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Quote by Russell Simmons

Author

Russell Simmons
Russell Simmons

Born on October 4, 1957, Russell Simmons is a distinguished businessperson known for his success in the music, fashion, and entertainment industries. He co-founded Def Jam Recordings, which became a pioneering label in hip-hop music. Simmons has also made significant contributions to philanthropy, establishing the non-profit organization 'Hip-Hop Summit Action Network' to promote community awareness and drive social change. He is widely regarded as a key figure in the advancement of hip-hop culture. more

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“So it became in my mind a nine-carol service; an oratorio and orchestral concert all in one, but with narration. That's something I've learned about, because it's the story that keeps you in there. I wrote a libretto and I gave it to John Du Prez. We normally don't work in this fashion but I said off you go, and he went off for about three months. He brought me back this demo which blew my mind.”

“We learnt a lot because we got in with real choreographers who tell you what they need from a song, because a song has to advance the story. Then real directors like Mike Nichols tell you where you can have 'B themes' and 'C themes', and we go oh yes, B themes and C themes! So we were taught in the finest school amongst the finest people. And also by the school of experience.”

“I always have a feeling you should move the playing field and the minute you know what you're doing, you're wrong. Therefore, I wanted us not to try to follow Spamalot immediately, but to do something different. This is perfect because it uses all the same skills, like story telling and lyric writing and music writing, but it's presenting it in a different form. And of course it gives me and John a nice chance to perform and show off which is also fun.”