Biography
Joseph Ward Simmons, widely known as Rev. Run or simply Run, is an American rapper, producer, DJ and television personality. In the 1980s, he co-founded the groundbreaking hip-hop group Run-DMC and played a key role in bringing hip-hop into the mainstream.
His signature voice and iconic style, which includes Adidas tracksuits and pointy sneakers, have become synonymous with the group’s image and influence. In addition to music, Rev. Run has made a significant impact in the media.
He starred in the popular MTV reality series Run’s housewhich provides a glimpse into his life and family values. He has also established himself as an author, publishing works such as Words of Wisdom: Affirm your faith daily And Taking back your family: A challenge for America’s parentscombines faith and practical guidance.
In addition to his artistic and literary pursuits, Simmons also engaged in various business ventures, cementing his legacy as a cultural icon and continuing to shape both music and popular culture.
American rapper and DJ
Joseph Simmons |
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 Joseph Simmons: History ‧ Biography ‧ Photos |
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| Wiki Info & About Data | |
| Real name: | Joseph Ward Simmons |
| Stage name: | Rev. Run |
| Born: | November 14, 1964 (60 years old) |
| Place of birth: | Hollis, New York, USA |
| Nationality: | American |
| Education: | not applicable |
| Height: | 1.73 m |
| Parents: | Daniel Simmons Sr., Evelyn Simmons |
| Siblings: | Daniel “Danny” Simmons Jr., Russell Simmons |
| Couple: | Justine Simmons (m. 1994), Valerie Vaughn (m. 1983–1992) |
| Girlfriend • Partner: | not applicable |
| Children: | Vanessa Simmons, Angela Simmons, Jojo Simmons, Diggy Simmons, Russell Simmons II, Victoria Anne Simmons, Miley Justine Simmons |
| Job: | Rapper • DJ |
| Net worth: | 60 million USD (USD) |
Early Life & Education
Joseph Simmons, better known by his stage name Run, Rev. Run, or DJ Run, was born on November 14, 1964 in Hollis, Queens, New York, United States. He is of mixed ethnicity and has African-American heritage.
Simmons grew up in a musically inclined family in Queens, New York. His early life was marked by the influence of his siblings and the burgeoning hip-hop scene in his neighborhood. Although the exact details of his early education are not widely recorded, it is known that he completed his secondary education in New York.
Joseph Simmons became a practicing Pentecostal pastor, adopting the stage name “Rev. Run” after being ordained. His spiritual journey and faith are an important part of his public persona, especially highlighted in his reality television show “Run’s house.”
He was born to Daniel Simmons Sr. and Evelyn Simmons. His father was a bus driver, and his mother worked as a teacher’s assistant. Simmons has two notable siblings: Daniel “Danny” Simmons Jr., an artist known for his neo-African abstract expressionist paintings, and Russell Simmons, a businessman and executive recordist, writer and film producer, co-founder. Def Jam Recordssignificant impact on the music industry.
Specific details about Simmons’ formal education are little publicly recorded, but it is known that he completed his high school education in New York.
Career
Joseph Simmons, known professionally as Run, Rev. Run, or DJ Run, has built a dynamic career that spans music, television, entrepreneurship and ministry. As co-founder of Run-DMC in the early 1980s along with Darryl “DMC” McDaniels and Jason “Jam Master Jay” Mizell, Simmons helped revolutionize hip-hop.
Run-DMC was one of the first hip-hop groups to achieve mainstream success. They combined rap with rock elements in iconic songs like “Follow this path” (featuring Aerosmith), “It’s difficult,” And “King of rocks.” Their music expanded hip-hop’s reach and shaped its cultural identity, with signature Adidas tracksuits and sneakers becoming an obvious fashion statement.
After the breakthrough success of Run-DMC, Simmons embarked on a solo career, releasing albums such as Deformation (2005), which combines hip-hop and gospel influences and showcases his artistic development and spiritual journey. In 2004, he became an ordained minister and began bringing his faith into public life under the moniker Rev. Run.
From 2005 to 2009, Simmons starred in MTV’s Run’s housea reality show highlighting his life as a family man and pastor. The show offers a candid look at his personal and spiritual growth, broadening his appeal to audiences beyond hip-hop. It became one of the first reality series to explore the private life of a hip-hop artist, receiving critical acclaim for its family-centered story.
In addition to music and television, Simmons has pursued many business ventures, including co-founding a footwear brand. Running athletics and participate in endorsements such as Wendy‘S. His business acumen reflects the enterprising spirit of his brother, Russell Simmons.
Simmons is also a published author, synthesizing insights from his experiences in hip-hop, ministry, and family life.
His books, including Words of Wisdom: Affirm your faith daily And Taking back your family: A challenge for America’s parentsemphasized faith, personal growth, and family values, cementing his role as an inspiration both inside and outside the entertainment industry.
Social Media
- Wikipedia: Joseph Simmons
- IMDb: Joseph Simmons
- Instagram: Joseph Simmons (@joesimmonsfilmmaker)
Personal life
Joseph Simmons first married Valerie Vaughn in 1983 and they divorced in 1992. In 1994, Simmons married Justine Jones on June 25 and they have remained married ever since.
Justine Simmons has been an important part of Joseph’s public life, especially through their reality TV show.Run’s house.” She is known for being a supportive partner and mother, and together they write books focusing on family values and faith.
With Valerie Vaughn, Simmons has three children: Vanessa Simmons (born 1983), an actress, model and businesswoman; Angela Simmons (born 1987), reality television star, entrepreneur and fashion designer; and Joseph “JoJo” Ward Simmons Jr. (born 1989), a musician and actor.
With Justine Simmons, they have Daniel “Diggy” Simmons III (born March 21, 1995), a rapper, actor and model; Russell “Russy” Simmons II (born August 30, 1997), known for appearing on family reality shows; Victoria Anne Simmons (born and died September 26, 2006), died shortly after birth due to an umbilical hernia; and Miley Justine Simmons, whom they adopted in 2007.
Joseph Simmons is about 5 feet 8 inches (1.73 meters) tall.
Net worth
Joseph Simmons, known as Rev. Run, has an estimated net worth of $60 million. His wealth stems from a successful music career as a member of the pioneering hip-hop group Run-DMC, where he played a key role in popularizing the genre.
In addition to music, Simmons has also diversified her income through reality television with “Run’s house”, authorship, endorsements and various business ventures. His solo music projects, speaking engagements, and involvement in family-oriented media have further contributed to his financial success.
Record
Music with Run-DMC
- Run-DMC (1984)
- King of Rock (1985)
- Hell Raised (1986)
- Harder Than Skin (1988)
- Return from Hell (1990)
- Down with the King (1993)
Solo music
Television
- Run’s House (2005-2009) – Reality TV show on MTV
- Run’s House: The After Party (2007) – Special episode
- Rev Run Sunday Dinner (2014) – Cooking Channel cooking show
- Rev Run’s Renovation (2014) – Home renovation show on DIY Network
- Rev Run’s Words of Wisdom (2014) – Spiritual advice series
- All About the Washingtons (2018) – Comedy series on Netflix, where he plays the lead role
Book
- Words of Wisdom: Daily Affirmations of Faith (2006) – with Justine Simmons
- Taking Back Your Family: A Challenge for American Parents (2008) – with Justine Simmons
- Manology: Secrets of Your Man’s Mind Revealed (2013) – co-authored with Tyrese Gibson
Film
- Krush Groove (1985) – Semi-autobiographical film about the early days of Def Jam Recordings
- Tougher Than Leather (1988) – Feature film by Run-DMC
Other contributions
- Multiple guest appearances on various television shows, including talk shows, game shows, and as a guest judge or mentor on music and reality competitions international.
- Voice acting in video games and animated shows, including roles in “Def Jam: Icon” and “The Simpsons.”
- Endorsements and business ventures in the fields of fashion (Athletics), beverages and other products.
