simmons is making in which he admits what has long been understood, that he's a close follower who depends on the insights of others to identify the next wave of talent.  Of course, that's the story of a lot of great businessmen, including Bill Gates, so it's hard to fault him for that.

Russell Simmons, Future Republican Candidate?

Russell Simmons recently said that the actions of Maryland's Republican Governor Robert Ehrlich have made "every Republican [candidate] open for discussion" by black voters. Read the article to find out why but recognize that this move has been a long time coming. The Republican Party, though really brutal towards poor people of all races and ethnicities, has put more black people in higher office than have the Democrats. George W.'s regime alone has made the moves that Democrats should have made long ago. And black activists have long pointed out that, as long as the black vote is guaranteed, Democrats can ignore their more serious demands. Whether or not this is Russell's attempt to wake up the Democratic Party, it should put them on notice that they can no longer depend on business as usual.

The Russell Simmons Higher Self DVD Series

Later this month the Simmons Lathan Media Group will release the Russell Simmons Higher Self DVD Series, an inspirational series documenting the achievements of outstanding African Americans. The series was written, directed, and co-produced by Nancy Oey and developed with The History/Makers. It will be distributed by Image Entertainment.

Simmons for President?

I don't think Russell Simmons would really be interested in being president of the NAACP but I bet he's really glad people are discussing the matter. Although Simmons would be too restricted as NAACP prez, it's a good sign for his future political ambitions. And I believe he's keeping those ambitions to himself at the present time.

Radical Response to Drug Law Reforms

Rosa Clemente digs into the reasons that the current Rockefeller Drug Law reforms are just a beginning and that Russell Simmons' claims of victory are overstated. Such comments should not come as a surprise from a member of the Malcolm X Grassroots Movement.

Russell Simmons at Georgia Perimeter College

Russell Simmons is slated to speak at the Ninth Annual Georgia Perimeter College Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Birthday Celebration in Atlanta in January.

Deals of 2004: Kellwood Acquires Phat Fashions

Susan Kerth's look back at the process leading to Kellwood's acquisition of Phat Fashions reveals the complexities of a deal that might not have happened a few years before, when urban fashion was still treated as a fad rather than an enduring element in the fashion landscape. The especially interesting point is made that it was due to personal interactions with Russell Simmons that Kellwood execs became convinced that association with urban wear did not require association with "things Kellwood would want to avoid."

Arts Entrepreneurs Seeking Space in NY

The NY Times recently ran a piece on the New York real estate needs of entertainment entrepreneurs such as P. Diddy and Russell Simmons. Spurred by their clients' needs to conduct multiple projects out of the same property and the always intense New York real estate market, brokers sometimes find themselves pitching buildings that require a bit of imagination to recognize their potential.

Def On Demand Live

Simmons Lathan Media Group subsidiary Def On Demand and Clear Channel Entertainment Television have joined forces to coproduce Def On Demand Live, a series of 12 music and fashion related events per year for 2 years.  Content will be distributed via television, video on demand and dvd.

Tavis Smiley on Drug Law Reform

Tavis Smiley looks at Rockefeller Drug Law reforms.

The Power of Hip Hop

When people say that they, or the movement with which they're involved, are responsible for a political change that involves a lot of opposing players, one should always look more closely at the evidence. Nevertheless, Russell Simmons' claim that current Rockefeller Drug Law reforms are due to the "power of hip-hop", in the form of hip hop artists taking strong public stances, may well be the case. Certainly the power of artists bringing attention to issues on which regional activists had devoted long hours brought a much higher level of scrutiny to laws that were off base from the beginning.

On the Russell Simmons/Kazaa Connection

I've been trying to figure out why the following links between Russell Simmons and Kazaa are apparently not newsworthy, even though Kazaa is destined to undergo microscopic scrutiny.

Brilliant Digital Entertainment, the majority owner and acting operator of Altnet, is all wrapped up with Kazaa.

Russell Simmons is a well established board member of Brilliant Digital with deep ties to the music industry.

Simmons Lathan Media Group, chaired by Russell Simmons, lists Altnet/Kazaa as a partner for online distribution of content.

I'm not suggesting that anything sinister or untoward is occurring, but I do find the connections interesting for many reasons.  Certainly a closer investigation might lead to the possibility that folks like Russell Simmons are early movers in the music industry's future shift from attacking filesharers to embracing P2P technologies.

Kimora Lee Simmons: The Hip Hop Martha Stewart?

This must be my day. After all that heaviness, comedy is flooding the room. At this very moment, Yahoo News is running an item from Reuters/Hollywood Reporter (at least that's who's credited with providing the article in whatever agreement they have) that's about Martha Stewart. But I'm guessing they're either using automated picture matching like Google News does or, because Kimora is getting into Martha's space (in terms of product lines), I think it was just one of those moments of serendipidy meant to brighten my world.

But that's really so perfect considering what's to come from Ms. Simmons.

If you really need to see the picture and they take it down before you do. I can send you a screenshot.

[Update: Kimora's picture has been traded for Martha's, but it will always be emblazoned on my memory.]

KL Simmons, Larger Than Life-Size

Kimora Lee Simmons may be fighting with her cohosts at Life & Style but that doesn't stop her from creating endless product lines or speaking of herself in the third person because, "Kimora Lee Simmons is larger than life-size."