Yesterday as I perused my Facebook page I came across a post from Global Grind announcing the “born day” of Mr. Russell Simmons affectionately known as “Uncle Russ”. Global Grind posed the question “What would you get him for his birthday?” Because I am a “thought” gifter and not a “material” gifter, I commented, “I would write and publish a book filled with the testimonials of those whose lives he has touched including mine…”
So Uncle Russ (because you know we are all related . . . .LOL) . . HERE IS MY TESTIMONY!!!!!!
I have been a fan of your keen eye for a good investment in not just your dream’s and goals, but the dreams and goals of others, since the establishment of Def Jam and Run DMC. I was excited to see you recognized on VH1’s Hip Hop Honors. It was recognition well deserved and long overdue!!!!! You have definitely been an icon in the music industry, specifically the hip-hop genre. But this testimony tells the story of how you have touched others in so many other ways.
It is no secret that you are a wealthy and successful man. But what is commendable on this special day is that you have touched the lives of so many by sharing your secrets of success with anyone with the desire and potential to succeed through your books and personal appearances. Through your books you have encouraged people to read . . a basic skill necessary for survival in life and through your personal appearances you have forced them to sit and listen . . .a survival skill that enables us to gain new knowledge.
Next, you have the gift to share . . . you don’t just give, but you give to make a difference . . .not to be commended by the media. You have proven in so many way that giving to those less fortunate opens the doors for blessing after blessing!!!!
You redefined hip hop for our young men. Through your demeanor and persona, you showed them that hip hop is more than music . . It is music . . . good music . . . good music that should withstand the “signs of the times.” It is dance . . . various genres of dance . . . from breakdancing to crunk. It is fashion . . .and fashion is not oversized clothes . . but it is style! Hip Hop is politics . . . and that is more than a black president, but standing up for your beliefs and going against the wrong!!!!
