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American Morning
A Man Who Talks the Talk of Teens
Aired December 26, 2001 - 07:55 ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
MILES O'BRIEN, CNN ANCHOR: This time of year is for children, but children grow up fast, unfortunately. Suddenly they are teens with a world of new interest, and what seems to parents like a new language -- say it ain't so. I guess it's going to happen.
Anyway, CNN's Leon Harris sat down with a man who talks the talk of teens.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
RUSSELL SIMMONS, RUSH COMMUNICATIONS: The spoken word is to a lot of rap is rap without music, and when you take the music away, you somehow foster (ph) say something more profound.
SIMMONS (signing): Still have time to bust a rhyme and sing Christian hymns. I gave Columbus (UNINTELLIGIBLE) when he didn't have a clue.
LEON HARRIS, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): Russell Simmons introduces America to a new form of the spoken word. But is America ready for death poetry? A 30-minute televised showcase of poetry readings from the coolest rap artist to the most unlikely poets. Well, ready or not, the reviews from the critics are in and "Def Poetry" is a hit. Its critics are raving about an uncensored, totally edgy and a (UNINTELLIGIBLE) series to be seen on HBO.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Is ya'll ready for some poetry mother (UNINTELLIGIBLE)?
SIMMONS: I'm hopeful that the show will inspire rappers and young people to speak out more. It's (UNINTELLIGIBLE) phenomena that needs mainstream exposure.
HARRIS: Simmons says raising the consciousness of young people, and getting them to realize the power of their voices, will always remain at the top of his list of priorities.
SIMMONS: Yes, I think that it's culture that will make the difference. Culture will make us more conscious or (UNINTELLIGIBLE) or disconnected or connected to our, you know, ourselves -- our higher selves.
HARRIS: Simmons is excited to have rapper Mos Def as the host and musical director of the death poetry (UNINTELLIGIBLE). SIMMONS: Because Def is very definitely very cool in the hip hop community. He's also a forward thinker, a bit of an intellectual.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: What is love, it is not hereafter, present (UNINTELLIGIBLE) got present laughter (ph). What's become is still unsure, and to lay there lies no plenty (ph). Come kiss me sweet and (UNINTELLIGIBLE). Useless stuff will not endure. William Shakespeare.
HARRIS: You can watch every Friday just after midnight established poets like Miki Gioboni (ph) and Rap Ice to be unlikely poetry stylings and Benjamin Grant and Dave Shapel (ph). Not only has Russell Simmons witnessed the birth of hip hop, he's nurtured its evolution into what is now being called American pop culture.
SIMMONS: This is the most positive thing for culture right now and for America right now, and these young minds having a voice.
HARRIS: From street hustler to pop icon, Simmons has navigated his way to the ultimate American dream, building Rush Communications, a multi-million dollar empire that defines every fabric of culture from music, film, fashion, arts and the media.
SIMMONS: Some kid may be in the tenth grade somewhere and say, if Russell Simmons can make it, so can I.
HARRIS: Now, Russell Simmons begins the newest chapter of his life as father, husband and philanthropist, but not before delivering a book with telltale stories on the industry's most coveted secrets. Simmons predicts that Def Poetry will become a lasting impression on the minds of young artists around the globe.
SIMMONS: Hundreds of millions of people and everybody young in the world has some knowledge and connection to hip hop. And (UNINTELLIGIBLE) in Israel and in Africa and in places where a lot of things don't survive, hip hop survives.
HARRIS: The success of Def jam recordings, Def pictures and fat farm demonstrates that he is not only an eternal hip hop mogul, but a prominent figure in modern American business. Def Poetry is Russell Simmons' latest statement of American pop culture.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: I hope you were inspired. Thank you for coming -- goodnight.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
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