This paper explains that Russell saw the reality of black, urban hip hop music as a style with a message and unique delivery
that would reach beyond the inner city and built an empire to reach that worldwide marketplace. The paper discusses the early history of the
minstrel shows. The author believes that, at the time the music business had stagnated, Simmons'
vision was to take everything that was inner city black culture and identity and present it to the mass market as acceptable, unique and valuable on its own merits. Table of Contents What is American Culture? What is Black American Culture? Definition of Success Russell Simmons Success Conclusion