Russell Simmons lands Oxygen reality show

By Mr. Hollywood
JR Staff Writer

For years, Russell Simmons has been promoting himself through reality television. His ex-wife, Kimora Lee Simmons, frequently features him in her E! reality show, "Life in the Fab Lane." Russ has also gained a prominent role in his brother, Run's, MTV hit, "Run's House."

Back in 2008, Russell Simmons said he would not get into reality television. Aside from not wanting cameras around him all of the time, he felt the exposure he was getting through other reality shows was enough promotion for him. However, as his roles on both "Life in the Fab Lane" and "Run's House" have diminished, Russell Simmons is making his move.

Oxygen network has decided to do a show with the hip hop mogul. This is not the first time Oxygen has dealt with reality hip hop television. Coolio and his family had their own program on the network in 2008. MC Hammer also had a show to air on Oxygen. While those programs did not work out, Oxygen is not giving up on hip hop and they have a bigger name this time around. The network quickly gave the green light to "Running Russell Simmons."

The series will focus on Russell Simmons as he runs multiple businesses and juggles a life on the side. The show is actually produced by Simmons' own company, Simmons Lathan Media Group. "Running Russell Simmons" will premiere on Oxygen on November 2, 2010.