Joseph Simmons (Rev. Run): The Rapper, Minister, And TV Star

The Net Worth of Joseph Simmons AKA Rev. Run: How Big Is It?

Alright, let's talk about Joseph Simmons, better known as Rev. Run, the legendary rapper and minister from Run-D.M.C. This guy’s net worth sits at a cool $60 million. Now, how did he build that kind of wealth? It all started back in the '80s when he and his crew became the first hip-hop group to break records by hitting Gold with their debut album in 1984 and then Platinum with "King of Rock" in 1985. Simmons later adopted the name "Rev. Run" after being ordained as a Pentecostal minister, and he continued to dominate with his reality show "Run's House," which aired from 2005 to 2009. Oh, and don’t forget his book "Take Back Your Family: A Challenge to America's Parents," co-authored with his wife, Justine. That's how you create a legacy.

Early Days: Where It All Began

Joseph Simmons was born on November 14, 1964, in Queens, New York, into a family that valued education and creativity. His mom, Evelyn, worked for the New York City Parks and Recreation Department, while his dad, Daniel, was a teacher and school attendance supervisor who also taught black history. Joseph wasn't alone in his creative pursuits; his older brothers include Danny Simmons, an artist, and Russell Simmons, the co-founder of Def Jam Records. You could say Joseph had a head start in the world of music and artistry.

A Career That Defined Hip-Hop

From The Force to Run-D.M.C.

Before Run-D.M.C. became the household name we know today, Joseph Simmons was part of a group called The Force. But things really took off when he teamed up with Darryl McDaniels (D.M.C.) and Jason Mizell (Jam Master Jay) to form Run-D.M.C. They signed with Profile Records and released their debut single, "It's Like That/Sucker MCs," in 1983. The next year, they dropped their self-titled album, which climbed to #14 on the Billboard Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart. Their momentum kept growing with "King of Rock" in 1985, which hit #12, and the 3x Platinum "Raising Hell" in 1986, which topped the R&B/Hip-Hop chart and reached #3 on the Billboard 200.

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Hip-Hop Pioneers

Run-D.M.C. didn't just make music—they made history. Their cover of Aerosmith's "Walk This Way" in 1986 went Platinum and hit #4 on the Billboard Hot 100. They were the first hip-hop act to grace the cover of Rolling Stone magazine and have their music videos aired on MTV. Their album "Raising Hell" became the first multi-platinum record in hip-hop, and it was even inducted into the Library of Congress' National Recording Registry in 2018 for its cultural significance. Rolling Stone ranked them at #48 on their list of the 100 Greatest Artists of All Time in 2004, and both MTV and VH1 crowned them the greatest hip-hop group ever in 2007.

A Solo Journey and TV Stardom

After Run-D.M.C.'s disbanding following the tragic murder of Jam Master Jay in 2002, Joseph ventured into solo projects. In 2005, he released "Distortion," his solo album, with the single "Mind on the Road" featured in Madden NFL 06. That same year, he appeared on the U.K. pop band Liberty X's track "Song 4 Lovers." But Joseph's career didn't stop there. He competed on "The Weakest Link" in 2002, became a reality TV star with "Run's House," and even dabbled in home renovation with "Rev Run's Renovation." His acting credits are extensive, including roles on shows like "Grounded for Life," "Great News," "The Last O.G.," and Netflix's "All About the Washingtons," where he starred alongside his wife, Justine.

Personal Life: Family and Faith

Joseph's personal life is as rich and complex as his career. He first married Valerie Vaughn in 1983, and together they had three children: Joseph Jr. ("JoJo"), Vanessa, and Angela. The couple divorced in 1992. Joseph then found love again with Justine Jones, whom he married in 1994. They welcomed four children: sons Daniel ("Diggy") and Russell ("Russy"), daughter Victoria, who tragically passed away shortly after birth in 2006 due to a birth defect, and daughter Miley, whom they adopted in 2007. The family's journey, including the heartbreaking loss of Victoria, was documented on "Run's House," offering fans an intimate look at their resilience and faith.

Awards and Honors: Recognizing a Legend

Joseph Simmons' contributions to music and ministry haven't gone unnoticed. In 2004, his mentor E. Bernard Jordan honored him with the "Protégé of the Year Award." The BMI Urban Awards named him a BMI Icon in 2007. With Run-D.M.C., he earned a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 2016 and two Soul Train Awards in 1987 for "Walk This Way" and "Raising Hell." The group also received nominations from the American Music Awards and MTV Video Music Awards and was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2009. Talk about leaving a mark!

Real Estate: A Home Fit for a Star

In 2003, Joseph purchased a stunning 6-bedroom home in Saddle River, New Jersey, for $1.6 million. This property became the backdrop for "Run's House" and was lovingly renovated by Justine. It boasts a recording studio, home theater, and even an indoor basketball court. Joseph and Justine initially listed the house for $5.3 million in 2005, bumping the price up to $5.5 million in 2007. Now, that's what I call a dream home!