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Aoki Simmons: Learn About Russell Simmons’s Daughter

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Aoki Lee Simmons is the daughter of record executive Russell Simmons and fashion icon Kimora Lee Simmons. She’s just made history by becoming one of the youngest Black women to graduate from Harvard University. She was accepted into the institution at the age of 16. Aoki Simmons has also followed in her mother’s footsteps and is a model. 

Most recently, the rising star has been in the spotlight after some shocking details were revealed about her father, Russell Simmons. He is one of the most prolific figures in the history of Hip Hop as the co-founder of Def Jam Recordings and creator of Phat Farm. Despite the legacy both her father and her mom built, Aoki Lee’s own career is steadily on the rise, and she’s working hard to cement her name in the world of fashion. Along with her elder sister, Ming Lee, Aoki has gained fame on social media, particularly Instagram and TikTok. With her degree in the bag and the world ahead of her, there’s no stopping Aoki Lee Simmons. 

Read More: Russell Simmons’ Daughter Vows To Ignore Trolls Who Make Her Feel Insecure

Early Beginnings

Kimora Lee Simmons with her two daughters, Aoki Lee and Ming Lee, at the Baby Phat fashion show in 2004.
Ming, Kimora and Aoki Lee Simmons during Olympus Fashion Week Fall 2004 – Baby Phat – Runway at Gotham Hall in New York City, New York, United States. (Photo by Johnny Nunez/WireImage)

Aoki Lee Simmons was born on August 16, 2002, to Russell and Kimora Lee Simmons. At the time of her birth, her mother’s brand, Baby Phat had begun to enjoy widespread success. Straightaway, Aoki Lee and her sister Ming Lee became the faces of the brand. They became famous at a young age and were known for always closing out Baby Phat shows with their mother on the runway. 

By 2007, Aoki Lee joined her mother and siblings on the reality TV series, Kimora: Life In The Fab Lane. The show focused on her mother’s home and work life as a mogul. Aoki’s father Russell Simmons also made appearances on the show. Kimora: Life In The Fab Lane ran for four seasons, and ended in 2011. 

Read More: Kimora Lee Simmons’ Baby Phat Apparel Has Made A Comeback With Forever 21

Aoki Lee Simmons’ Rising Career

Several years after her mother’s reality show came to an end, Aoki Lee found herself gaining fame as a social media influencer. She has joined her mother on several humanitarian missions and frequently travels the world. Furthermore, she has found success in the fashion industry in her own right. In 2022, she made the decision to add modeling to her portfolio while she continued her studies at Harvard. 

Her decision to pursue modeling came under fire from some, who wondered why she didn’t want to put her education to a different use. Aoki Lee gracefully responded, sharing that modeling is something she loves, and is willing to grow in the profession. “Well, one, models aren’t uneducated and not articulate,” she said in an Instagram post. “But two, I think what you’re really getting at is, why am I going into a field that doesn’t necessarily require a degree or require a whole lot of book smarts when I have a lot of education?”

Aoki Lee further reiterated that she’s interested in changing the narrative about models not being smart, or educated women not feeling sexy. “Well, one, because I love it, and I think we should normalize liking something. You don’t have to do what you’re immediately good at,” she continued. “I would like to change the idea that you can’t be smart and pretty, or you can’t be smart and enjoy your looks.”

She has since walked the runways at Pyer Moss and Carlton Jones. Alongside her modeling, she has designed a line for the popular direct-to-consumer brand, JustFab. She’s currently signed to Nomad management. 

Read More: Oprah Makes Russell Simmons’ Daughters Big Mad Following Doc Departure

Making Harvard History

When she was just 16 years old, Aoki Lee was enrolled at Harvard University. She became one of the youngest Black women to achieve this feat. On May 29, she took to Instagram to celebrate her graduation, days after her sister Ming Lee’s at NYU. Aoki Lee also graduated with double majors, and her mother Kimora shared the news on her own social media page.

Read More: Kimora Lee Simmons: A Fashion Icon And Business Mogul

Aoki’s Relationship With Russell Simmons

Russell Simmons and his daughter Aoki Lee.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – JUNE 19: Russell Simmons and Aoki Lee Simmons attend Champ Medici And Fam Lounge at Marquee on June 19, 2022 in New York City. (Photo by Johnny Nunez/WireImage)

While many around the world celebrated Father’s Day,  Aoki Lee Simmons called out her father Russell’s alleged abuse over the years. The entire situation kicked off after the record mogul posted a subliminal message taking a jab at his ex-wife Kimora. It wasn’t long before Kimora Lee took to her Instagram stories and posted a series of accusations against him. 

Aoki Lee Simmons also took to social media to detail the decline in her relationship with her father. While she insisted they started out having a strong bond, she insists that something has become terribly wrong with Russell. On Instagram Live, she detailed a series of abusive behaviors that her father has exhibited in recent times while stating that she’s been scared to speak out for a long time because of her father’s influence. 

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Ja Rule’s “Venni Vetti Vecci” Turns 24

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Ja Rule’s trajectory to stardom is unparalleled in the hip-hop world. Following his appearance on Mic Geronimo’s “Time To Build,” alongside Jay-Z and DMX (who he nearly formed a group with named Murder Inc.), his iconic run began with the release of Venni Vetti Vecci. While his debut wasn’t the storybook project to propel him amongst the biggest rappers on Earth. However, it certainly set the groundwork for his subsequent success. Ja Rule’s sound arrived at the perfect time. At a time when hip-hop was beginning to merge with melodic pop, Ja Rule was in a unique position to take his sound to mainstream heights that wouldn’t have been possible five years prior.

The trio of Ja Rule, Jay-Z, and DMX extensively toured throughout the late ’90s. Still, there wasn’t a sustainable relationship behind the curtain. DMX and Jay-Z viewed each other as natural competitive rivals. The tension between the two juggernauts rose as each was determined to come out on top in the New York rap scene. In the middle of all of that drama was a young Ja Rule. He wasn’t impersonating the two, instead opting to inject his flows with R&B melodies intended to get the audience shaking. Collaborating with the likes of Mary J Blige, Ashanti, and Jennifer Lopez, he brought Queens to a new sonic space that laid the foundation for hip-hop’s evolution in the next century.

Read More: Ja Rule Responds To People Saying He Paved The Way For Drake

Venni Vetti Vecci Impact On Hardcore Hip-Hop

Ja Rule performs live.
UNSPECIFIED – JANUARY 01: Photo of Ja RULE (Photo by Andrew Lepley/Redferns)

By the early ‘2000s, Ja Rule was a kingpin in the hip-hop space. His mix of high energy, club anthems, and hardcore gangster lyricism delivered a blend that hadn’t been paralleled. In addition, his music found a way to be genre-bending and marketable at the same time. Ja Rule was curating introspective bangers, one that deeply resonated with the streets. While Venni Vetti Vecci peaked at #1 on the Billboard Hip-Hop charts, his sophomore effort Rule 3:36 solidified his stardom. By 2001’s Pain Is Love, he was at the top of the world. In a matter of years before going on hiatus, Ja Rule changed hip-hop indefinitely.

It all got started Venni Vetti Vecci. A focused dialogue into his chaotic life in Queens, his debut studio album throws the listener head-first into an environment of hustling and violence. But more importantly, it detailed Ja Rule’s aspirations beyond the streets of Queens to cement his name among the greats. Take “Holla Holla,” where Ja manifests his future MC success amidst grumbling trumpets and slightly off-beat verses. Even during his debut studio album, he made it clear that his daring approach was intended to push the boundaries. As a result, Ja Rule played a key role in boosting hardcore hip-hop’s presence on mainstream airwaves in the 2000s.

Read More: Jay-Z Believes “Ambition” & “Ego” Derailed Murder Inc Supergroup With Ja Rule & DMX

Combatting DMX Comparisons

Venni Vetti Vecci, which contains a Latin root translating to “I came, I saw, I conquered,” did exactly that. Astoundingly reaching #3 on the Billboard charts, it would be easy to call Ja Rule an overnight sensation. However, from his failed deal with TVT Records as a member of Cash Money Click to Irv Gotti bringing him onto Def Jam, the years of labor began to pay off. He already worked years under the tutelage of fellow Def Jam signees. Looking to the likes of Run D.M.C. and Jay-Z, Ja Rule spent years attempting to emulate the quality of their verses. Logically enough, he enlisted his Def Jam contemporaries to bolster the notoriety of his debut. The Jay-Z and DMX-assisted “It’s Murda” would quickly garner massive commercial success.

The heavy gangster roots of Venni Vetti Vecci drew heavy comparisons to West Coast’s 2Pac. Hip-hop heads were accusing Ja Rule of copying and pasting the West Coast icons’ style. In addition, the 1999 record drew plenty of undeniable similarities to the growling raps of DMX. Even if the two had once been collaborators, DMX began to echo this frustration over time, accusing Ja of flat-out copying his style. Ja Rule certainly wasn’t a fan, starkly retorting by accusing DMX of simply being angry at his success.

If anything, the beef between DMX and Ja Rule was hallmark evidence of how far Ja had come. Once marveling when Run D.M.C. would walk down the block, he had become a mainstay on radio hit playlists. Venni Vetti Vecci would arguably remain his darkest record to date, more-so focused on his haunting upbringing than creating chart-friendly hits. From menacing piano chords to booming drums, everything about Venni Vetti Vecci would influence the aggressive form of hip-hop coming out of New York for years to come. After Ja Rule’s debut studio album, he was officially a force to be reckoned with.

Read More: Fat Joe & Ja Rule “Verzuz” Featured Jadakiss, Ashanti, Remy Ma, Nelly, Dre, & Lil Mo

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Logic Celebrates Leaving Def Jam In New Music Video For “Juice II”

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Even while he’s busy on tour, Logic is always one to feed fans and keep putting out fun material. Moreover, he just released the music video for his loose “Juice II,” and filmed it during one of his latest concerts. In fact, he premiered the song during his Vinyl Verse tour with Wiz Khalifa on August 16 of last year, which is presumably when he shot the visual. Over a peppy trap beat and with trademark fast and emphatic rhymes, the lyricist was able to keep the crowd energized throughout. However, that’s not all that the music video entailed, as he also threw shade at Def Jam after leaving the label.

“So for those of y’all who don’t know, I’m off Def Jam,” Logic told the arena during his performance, which starts the video off. “I’m a motherf***in’ free man, baby. I’m free! So that means I can do whatever the f**k I want. Like, every single one of y’all be in my brand new music video.” Of course, the 33-year-old expressed numerous times prior how happy and fulfilled he felt upon leaving his contract behind and gaining more independence.

Read More: Logic’s Most Streamed Songs

Logic Posts Snippet Of New Music Video With Def Jam Shade

“I’m so excited I’m off Def Jam, I’m a free man,” Logic also remarked to his fans. “I been making so much music. I been making turn-up music, I been making f***in’ boom-bap hip-hop s**t, even in the trap s**t I’ve been doing there’s like more of a message than ever dawg that’s real. It’s important if you’re in a position of power to spread a good message. Always peace love and positivity.” In a statement shortly his move away from his former label, he spoke on valuing his independence and dignity as an artist above all else.

“There’s a lot of bullshit in the music industry,” he stated. “I’m just glad to move on to a place where I can be independent and respected as an artist, and feel like I’m in control of my career.” We’re sure that there will be plenty more from the “Redpill VII” MC in the near future. With his next tour coming up very soon at the end of May, maybe we’ll get more crowd music videos in the future. Regardless, stay up to date on HNHH for the latest news on Logic.

Read More: Logic Says Joe Budden Is “Hurt, Smart” & “A F***ing Hater”

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Lil Durk Net Worth 2023: What Is The Rapper Worth?

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Lil Durk, born Durk Derrick Banks, has been making waves in the music industry for over a decade. The Chicago-born rapper has grown from a budding artist to a chart-topping sensation.

Lil Durk Net Worth

Durk’s net worth in 2023 is estimated to be a significant $8 million, according to Celebrity Net Worth.

Breaking Down Lil Durk Net Worth

lil durk performs
(Photo by Thomas Concordia/Getty Images for PrettyLittleThing )

Lil Durk’s wealth accumulation is primarily from his music career. He boasts a discography filled with successful albums, singles, and collaborations. His 2020 album, The Voice, received critical acclaim and commercial success, contributing significantly to his net worth.

His wealth isn’t solely tied to music, though. Durk has also ventured into the realm of entrepreneurship. He is the CEO of his record label, Only the Family, which hosts talented musicians and rappers.

Journey To An $8 Million Net Worth

lil durk on stage
(Photo by Tim Mosenfelder/Getty Images)

Lil Durk’s journey to amassing his $8 million net worth is a testament to his talent, hard work, and dedication. He debuted in the music industry in 2011 with his first mixtape, I’m A Hitta. Despite the challenges faced in his early career, Lil Durk kept pushing, never allowing adversity to stop him.

His breakthrough came in 2013 when he signed with Def Jam Recordings and released his second mixtape, Signed to the Streets. The mixtape was a hit, earning him a spot on Rolling Stone‘s “10 New Artists You Need to Know” list. This recognition was the first significant milestone in building the ‘Lil Durk Net Worth’ that we see today.

From Street Rapper To Millionaire

lil durk at fashion show
(Photo by Edward Berthelot/Getty Images)

The rapper’s estimated $8 million net worth is impressive, considering his humble beginnings. Growing up in Chicago’s infamous South Side, Lil Durk faced many hardships. The fact that he was able to turn his life around, using music as his vehicle, is nothing short of inspiring.

Future Earnings

lil durk on future tour
(Photo by Prince Williams/Wireimage)

As Lil Durk continues to release music and grow his business ventures, his net worth is expected to increase even more. With his unique style and persistent work ethic, Durk will undoubtedly continue building his wealth.

Conclusion/TLDR

The ‘Lil Durk Net Worth’ narrative is a testament to the rapper’s tenacity and talent. From his humble beginnings on the streets of Chicago to boasting a net worth of $8 million, his story is not just about financial growth but personal development too. He stands as a beacon of hope to many aspiring artists, proving that with talent and determination, it’s possible to turn dreams into reality.

Benny The Butcher Announces “Everybody Can’t Go” Release Date

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Benny The Butcher will be making his Def Jam debut on August 11th with the release of his next studio album, Everybody Can’t Go. Benny confirmed the release date during a recent interview with DTLR Radio. It will be his first album since 2022’s Tana Talk 4, which was released through Griselda Records.

“I’m not gonna lie, this is the first time I’ve even announced this anywhere because this my first interview but August 11th. ‘Everybody Can’t Go.’ That’s the first time I’ve announced the date,” Benny said. Elsewhere in the interview, he discussed working with Drake, his come up in Buffalo, and more.

Benny The Butcher At DJ Drama’s Release Party

NEW YORK, NEW YORK – MARCH 29: Benny the Butcher attends the DJ Drama album release party on March 29, 2023 in New York City. (Photo by Johnny Nunez/WireImage)

While Benny announced the release date during last week’s interview, he previously confirmed that he was working on the project earlier this year. In an Instagram post from February, he wrote that Hit-Boy would be producing the album. “Sometimes the experience of the journey is a better feeling than reaching the destination. You won’t ever kno unless u make it there…but remember ‘EVERYBODY CAN’T GO,’” Benny wrote at the time. “The Album produced by @hitboy…Loading[.]“ The two previously connected on Benny’s 2020 album, Burden of Proof. The album featured Lil Wayne, Dom Kennedy, Rick Ross, Conway the Machine, and more.

Benny is currently traveling the world on his Thank God I Made It tour. Stopping in Baltimore, last week, Benny surprised fans by bringing out J. Cole for a performance together. The two performed their 2022 collaboration, “Johnny P’s Caddy.” The song was featured as the lead single from Tana Talk 4 and was Benny’s first song to chart on the Billboard Hot 100. “Started the THANK GOD I MADE IT TOUR off right way in Baltimore bringing my boy out @realcoleworld,” Benny wrote on Instagram after bringing out J. Cole. Benny will be stopping in Massachusetts, Connecticut, Ireland, Germany, Greece, and more in the coming weeks.

Benny The Butcher Reveals The “Everybody Can’t Go” Release Date

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Logic Recalls Nas Trying To Sign Him

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Logic recalled the “cringe” moment when his idol, Nas, tried to sign him. In a post on Instagram, Logic detailed the interaction, explaining that he was embarrassed over one of the lyrics from his song, “Numbers.” On the track, Logic raps about drinking $100,000 wine, which caught Nas’ attention.

“I then find out that Nas wants to sign me. And I’m like, ‘Oh my God! This is crazy! Nas, my idol, wants to sign me!’” Logic began. “One of the first things he says … I was like, ‘Oh man, this is a nice room! You got drinks and all this stuff.’ And he’s like, ‘I ain’t got none of that $100,000 wine you be sipping on.’” He continued: “Because I have this line in I think it’s ‘Numbers,’ where I’m like, ‘I’m at the penthouse popping bottles of that $100,000 wine!” Ugh, cringe! And I’m so broke. $100,000 wine? It’s like, are you joking? Like, what? But you’re on HOC. You’re on food stamps. You’re talking about $100,000 wine? You can’t even buy grapes. [But] I thought that was cool because he’s like, reciting my own lyrics back to me.”

Logic’s Post

Logic didn’t reveal exactly when the meeting with Nas took place. However, “Numbers” was featured on his 2012 project, Young Sinatra: Undeniable. A year later, he signed with Def Jam, where he remained for almost a decade. Logic’s final album with the label was Vinyl Days, which he released in June 2022. He recorded the project over the span of 12 days in order to get out of his contract as soon as possible. Logic then joined BMG, which offered him a deal to maintain ownership of his masters. “There’s a lot of bullshit in the music industry,” Logic said in a statement. “I’m just glad to move on to a place where I can be independent and respected as an artist, and feel like I’m in control of my career.”

Logic’s first album since leaving Def Jam, College Park, is due for release on Friday. The 17-track project will feature RZA, Bun B, Redman, Joey Bada$$, and more. It was produced entirely by Producers Lounge.

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DJ Khaled Enters Exclusive Partnership with Def Jam, Named Global Creative Consultant

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DJ Khaled Enters Exclusive Partnership with Def Jam, Named Global Creative Consultant

DJ Khaled announced an exclusive agreement with Def Jam Recordings for his We The Best label endeavor, as well as his future releases as a multi-platinum recording artist, at a press conference in his hometown of Miami today.

Khaled, who has amassed global sales of over 20 million singles and 6 million albums in addition to 4 billion-plus streams in his celebrated career as an artist, producer, DJ, and curator, will also join the Universal Music Group in an executive role, serving as Global Creative Consultant to Def Jam and UMG’s family of artists worldwide.

This momentous revelation marks a homecoming for DJ Khaled, who joined the label as an executive A&R in 2008, generating successes for key stars such as Rick Ross and others.

“This new chapter marks a special time for me,” said DJ Khaled. “The energy at this point in my career is at an all-time high and I’m grateful to Sir Lucian Grainge for allowing me to join his empire at this stage in my journey.  Together, we will achieve even greater heights and take it to the next level. I feel blessed and so inspired with renewed energy. I’m excited to not only partner, but to come back home to Def Jam. Tunji Balogun is not only an extraordinary A&R, but a true music-man and visionary who continuously is responsible for introducing the world to some of its next greatest superstars.  I’m excited to join my sister and visionary executive LaTrice Burnette once again, as we have had tremendous success on every single project we have collaborated on in the past. Def Jam is the culture and together we will make history yet once again.”

Sir Lucian Grainge, UMG’s Chairman and CEO, said, “DJ Khaled is a great artist, hitmaker, mentor and cultural innovator. It gives me great pleasure to welcome him home to UMG where we look forward to working together to amplify his brilliant creative instincts and unique vision.”

“Beyond a proven hitmaker, incredible producer, undeniable artist, and consummate showman, DJ Khaled occupies the rarified air of cultural icon,” said Tunji Balogun, Chairman and CEO of Def Jam Recordings. “His uncanny ability to continuously have his finger on the pulse of the culture, to reach audiences all over the world in innovative yet authentic ways, and his remarkable savvy for marketing, promoting and eventizing everything he touches is absolutely second to none. We are thrilled to partner with DJ Khaled and We The Best, both as a multi-platinum, award-winning artist and as a valued executive. Without a doubt, Khaled can only make us better.”

“DJ Khaled has been a dear friend and close collaborator of mine for over a decade,” said LaTrice Burnette, Executive Vice President, Def Jam Recordings/President, 4th & Broadway. “Throughout our years together at Epic, Khaled and I developed a special working bond and broke barriers through a united vision, focused partnership and hard work. I have a tremendous respect for Khaled’s artistry, creativity, work ethic, marketing savvy, and boundless positive energy. I’m thrilled to welcome him back home to Def Jam, and can’t wait to see what we cook up next.”

In acknowledgment of his continued community service, DJ Khaled was awarded both the key to the City of Miami and the key to Miami Beach. By proclamation, February 9th is officially designated as “WE THE BEST” day in Miami, and November 26th as “KHALED KHALED” day in Miami Beach.

The post DJ Khaled Enters Exclusive Partnership with Def Jam, Named Global Creative Consultant appeared first on The Source.

DJ Khaled Reveals He Signed To Def Jam During Press Conference

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DJ Khaled recently announced a partnership with Def Jam Records and We The Best Music Group during a press conference. Not only that, but his announcement came days after he performed at the Grammys, which nominated him in multiple categories. His album GOD DID received a nomination for Best Rap Album. Also, its title track almost won for Best Rap Song and Song of the Year. Moreover, the We The Best mogul expressed gratitude for his friendships and opportunities as he made his announcement.

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – FEBRUARY 05: (FOR EDITORIAL USE ONLY) DJ Khaled performs onstage during the 65th GRAMMY Awards at Crypto.com Arena on February 05, 2023 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images)

“That’s what’s so good about having great friendships,” the artist expressed. “It’s that we have a great friendship, it’s forever. But now, today, it’s 2023. Like LeBron James when he had his press conference, when he said he’s bringing his talents to Miami. What was it, South Beach or something like that? Well, I’m bringing my talents, and We The Best, and DJ Khaled to Def Jam Records. So it’s We The Best, Def Jam, and Cavalry dropping this music group, which I’m very excited [about]. Not only that, but shoutout to Sir Lucian Grainge for, you know, also giving me a major role in the Universal Music Group as a Global Creative- what do you call it? Consultant, yeah, you know what I’m saying? A Global Creative Consultant. I love that I’m going to be able to do that besides putting out my albums.”

Furthermore, the “I’m The One” industry titan elaborated on his excitement for this new step. “We’re going to be signing artists and we’re actually looking for some new A&Rs to add to the team. We’re going to be doing a lot of big things at We The Best and Def Jam. What I like also about this whole creative consultant thing is that I’m going to be able to touch the whole Universal Music Group. Not just in music, but in marketing, film, TV, just anything dealing with creating.”

Meanwhile, Khaled recently appeared in some pictures with Tyler, the Creator, seemingly squashing their publicized issues. While Khaled boasted about all the great things he’ll get to do very soon, come back to HNHH to see which endeavors he’ll gift to the music world.