Rev Run Biography
Rev Run is an American rapper, producer, DJ, and television personality. Run is one of the founding members of the influential hip-hop group called Run-DMC. Furthermore, He is a practicing minister, famous known as Reverend Run.
10 Quick Facts About Rev Run
- Name: Rev Run
- Age: 59 Years Old
- Birthday: November 14
- Zodiac Sign: Scorpio
- Height: 5 feet 8 inches (1.83 m)
- Nationality: American
- Occupation: Rapper, Producer, DJ, Television Personality, Minister
- Marital Status: Married
- Salary: Under Review
- Net worth: $60 Million
Rev Run Age
Run is 59 years old. He was born on November 14, 1964, in Hollis, New York, United States. He celebrates his birthday on 14 November every year and his birth sign is Scorpio.
Rev Run Height
Run stands at a height of 5 feet 8 inches (1.83 m) tall.
Rev Run Weight
Run weighs 75 kg (165.35 lbs).
Early Life and Education
Rev Run was born on November 14, 1964, in Hollis, New York, United States to his father Daniel Simmons, and his mother Evelyn Simmons. He grew up with his two siblings Russell Simmons, and Danny Simmons. He holds American nationality. He began DJing when he was only 14 years old and rapping when he was 16 years old.
He grew up listening to a variety of music, such as rock, funk, and soul. He was mainly influenced by the music of Kurtis Blow, Kool Herc, Grandmaster Flash, and the Furious Five.
Regarding his education, he attended Public School 149 in Hollis, Queens, where he met Jason “Jam Master Jay” Mizell and Darryl “D.M.C.” McDaniels, his future bandmates in Run-D.M.C. He dropped out of high school in his sophomore year to pursue his music profession. He did not attend college.
Rev Run started the rap group Run-D.M.C. with Jam Master Jay and D.M.C. in 1981.
The group released their debut album, called “Run-D.M.C.,” in 1984, which went on to become a premium platinum. Run-D.M.C. is regarded as one of the most significant hip-hop groups of all time.
Rise to Fame
Rev Run rose to fame 1970s, he grew up in Hollis, Queens, New York, where hip-hop was bubbling up. He started RUN DMC with his buddy Darryl McDaniels (“D.M.C.”) in 1981. early 1980s RUN DMC achieved local notoriety for their hard-hitting rhymes and Adidas sneakers, fighting traditional hip-hop aesthetics. They signed a contract with Run’s brother Russell Simmons at Def Jam Records, a pivotal moment for independent hip-hop.
They made their debut album 1984, “Run-D.M.C.,” became a premium platinum, cementing their status as pioneers of rap music. They followed up with hits such as “King of Rock” and “Rock Box,” and blurring the lines between rap and rock.
In 1986, Run experienced a religious awakening and was ordained as a Pentecostal minister, embracing the stage name “Rev Run.” He shortly left RUN DMC and concentrated on ministry, releasing gospel music.
In 1990, he reconciled with RUN DMC and they continued making music, though with a more cognizant lyrical direction. Run also balanced his ministry and personal life, facing the challenges of reconciling hip-hop and faith.
Rev Run Parents
Run was born and raised in Hollis, New York, United States as the son of his father Daniel Simmons, and his mother Evelyn Simmons. His father was a multifaceted person, juggling different roles while instilling essential values in his kids. He served as a New York City school attendance supervisor, taught Black history at Pace University, and even wrote poetry, some dedicated to Rev Run.
Daniel was also a devoted activist, partaking in civil rights demonstrations and supporting social justice. His commitment to education, activism, and strong work ethic deeply impacted Rev Run.
On the other hand, his mother Evelyn Simmons was a devoted mother who worked for the New York City Parks and Recreation Department and bred a loving and supportive home environment. She was known for her artistic talents, especially her painting skills, which provided a creative outlet for the family.
Rev Run Siblings
Rev Run has two older siblings Russell Simmons, and Danny Simmons, both of whom have carved their paths in the world. Danny is an acclaimed artist, art collector, and philanthropist. He is famously known for his powerful abstract and figurative paintings, frequently exploring themes of African American identity and social justice.
Danny founded the Rush Philanthropic Arts Foundation, which supports emerging artists of color. His artwork has been exhibited in notable museums and galleries worldwide.
Russell on the other hand, is a music mogul, entrepreneur, and activist. He co-founded Def Jam Recordings, a highly influential hip-hop label accountable for launching the careers of artists such as Public Enemy, Jay-Z, and Run-DMC. He has also ventured into advocacy, fashion, and digital media work.
Rev Run Wife
Rev Run married Valerie Vaughn in 1983. They have three children namely, Vanessa Simmons, Angela Simmons, and Joseph “JoJo” Ward Simmons, Jr.
He married Justine Jones on June 25, 1994. With her, he had three more children namely, Daniel “Diggy” Simmons III, Russell “Russy” Simmons II, and Victoria Anne Simmons. Victoria was four pounds, five ounces when she was born through cesarean section. She passed away soon after being born on September 26, 2006, due to omphalocele, a birth defect that caused her organs to grow outside her body.
Soon they adopted a baby girl, Miley Justine Simmons. The family resides in Saddle River, New Jersey in a six-bedroom colonial-style home that was listed for sale in 2007 for $5.5 million. In 2017, Rev Run stated that he was adopting vegetarianism because God advised him to.
Rev Run Children
Rev Run is a proud father of 6 children namely, Vanessa Simmons, Angela Simmons, Joseph “JoJo” Ward Simmons, Jr, Daniel “Diggy” Simmons III, Russell “Russy” Simmons II, and Victoria Anne Simmons.
Rev Run Net Worth
Run has an estimated net worth of $60 million dollars. This includes his assets, money, and income. His primary source of income is his career as a DJ. Through his various sources of income, Run has been able to accumulate good fortune but prefers to lead a modest lifestyle.
Rev Run Measurements and Facts
Here are some interesting facts and body measurements you should know about Rev Run.
Rev Run Wiki
- Full Names: Joseph Ward Simmons
- Popular As: DJ
- Gender: Male
- Occupation / Profession: Rapper, Producer, DJ, Television Personality, Minister
- Nationality: American
- Race / Ethnicity: African American
- Religion: Christian
- Sexual Orientation: Straight
Rev Run Birthday
- Age: 59 Years Old
- Zodiac Sign: Scorpio
- Date of Birth: November 14, 1964
- Place of Birth: Hollis, New York, United States
- Birthday: November 14
Rev Run Body Measurements
- Body Measurements: To be Updated
- Height / How Tall?: 5 feet 8 inches (1.83 m)
- Weight: 75 kg (165.35 lbs)
- Eye Color: Black
- Hair Color: Black
- Shoe Size: To be Updated
- Chest Size: To be Updated
- Waist Size: To be Updated
- Hip Size: To be Updated
Rev Run Family and Relationship
- Father (Dad): Daniel Simmons
- Mother: Daniel Simmons
- Siblings (Brothers and Sisters): Russell Simmons, and Danny Simmons
- Marital Status: Married
- Dating / Girlfriend: Not Applicable
- Children: 6
Rev Run Net Worth and Salary
- Net Worth: $60 Million
- Salary: Under Review
- Source of Income: Rapper, Producer, DJ, Television Personality, Minister
Career
Rev Run boasts a multifaceted profession encompassing music, television, and ministry. Rev Run’s most defining musical chapter is certainly as a founding member of the legendary hip-hop group Run-DMC, together with Darryl “D.M.C.” McDaniels and the late DJ Jam-Master Jay. They started in 1981.
Run-DMC became the first hip-hop group to achieve a gold album with their 1984 debut “Raising Hell,” followed by several other commercially successful and critically praised albums such as “Tougher Than Leather” (1988) and “King of Rock” (1985). They collaborated with rock icons such as Aerosmith on the groundbreaking track “Walk This Way,” blurring genre lines and further hardening their place in music history.
After Run-DMC’s break in the early 2000s, Rev Run embarked on a solo profession, releasing gospel-infused hip-hop albums such as “Distortion” (2005) and “Revamped” (2008). Rev Run’s foray into television demonstrated high success with the reality show “Run’s House,” which aired on MTV from 2005 to 2009. The show offered a glimpse into his life as a spouse, father of six, and ordained minister, balancing family chaos with lighthearted humor and faith-based wisdom.
Rev Run has made multiple guest appearances on different talk shows and sitcoms, further hardening his image as a relatable and charismatic personality. In 1994, he underwent a spiritual awakening and was ordained as a Pentecostal minister. He has candidly spoken concerning his faith journey and how it has influenced his music, television persona, and overall outlook on life.
Rev Run regularly delivers motivational speeches, drawing on his experiences in music, ministry, and family life to motivate others. He stresses the significance of faith, determination, and positive values. Rev Run has ventured into different business ventures, such as co-founding the famous kids’ shoe brand Pastry with his brother Russell Simmons.
Songs
- “It’s Tricky” (1986)
- “Walk This Way” (1986)
- “Raising Hell” (1986)
- “My Adidas” (1986)
- “Christmas in Hollis” (1987)
- “Mind on the Road” (2005)
- “God” (2005)
- “Boom Ditty” (2008)
- “The Way” (2010)
- “Ant” (2022)
Movies and TV shows
- Run’s House
- All About the Washingtons
- Krush Groove
- Rev Run’s Sunday Suppers
- The Hip Hop Nutcracker
- It’s Not You, It’s Men
- Daddy’s Girls
- Growing Up Hip Hop: New York
- Tougher Than Leather
- Rev Runs Around the World
- Rev Run’s Renovation
- Graffiti Rock
- Rev Run: Mind on the Road
- Die Hard
- Red Dragon
- Live Aid
- Who’s the Man?
- Something from Nothing: The Art of Rap
- Death Trip
- Remastered: Who Killed Jam Master Jay?
- Big Fun in the Big Town
- Hip Hop: The Songs That Shook America
- Just for Kicks
- Rap Sheet: Hip-Hop and The Cops
- Jay-Z: Made in America
- 5 Sides of a Coin
- American Rap Stars
- Rev Run’s Thanksgiving Supper
- The Tanning of America: One Nation Under Hip Hop
- Life on the Road with Mr. and Mrs. Brown
- Jagged Edge Feat. Rev. Run: Let’s Get Married (Remix)
- MTV 20: Jams
- Hoodz: DVD Magazine: Vol. 1
- Run-D.M.C. vs. Jason Nevinsh: It’s Like That
- A Director’s Journey: The Making of ‘Red Dragon’
- Various Artists: Wake Up Everybody
- Before, During and ‘After the Sunset’
- Jingle Bell Rocks!
- Run-DMC: Greatest Hits
- Rap Therapy
- Run DMC: Forever Kings
- Hip Hop Time Capsule: The Best of RETV: 1994
- Rapmania: The Roots of Rap
- Portal to Hell
- Lockdown, US
Rev Run Run-DMC
Rev Run is an inseparable part of the legendary hip-hop trio Run-DMC. Formed in 1981 in Hollis, Queens, New York City, Rev Run, Darryl “D.M.C.” McDaniels, and Jason “Jam Master Jay” Mizell.
Run-DMC pioneered a new era of hip-hop, fusing hard-hitting beats with witty lyrics and innovative fashion choices such as Kangol hats and Adidas sneakers.
They released their debut album, called “Run-D.M.C.,” in 1984, followed by a string of groundbreaking albums such as “King of Rock” (1985) and “Raising Hell” (1986).
They also collaborated with rock legends such as Aerosmith on “Walk This Way” and “It’s Tricky,” blurring genre lines and bringing hip-hop to a wider audience. They won numerous accolades, such as the Grammy Award for Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group in 1988, cementing their place as hip-hop legends.
Unfortunately, the group suffered a tragic loss with the death of Jam Master Jay in 2002, though their music and legacy continue to encourage and influence new generations of artists.
Rev Run served as the group’s lead rapper, bringing energy and charisma with his signature rhyme style and playful delivery. He co-wrote the majority of Run-DMC’s lyrics, infusing them with humor, social commentary, and personal stories. He also acted as the group’s frontman, engaging with audiences and representing their Hollis roots with pride.
Rev Run continued to perform and celebrate Run-DMC’s legacy even after Jam Master Jay’s death, assuring their music and message stay alive.
Rev Run Awards, Accomplishments and Achievements
- Lifetime Achievement Award (2016)
- Nomination for Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal (1987)
- Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction (2009)
- MTV Video Music Award for Best Stage Performance (1987)
- Grammy Hall of Fame Induction (2018)
- Rev Run has parlayed his success into different entrepreneurial ventures, such as a production company, clothing lines, and restaurants.
- After experiencing a religious awakening, Rev Run became an ordained minister in 2005. He has since devoted himself to spreading messages of faith and hope, encouraging many through his sermons and community outreach programs.
Hobbies and Personal Interests
- Culinary Enthusiast: Rev Run is a strong proponent of health and fitness, and he prioritizes taking care of his body. He regularly hits the gym for workouts, practices yoga, and enjoys outdoor activities such as hiking and biking.
- Family Man: Family is paramount to Rev Run’s life. He’s a loving husband to his wife Justine and a happy father to their kids. He loves spending time with them, whether it’s enjoying family meals, attending their sporting events, or simply relaxing at home.
- Philanthropist: Rev Run is actively involved in different philanthropic endeavors. He supports organizations that work with disadvantaged communities, concentrating on social justice initiatives, education, and youth development.
- Creative pursuits: Beyond music, Rev Run has explored different creative avenues. He has written several books, such as biographies and kids books. He’s also dabbled in acting, appearing in movies and television shows.
Final Thoughts
He is a dreamer. He never gives up on his dreams, no matter how big or small. He is grateful for the ability to dream and is excited to see what the future holds.
Rev Run Contacts
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