Joseph Simmons (Courtesy Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia)

Joseph Lloyd Simmons (born November 14, 1964) is one of the founding members of hip hop group Run-D.M.C.. He is known as DJ Run, Joey Simmons or Rev Run, which is a play on his religious title. Born in Hollis, Queens, New York, he is the younger brother of Def Jam Records founder Russell Simmons. He entered the scene via his older brother Russell, as a DJ for his first big act Kurtis Blow. He assumed the alias 'Son of Kurtis Blow', but later changed it to 'Run Love'.

Joseph (or simply Run) founded Run-D.M.C. as a lead-vocalist (or MC) along with MC'ing friend Darryl "DMC" McDaniels and DJ Jason "Jam-Master Jay" Mizell. The group's work is considered by many to be inventive and original, using numerous revolutionary styles, including the pioneering work of Jam Master Jay. Run began using the stage name of "Rev Run" after he was ordained as a reverend priest in Zoe Ministries. His first work as Rev Run was a feature in the single Song 4 Lovers by UK pop band Liberty X in September 2005. It was followed by his first solo album, Distortion.

The first single from the album, "Mind On The Road", is featured in the EA Sports's Madden NFL 06 video game. Mind On The Road uses samples from the song "I Love Rock 'N Roll," in the tradition of Run-DMC's 1980's hits using samples like Aerosmith's hit "Walk This Way."

Simmons and his family are also the focus of the MTV reality show, Run's House.

As a member of Run-D.M.C., Simmons, along with Darryl "DMC" McDaniels and Jason "Jam-Master Jay" Mizell will be eligible for the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2008.

Family

Simmons is married to former MC Justine, mother of his children, Daniel (Diggy) and Russell (Russy). Justine is step-mother to Rev Run's three oldest, Vanessa, Angela, and JoJo, by his ex-wife Valerie Vaughn.

Vanessa Simmons is Simmons' eldest child. Born in 1983, she is a fashion model for the Ford Modeling Agency and an aspiring actress. She ranked #82 in Maxim's Hot 100 of 2006. Vanessa previously attended St. John's University in Queens, NY.

Angela Simmons, born in 1987, graduated from Fashion High School of New York City in 2005 and enrolled in college that fall. She is going to be executive editor of Word Up! magazine, and publisher of a subsidiary publication, Angela's Rundown. Angela's Rundown, a monthly magazine, will target youths age 14-18 and cover teen issues, style, music, and fashion while offering fashion tips and in-depth celebrity interviews. Angela made a cameo in Bow Wow's video "Shortie Like Mine" which premiered on October 11, 2006. She is an intern at Baby Phat.

His three sons are Joseph "JoJo" Simmons II (born in 1989), Daniel "Diggy" Simmons II (born in 1995) and Russell "Russy" Simmons II (born in 1997).

On September 21, 2006, Justine Simmons gave birth to Victoria Anne Simmons, but Victoria died shortly after birth.

New Album

According to MTV, Rev Run will be releasing a full collaboration album with Kid Rock titled 'Running with the Kid'. Rev Run and Kid Rock are due to start recording later on this year.

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