Russell Simmons
- Net worth $40 million
- Birthday October 4, 1957
- Status Single
- Country United States
- Ethnicity African-American
- Source(-s) of wealth Actor, Entrepreneur, Producer
How much is Russell Simmons Worth? Russell Simmons Net Worth in 2026
Russell Simmons’s net worth is estimated at $40 million as of October 2026. He is an American entrepreneur, producer and author best known as a co-founder of Def Jam Recordings, and his wealth rests mainly on the sale of ventures such as Def Jam, Phat Farm and Baby Phat.
| Net worth | $40 million (estimate, October 2026) |
|---|---|
| Estimated annual income | Mainly from his media, music and fashion ventures and past business sales |
| Born | October 4, 1957, Hollis, Queens, New York (age 69) |
| Country | United States |
| Occupations / sources of wealth | Entrepreneur, producer, author |
| Known for | Co-founding Def Jam Recordings and building Phat Farm |
How much is Russell Simmons worth in 2026?
Russell Simmons’s net worth is estimated at $40 million in October 2026. It is built on proceeds from selling his stake in Def Jam and his fashion labels, along with his producer credits and other ventures. Estimates vary widely between sources, and this figure is an estimate. Estimates vary between sources, and this figure is an estimate rather than a reported total.
Russell Simmons in 2026: what he’s been up to
- Def Jam: The label he co-founded in 1984 continues as one of the most recognized names in hip-hop.
- Ventures: His best-known businesses remain Phat Farm, Baby Phat, RushCard and a long list of HBO comedy and poetry programs.
- Focus: He has made no major new business announcements this year, so his wealth is still tied to the deals above.
How Russell Simmons makes money
- Def Jam Recordings: Co-founded in 1984 with Rick Rubin. He sold his share to Universal Music Group in 1998 for a reported $120 million.
- Fashion: Launched Phat Fashions in 1992, home of Phat Farm and Baby Phat. The two labels were sold to Kellwood Company in 2004 for a reported $140 million. He also created Argyleculture and Tantris.
- Television and film: Produced HBO’s Def Comedy Jam and Def Poetry Jam, created All Def Comedy, and co-produced films including Krush Groove and The Nutty Professor.
- Financial services: Co-founded RushCard, a prepaid debit card provider, in 2003.
Career timeline
- 1957 Born in Hollis, Queens, New York.
- 1984 Co-founded Def Jam Recordings with Rick Rubin.
- 1985 Co-produced and appeared in Krush Groove.
- 1992 Launched Phat Fashions and began producing Def Comedy Jam on HBO.
- 1996 Co-produced The Nutty Professor.
- 1998 Sold his share of Def Jam to Universal Music Group.
- 2003 Co-founded RushCard.
- 2004 Sold Phat Farm and Baby Phat to Kellwood Company.
- 2009 Named a Goodwill Ambassador for the UN Slavery Memorial at the United Nations.
Early life and background
Russell Simmons was born in Queens, New York, to a father who worked as a public school administrator and a mother who worked as a New York City parks administrator. He has two brothers.
After graduating from August Martin High School he attended the City College of New York for a time. There he met DJ Kurt Walker, who drew him toward hip-hop. He has said he knew hip-hop would be his career after hearing Eddie Cheeba perform at Charles’ Gallery in Harlem.
Russell Simmons net worth FAQ
What is Russell Simmons’s net worth?
Russell Simmons’s net worth is estimated at $40 million as of October 2026.
How does Russell Simmons make money?
Russell Simmons earns money from def jam recordings, fashion, television and film and financial services.
How old is Russell Simmons?
Russell Simmons was born on October 4, 1957, which makes him 69 years old as of October 2026.
Where is Russell Simmons from?
Russell Simmons was born in Hollis, Queens, New York.
What is Russell Simmons doing now?
There are no major new business announcements for 2026. His wealth is tied to ventures such as Def Jam, Phat Farm, RushCard and his television productions.
How is Russell Simmons’s net worth estimated?
It is based on public reporting of deal values, company sales and production credits. Estimates differ widely between sources, so the figure is approximate.
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How we estimate net worth
Our estimates are based on public reporting, company valuations, and deal and earnings figures all compiled in an internal valuation model. They are approximate, and figures change over time as new information emerges.
Last updated: October 2026.