Joseph Simmons, known by the stage name Rev. Run, is a prominent figure in the music industry as one of the founding members of the influential hip hop group Run–D.M.C. Alongside his roles as a performer and minister, he is a Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee, underscoring his significant contributions to the genre. He is also the brother of Danny Simmons, Jr. and Russell Simmons, the co-founder of Def Jam Records.

Before his time with Run–D.M.C., Simmons was the lead vocalist in "The Force." He founded Run-D.M.C. as a lead vocalist along with friend Darryl "DMC" McDaniels and the late DJ Jason "Jam-Master Jay" Mizell. The group's impact was profound, earning the title of the greatest hip-hop artist of all-time by both MTV and VH1.

Adopting the stage name "Rev. Run" after being ordained as a Pentecostal minister, Simmons expanded his career into television and authorship. He starred in the MTV reality series "Run's House," which detailed his life with his family over six seasons, and has authored bestselling books like "Old School Love: And Why It Works." His influence extends into various television series including "Rev Run’s Sunday Suppers" on Food Network, "Rev Runs Around the World" on Travel Channel, "Rev Run’s Home Renovation" on HGTV, and "All About the Washingtons" on Netflix. Recently, he starred in "The Hip Hop Nutcracker" on Disney+ and "Disney’s Christmas Holiday Show" on the ABC Network.

In 2008, Simmons and his wife Justine collaborated with Kool-Aid and the non-profit organization KaBOOM! to build 24 playgrounds in underserved communities. This initiative highlighted the couple's dedication to creating safe play areas for children. Additionally, his book "Take Back Your Family: A Challenge to America's Parents," co-authored with Justine Simmons and Chrisifer Morrow, reflects his commitment to family values. Simmons also serves as a motivational speaker and celebrity DJ, contributing his talents to numerous corporate conferences and large-scale events. This diverse career portfolio showcases his versatility and enduring influence in both entertainment and community engagement.

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