Russell Simmons was born in Jamaica, Queens New York.  He started Def Jam Records with producer Rick Ruben with acts such as RUN DMC and LL Cool J.  This is the first record label ran and owned by a black person.  This is monumental in African-American culture.  He also started the Phat Farm clothing line.  This also was unprecedented.  His works influenced every hip-hop artist who branched out to other business ventures.  He has not only influenced today's generation but many before.