The Family Legacy of Joseph “Run” Simmons

August 17, 2023 4:30 pm

On August 11, iconic 1980s rap pioneer group Run-DMC served as the headliners for the Hip-Hop 50 Live show at Yankee Stadium. Their performance was dubbed the “Bottom of the 9th… the Walk-Off,” since it would be their last performance as a group, ever. With Darryl “D.M.C.” McDaniels telling Rock the Bells earlier this year that “it’s time for Run to go be Paul McCartney and me to be John Lennon,” it’s clear that the two want to focus on their pursuits and endeavors, and for Joseph “Run” Simmons, that also means enjoying life with his superstar family.

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Along with Run’s two brothers and his several children from two different marriages, the Simmons family has built a bit of a media dynasty over the past couple of decades. But, none of this could really have been possible without the overwhelming success of Run and his group, as well as the help he received from one of his brothers early on. Get to know about Run’s family members below.

Russell Simmons (Brother)

Russell and Run could both be in the running for the most famous Simmons. The same year that Run-D.M.C. released their self-titled debut album (1984), Russell joined now-beloved music guru Rick Rubin to found the legendary record label Def Jam. Before this Russell was an up-and-coming promoter and manager, having represented hip-hop icon Kurtis Blow.

Russell would eventually convince his little brother Joseph (Run) to start rapping too and was able to book him performances as a DJ for Blow. Run soon befriended D.M.C., and the two felt strongly about recording music together with D.M.C. as the vocalist. Though Russell wasn’t too confident in the idea at first, he helped Run-D.M.C. release their debut single in 1983. Russell would end up producing Run-D.M.C.’s aforementioned debut album.

Aside from his effort with Run, Russell would go on to pursue other endeavors in entertainment such as producing HBO hit shows Def Comedy Jam and Def Poetry Jam, producing the classic comedy film The Nutty Professor starring Eddie Murphy, and signing juggernauts like Beastie Boys, Public Enemy, LL Cool J, Jay-Z, DMX, and Kanye West to Def Jam.

Danny Simmons (Brother)

The eldest of the three Simmons brothers, Danny led a bit more of a subdued lifestyle. A painter, author, poet, and philanthropist, Danny is most known for helping his brother Russell produce Def Poetry Jam on HBO, eventually transforming it into a Broadway show and winning a Tony Award.

Along with publishing successful books like Three Days As the Crow Flies and I Dreamed My People Were Calling But I Couldn’t Find My Way Home, Danny has had his artwork shown at New York-area galleries such as the Brooklyn Museum, the Chase Manhattan Bank, the Smithsonian, and more.

Vanessa Simmons (Daughter)

Run’s first daughter with his first wife Valerie Vaughn, Vanessa was one of the most intriguing characters of the MTV reality show Run’s House, which launched in 2005 and followed the Simmons family members around. Along with acting in subsequent shows like Boogie Town and Monogamy, Vanessa has founded three businesses such as skincare line Sugar Me, footwear line Pastry, and clothing brand Glitter and Lace. She is currently dating Michael Wayans of the also-esteemed Wayans family.

Angela Simmons (Daughter)

Run’s second daughter with Vaughn, Angela was also featured in Run’s House, and also helps run Pastry with Vanessa. Additionally, she serves as a cast member and producer for Growing Up Hip Hop, a reality TV show about kids like her with famous rapper parents. On top of being a model, fashion designer, actor, and businesswoman, she made a guest appearance in the music video for Bow Wo’s 2006 song “Shortie Like Mine.”

Joseph “JoJo” Simmons Jr. (Son)

Run’s final child with Vaughn, Joseph was also featured in both Run’s House and Growing Up Hip Hop. Additionally, he’s acted in films like King of Newark (2016) and Fade Away (2018).

Daniel “Diggy” Simmons III (Son)

Run’s first child with his second wife Justine Jones, who he is still married to, Daniel was Run’s first kid to pursue a career in hip-hop, aside from his appearances in Run’s House. Releasing two albums, Unexpected Arrival (2012) and Lighten Up (2018) under the stage name Diggy, Daniel earned big-name collaborations throughout his career like Jadakiss, Ty Dolla $ign, and Jeremih. Additionally, he acted in ABC hit comedy series Grown-Ish.

Russell Simmons II (Son)

Run’s second child with Jones, and the second of his kids to be named after one of Run’s brothers, Russell not only appeared in Run’s House, but also served as a host for another one of his dad’s shows, Rev Runs Around The World.

Miley Justine Simmons

The youngest of the Simmons family, Miley is just 14 years old and was adopted by Run while Run’s House was still on the air. Like Russell, she’s made appearances in Rev Runs Around The World.

Photo by Oliver Morris/Getty Images