Archives Directory for the History of Collecting in America

Simmons, Russell

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role Collector
dates 1957-
city New York
stateNY
sex M
historical notes Russell Simmons is an American entrepreneur, record executive, and philanthropist who is widely recognized for his contributions to the hip-hop industry. In addition to his success in the music business, Simmons is also known for his extensive art collection, which he has been building since the 1980s. Simmons' collection is a diverse mix of contemporary art, with a focus on Black-American and street art.

Simmons has been a vocal supporter of the arts, and he believes that art can be used as a tool for social change. His collection includes works by prominent artists such as Keith Haring, Jean-Michel Basquiat, and KAWS, among others. He has also used his collection to support charitable causes, including the Rush Philanthropic Arts Foundation, which he co-founded in 1995. Through the foundation, Simmons has worked to provide opportunities for young artists and to increase access to the arts in underserved communities.
decades
of activity
1980-1990
1990-2000
2000-2010
2010-2020
2020-2030
updated 11/24/2025 10:11:52
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Archives/Repository Collection Title Collection Details
The Historymakers®
1900 S. Michigan Avenue
The HistoryMakers® Video Oral History Interview with Russell Simmons see details...
Cornell University Libraries
Division of Rare and Manuscript Collections
Adler hip hop archive see details...
Cornell University Libraries
Division of Rare and Manuscript Collections
Afrika Bambaataa hip hop archive see details...
New York Public Library
Stephen A. Schwarzman Building
A pictorial history of rap, 1983-1985 see details...