Russell Simmons redefines jack-of-all-trades: he grew up in a rough part of Queens, co-founded hip-hop megalabel Def Jam, and then moved on to clothing (ever heard of Phat Farm?). This is all before he became the third richest figure in all of hip-hop, had an incredibly public marriage with Kimora Lee Simmons (who has an incredible closet of clothing), called Courtney Love a "crackhead" and became an outspoken advocate of domestic and international human rights, veganism, and yoga. He's written books, has his own reality show (who doesn't, but still) called "Running Russell Simmons," and now he's being honored with an Excellence in Media Award from GLAAD right here in New York on March 19th. We talked to him before that announcement was made, but he did discuss his love of yoga, veganism, and his thoughts on Kanye West. more ›

Earlier this month, Sarah Lewitinn (Ultragrrrl) brought her label, Stolen Transmission, back to the bedroom after leaving Island/Def Jam. This was just one of many things that signaled more changes for the major, and now it turns out that the president of Def Jam, Jay-Z, is stepping down from his position. The NY Times reports:

Jay-Z made the announcement with Def Jam’s parent, Universal Music Group, as his employment contract was expiring. Under a separate long-term recording contract with Def Jam, Jay-Z, whose real name is Shawn Carter, still owes the company one or more albums.

Naked Guy at Ted Leo Concert It's a tad early for year end awards, but this story is making a strong, late push for the greatest live moment of 2007. At the Ted Leo show at The Music Hall of Williamsburg Wednesday night, some dude from Jersey took off his shirt and threw it on the stage. Not satisfied with merely being topless in a crowd on that snowy night, he eventually followed the shirt... more ›

On Tuesday "The Oprah Winfrey Show" became a platform for the Hip-Hop community to respond to the Don Imus controversy with a panel discussion featuring Russell Simmons, Dr. Benjamin Chavis, Kevin Liles, Common and more. more ›

Elliott Wilson, editor-in-chief, XXL magazine more ›

Embattled Brooklyn apartment dwellers have taken their fight against the proposed site of the new arena for the "Brooklyn Nets" all the way to Athens. A group called Develop Don't Destroy Brooklyn unveiled a banner on one of the endangered apartments which reads "Dr. Rogge and the International Olympic Committee, Please Don't Destroy Our Homes." If New York City is awarded the Olympic Games in 2012, the proposed basketball arena would be used to house the gymnastics competition. Local residents hope that by appealing to the International Olympic Committee, a new space for the arena can be found where the current populace won�t be forced to give up their apartments via eminent domain. more ›