Rev. Run

Date of Birth: November 14, 1964

Zodiac Sign: Scorpio

Biography

Rev. Run, born Joseph Ward Simmons, is an iconic rapper, producer, DJ, and ordained minister. He was born on November 14, 1964, in Hollis, Queens, New York. As one of the founding members of the legendary hip-hop group Run-D.M.C., Rev. Run played a pivotal role in bringing hip-hop music to mainstream audiences. The group was known for its innovative sound, blending rap with rock influences, and is credited with helping to establish hip-hop as a dominant musical genre in the 1980s. Rev. Run’s journey into music began in the early 1980s when he formed Run-D.M.C. alongside Darryl “D.M.C.” McDaniels and Jason “Jam Master Jay” Mizell. The trio released their self-titled debut album in 1984, which included hits like “It’s Like That” and “Rock Box.” Their groundbreaking success continued with subsequent albums, including “King of Rock” (1985) and “Raising Hell” (1986), the latter featuring the crossover hit “Walk This Way” with Aerosmith. In addition to his musical career, Rev. Run is also known for his work as a minister. He was ordained as a Pentecostal minister in the late 1990s and has since used his platform to spread positive messages and inspire others. He starred in the MTV reality show “Run’s House,” which provided an inside look at his family life and his role as a father and husband. Rev. Run has authored several books and continues to be a prominent figure in both the music industry and the spiritual community. His influence extends beyond music, as he remains a respected voice in discussions about faith, family, and personal growth.

5 Interesting Facts about Rev. Run

1. Rev. Run is one of the first rappers to achieve mainstream success, paving the way for future hip-hop artists.

2. Run-D.M.C. was the first rap group to be nominated for a Grammy Award and the first to earn a gold album.

3. Rev. Run co-authored the book “Take Back Your Family: A Challenge to America’s Parents” with his wife, Justine Simmons.

4. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2009 as a member of Run-D.M.C.

5. Rev. Run is an advocate for healthy living and often incorporates wellness tips into his social media posts and public appearances.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Rev. Run

1. “The best advice I can give anyone is to believe in yourself.”

2. “Success doesn’t come from what you do occasionally, it comes from what you do consistently.”

3. “Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.”

4. “You have to put in the hard work. The hustle is real.”

5. “Family is the foundation of everything. Without it, you have nothing.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

Rev. Run’s highest net worth achieved is estimated to be around $70 million.

Children

Rev. Run has seven children. From his first marriage to Valerie Vaughn, he has three children: Vanessa Simmons, Angela Simmons, and Joseph “Jojo” Simmons Jr. With his second wife, Justine Simmons, he has four children: Daniel “Diggy” Simmons III, Russell “Russy” Simmons II, Victoria Anne Simmons (who sadly passed away shortly after birth), and Miley Justine Simmons (who was adopted).