Rev Run has been a successful rapper who had taken up control as DJ and engaged in production. He had always given cent percent in all his efforts with the highest sincerity and dedication. It is not that his skill of music is restricted to himself rather has flourished many musical aspirants during his whole tenure as the most proficient musician. As far as Disk Jockey is concerned, he is an institution in himself and a remarkable exemplary character for all upcoming DJs of coming generation.
He is also the richest among the successful DJs all over the world. His music has got a blend of spiritualism throughout his career, and automatically he had been taken up his role in the capacity of a minister. The world has echoed his name to be Reverend Run.
The world will long remember his endeavor in the “Run’s House,” the series which had been telecasted for six seasons on MTV. Initially, he gave ‘The Force’ his leading vocalist. With Darryl he formed the most pioneering rap band ‘Run-D.M.C.’ The eminent personality had gone through many non-matching profession from the bursting light of the raps to the solemn brightness of writing proficiency, from the musical auditorium to the ordained ministry.
And this long travel had not only brought him closer to innumerable human hearts but also enriched him with the pecuniary worthies. So far, the rapper happy to be a minister had accumulated enough money to illustrate that richness follow the genuine masters. His estimated net worth had gone beyond 70 million dollars.
Early life
Daniel Simmons and Evelyn Simmons had not imagined, to name their boy as Rev Run, this is his earned name through his performances. Rev Run is born as Joseph Ward Simmons. He was born on 14th November 1964 in Hollis, New York City, United States of America.
He grew up with his two brothers Russell Simmons and Danny Simmons at the place of his birth. His father Daniel Simmons had worked as a supervisor before got into Borough’s School in the capacity of a professor. Form the very beginning of his early childhood Rev had a deep inclination towards music. Though there is no information available regarding his education and academic records, it can be well apprehended that Rev had got a strong foundation under the guidance of his parents and teachers.
Career
He began his musical career in 1978 when he joined in Kurtis Blow as Dick Jockey. He was very efficient with two turntables, and people started calling him as DJ Run. With the passage of time his confidence grew and from the back of mic started performing verbal duels. He knew Darryl McDaniels or D.M.C. from his school days and got into the recording for Darryl. The rhythm was coming up well, and the friends decided to start up a rap duo. Jason William Mizell better known as Jam Master Jay was the remaining part of the trio. They tried few compositions and on satisfactory outcome got convinced to work together under ‘Run-D.M.C.’
The journey of Run-D.M.C. started when they took advance from Profile Records a sum of 2,500 dollars. The debut single “It’s Like That/Sucker MCs’ gave a moderate response initially took up the momentum and on the chart of R&B reached #15 rank. The trio got immense confidence for their first album planned in 1984. With the sportswear attire and hard street language, the compositions gave the trio a high reputation for being the most vibrant hip-hop group. There was no look back since then and the next album ‘King of Rock’ has retained the earned popularity.
The major success came when the trio band released ‘Raising Hell.’ The Platinum sell gave Run-D.M.C. a strong foothold as the most popular band. The album was produced by Rick Rubin, and with a matching promotional approach ‘Walk This Way’ really turned the followers of rap music on their way. The strength of the trio was more enhanced by the Steven Tyler’s vocals and Joe Perry’s guitar. The song made a huge contribution to put the hip-hop raps into the mainstream. By then Run-D.M.C. had become the most wanted band in the pop world. Particularly in the United States, it became a common practice for any young listener to mingle their voice with the trio.
The huge success and popularity made them the pioneer in almost all major musical events of that time in and around America. On the MTV channel, they played the first the music video. ‘Rolling Stone’ magazine fail to convince otherwise than to shot the band for the cover page. With this, the band became the first performer for the ‘Saturday Night Live.’ For a short while, as happens with too many cooks, the group disbanded when the response of the music lover dropped gradually in later 80s.
But got rejuvenated to join hand once again in 1993 and released ‘Down with the King.’ The next release came in 2000 when the band released ‘Crown Royal.’ The final curtain had fallen when Jam Master Jay was shot dead in the Queen’s studio. There cannot be any further march by the band. In 2009 the band got an entry in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. The last major recognition came when Run-D.M.C. got the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, being the first rap band. Rev in the passage of time turned himself as an ordained minister and started to look upon when anybody called ‘Reverend Run.’
Personal life
In 1983 he exchanged vows with Valerie Vaughn. The couples were blessed with three children whom they named Angela, Vanessa and Joseph Jr. They relation was lost they strength to keep the two hearts together, and they decided to stay away from each other. After this, Rev had gone through some personal crisis before getting married to Justine Jones on 25th June 1994. The second marriage had made him father again for three more children. His three children are Russell Simmons II, Daniel Simmons II, and Victoria Anne Simmons. The young daughter died because of birth complication.
After some time Rev and Justine adopted a girl whom they call Miley Justine Simmons. Rev had been with Valerie for quite some time, and presently he is staying happily with Justine, and his current family adjustment is a lesson for many. He has taken responsibility for his all children out of two relations. In 2008 the couple released ‘Take Back Your Family: A Challenge to America’s Parents.’
Quick summary:
Full Name: Joseph Ward Simmons
Date of Birth: 14th November 1964
Birth Place: Hollis, New York City, United States of America
Age: 54 Year Old
Profession: Rapper, DJ, Producer
Height: 5 Feet 8 Inches / 1.73 m
Weight: NA
Net worth: $70 Million
