Joseph "Reverend Run" Simmons spends most of his time educating his children on the MTV reality show "Run's House," but the reverend took time out of his schedule to educate the students of Auburn University Wednesday, Feb. 17.
Simmons was a founding member of the hip-hop trio Run-D.M.C.
Elected to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2009, Run-D.M.C. was named the greatest hip-hop group of all time by both VH1 and MTV.com and they have sold over 30 million albums worldwide.
Instead of performing his music, Simmons took part in what Jennifer Lucas, the president of the Black Student Union, described as an, "Oprah-style discussion."
Lucas said Simmon's appearance is the largest event the Black Student Union will put on this year.
"We thought it would be a good idea to have him talk because Reverend Run is someone who crosses cultures and generations," Lucas said. "He's well known for his TV show and he's a very inspirational man who has written many books and made plenty of music. We knew he would bring a crowd because he's a popular person who can bring out the students."
The students and staff members in attendance lined the walls of the Student Center Ballroom as Simmons sat down with Ainsley Carry, the vice president of student affairs, to answer student submitted questions.
The discussion began with inquiries about Simmons' early life and inspirations.
"People always want to know, 'How did you make it to where you are?' and I always say it's better to chase passion than position," Simmons said. "A lot of people are chasing emptiness. When I was young I wanted turntables and I was always trying to develop my craft. If you do what you love, the money will follow."
Simmons also shared stories of growing up with his older brother Russell Simmons, the founder of Def Jam records. Joseph Simmons said Russell was the one who invented the name Run-D.M.C.
"You know the sound of a needle getting pulled off a record? That's what it was like when he said we should name ourselves Run-D.M.C.," Simmons said. "We looked at him like, 'You want to name us what?', but we went with it."
Simmons also took time to answer questions about the state of hip-hop.
"It's about poetry, and youth," Simmons said. "It's a language that black or white, we all speak it. I believe hip-hop those our president. We are all one voice in hip-hop. It took more than black people to elect President Obama, it was the youth."
Despite all of his awards and accolades, Simmons said he was most proud of the life he has led since Run-D.M.C. disbanded.
"I'd have to say I'm most proud of being a man of God," Simmons said. "I like being a man that has a wife and kids to come home to. The best thing I ever did was do right."
Carry, the moderator for the evening, said he was a little star-struck when he first sat down with Simmons for their discussion.
"I grew up listening to his music," Carry said. "I never imagined when I was 8-years-old that I would get to sit down with Reverend Run and have an hour-long conversation."
Carry said he thinks the reverend's message is an important one for students to hear.
"He spoke about hard work and dedication and finding you passion and that's really what the Auburn message is all about," Carry said. "It helps to have someone that's successful to show people what is possible when you give away your talent."
Overall, Simmons said he was happy to share his message with the Auburn community.
"I'm impressed people like it, it makes me feel popular," Simmons said. "I'm very blessed. I'm grateful for the youth and that they want to hear what I have to say."
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