Russell Wendell Simmons (born October 4, 1957) is an American (United States) entrepreneur, the co-founder, with Rick Rubin, of the pioneering hip-hop (Hip hop music) label Def Jam, and creator of the clothing fashion lines Phat Farm, Argyleculture, and American Classics.

Russell Simmons is the younger brother of Daniel Simmons, Jr., and he is the older brother of Rev. Joseph Simmons (Joseph Simmons), better known as "Run" of Run-DMC, and son of Daniel Simmons, Sr, a public school administrator and Evelyn Simmons, a New York City park administrator. His brother Daniel Simmons, Jr., is an accomplished abstract artist.

Russell Simmons has been vegan since 1998, and advocates the adoption of veganism citing animal rights along with the environmental and health benefits.

Since May 2005 he has been a contributing blogger (weblog) at The Huffington Post.

In January 2009 he was named Editor-In-Chief of GlobalGrind.com: The World According To Hip-Hop.

Russell Simmons is the fourth richest figure in hip-hop, having a net-worth estimate of $340 million, behind Jay-Z with $547 million, 50 Cent with $440 million and Sean Combs with $358 million.