Russell Simmons on cover of Hamptons Mag

July 15, 2009

Russell Simmons: The Art of Giving

Category: Only In The Hamptons Between spending time with his adorable daughters, Russell Simmons, the undeniable hip-hop and fashion legend, opens up to Niche Media's Hamptons magazine about how he's carved a new role for himself as philanthropy icon, his continuous path with yoga, and how he is transforming lives through art.Simmons' devoted yoga practice is well-known, as is his adherence to spiritual principles so it’s no surprise that he names the meditative practice as one of his favorite activities in the Hamptons, telling Hamptons mag that he and his daughters "like to go to the beach, and to yoga - they've been doing it their whole lives."When it comes to giving back, the soulful Simmons tells Hamptons mag that, "All charities are struggling a little bit right now. When people stop giving, it's good to remind them that just because you lost money in the market that day doesn't mean you stop giving to the poor."

Russell Simmons and Victor Syng in Hamptons Magazine's Real Estate and Architecture IssueCourtesy of Niche Media.Those words of wisdom are just the reason that Simmons will flex his charity muscles with the Art For Life Garden party benefit on July 18th in East Hampton. The event benefits Simmons' Rush Philanthropic Arts Foundation, the organization he founded with his brothers, Danny and Joseph "Reverend Run" Simmons, that connects disadvantaged youth with art programs.

"It's nice to be around people you're partners with and friends with," Simmons tells Hamptons magazine, "It's a great place for charity. There are a lot of wealthy people and good organizations." On celebrating 10 years of his charity, Art For Life, Simmons opens up to Niche Media's Hamptons mag that, "It's a cycle of giving.” "The more you get, the more you give, so its humbling. People like being able to play a good role.”

Russell Simmons with his daughters, Aoki and Ming, in Hamptons Magazine's July 10th IssueCourtesy of Niche Media.

Courtesy of FGPR