There’s a documentary about Russell Simmons’ sexual inappropriateness on the way. I first met Russell in 1976. I was friends with his younger brother, Joey aka Rev Run. I remember the day because he and his friends were discussing, “King Kong” produced by Dino De Laurentiis.

I thought it was so cool to have a big brother because in the hood that’s instant “back up.” Truth be told, a brother like Russell wouldn’t be good back up. He was a lover not a fighter. Russell came of age in the Disco era and he fit right in. Drugs and parties were his thing.

Russell began promoting College parties at places like Fantasia in Queens or the Hotel Diplomat in Manhattan. Run would show me the flyers. They had cheesy themes like “Freaky Friday’s.” There was even a Disco dance called “The Freak” back then. Disco influenced rap greatly.

Somehow, Russell connected with Rick Rubin and “Def Jam” was born. Sugar Hill Records existed before Def Jam but Def Jam was rap’s first true label IMO and it started in Hollis, Queens - my home. Everyone from Hollis frequented Def Jam. I went through there often.

You gotta understand the times for proper context. Drugs were plentiful in the streets and the music industry in the 80’s. One night night around 84 or 85 Russell was high off PCP “stuck” standing on the corner. Some guys were contemplating robbing him and I intervened.

I liked Russell back then. He never did shit for me but he was my old friend’s brother so I stopped it. He was so high he had no idea the danger he was in or the favor I did him. I couldn’t help thinking why would he do that do himself. I didn’t use drugs. Then or now.

The Boyz n da Hood were called “The Hollis Crew.” We had a reputation and Run DMC leaned on that for street cred and protection. It’s amazing how the game hasn’t changed much in that respect. The Hollis Crew was welcome on tour and at the label. Made everything look official.

One of the things I noticed was all the cute light-skinned girls up at the label. For all its liberalism sexism was rampant in the music business. There was always talk of how those girls were getting their jobs. Gossip? Perhaps in some cases. In quite a few it was actual fact.

These girls were in their early 20’s. They were down for whatever. Some launched lengthy careers, done snagged wealthy husbands, some ended up bitter with neither. I’m willing to bet those are the ones complaining a lifetime later. I don’t even like Russell but it is what it is.

You’ll notice how quick these women are to throw a black man under the bus. Anything Russell was doing I’m sure Lyor Cohen indulged in but you won’t hear a word about Cohen. I’m not saying they did anything or they didn’t. It’s just everyone is so brave to attack black men.

Black women have been weaponized against black men in this manner for so long it’s second nature for some. Their disdain and hatred for black men are easily provoked. There’s a culture in entertainment that was started by black men. Some just bought into it.

There’s a storied black woman music exec who used to get fucked on a grand piano by her white boss. She won’t be in any documentaries. She’s set for life. She hit the right keys while straddling that piano. For the women who didn’t there’s always a documentary to tell your story.