Russell Simmons II: The Talented Star and Diggy Simmons’ Brother

Russell Simmons II might not be as famous as his big brother Diggy Simmons, but he’s a name worth knowing. Born into one of hip-hop’s most loved families, Russell has quietly grown into a creative, thoughtful, and talented young man. He’s a rapper, actor, and songwriter who’s been in the public eye since he was a child—but always in his own calm, unique way.

In this article, we’re going to look at Russell Simmons II’s full story. You’ll learn about his family, his early life in the spotlight, how he handled a painful childhood loss, his music career, and his special bond with Diggy. This is the true journey of Russell Simmons II—the talented star and Diggy Simmons’ brother—told in a warm and easy way.

Russell Simmons II Quick Bio


Full Name	Russell Simmons II
Nickname	Russy
Date of Birth	August 30, 1997
Age (2026)	28 years old
Birthplace	Saddle River, New Jersey, USA
Height	5 ft 6 in (1.68 m)
Weight	143 lbs (65 kg)
Nationality	American
Ethnicity	African-American
Religion	Christianity
Parents	Rev Run & Justine Simmons
Siblings	Diggy, JoJo, Vanessa, Angela, Miley
Profession	Rapper, Actor, Screenwriter
Notable Shows	Run’s House, Rev Run’s Sunday Suppers
Music Label	Jam Records
Net Worth (2026)	$5–6 million
Residence (2026)	Bergen County, New Jersey
Instagram	@simmons_russell

His Early Life and Family Background

Russell Simmons II was born on August 30, 1997, in Saddle River, New Jersey. His parents are Rev Run (Joseph Simmons) and Justine Simmons. His father is a music legend from the group Run-D.M.C., and his mother is an actress and author. Russell was named after his famous uncle, Russell Simmons, who helped shape the music world through Def Jam Records.

He’s the youngest biological child of his parents. He has one older brother, Daniel “Diggy” Simmons, and several older half-siblings—Vanessa, Angela, and JoJo Simmons—from his dad’s first marriage. He also has a younger adopted sister, Miley Justine Simmons. Growing up, Russell was surrounded by love, creativity, and big personalities.

Childhood

Russell was only 8 years old when he started appearing on MTV’s hit reality show Run’s House. The show followed the daily lives of the Simmons family and made them one of the most famous families on TV. Fans loved little Russy for his sweet personality, funny moments, and strong bond with his parents.

Millions of people watched him grow up on screen. He wasn’t trying to act or impress anyone—he was just being himself. And that’s what made people love him. He brought laughter and heart to the show in a very natural way.

Even after Run’s House ended in 2009, Russell kept appearing in other family shows like Rev Run’s Sunday Suppers and Rev Run’s Around the World. He was always a part of the fun, showing his close bond with his family.

Russell Simmons II and Diggy Simmons’ Bond

Russell and Diggy aren’t just brothers—they’re best friends. Even though Diggy found early fame as a rapper and later starred in the TV show Grown-ish, he always stayed close to Russy. The two were often seen together at events, vacations, and on social media.

Russell has always supported Diggy’s music and style, and Diggy has praised his little brother for being smart, kind, and funny. Growing up in the same household, with cameras around them, made their bond even stronger. They know what it’s like to grow up in the public eye—and they’ve always had each other’s backs.

Fans love seeing their brotherly bond, especially because it feels so real and full of love. Russell may be Diggy Simmons’ brother, but he’s also his biggest cheerleader—and that goes both ways.

The Tragedy That Changed His Life

When Russell was just 9 years old, something very sad happened. His baby sister, Victoria Anne Simmons, was born on September 26, 2006, but died just a few hours later. She had a rare condition called omphalocele, which meant her organs grew outside of her body.

This loss hit the family hard. Russell, being so young, had to deal with grief at a very early age. It was a moment that showed how close and strong the Simmons family really was. They opened up about their pain on Run’s House, letting fans see their real emotions.

A year later, they adopted a baby girl named Miley Justine Simmons. She brought joy back into the house and helped the family heal. Russell quickly formed a bond with his new sister, and to this day, they remain very close.

Russell Simmons II’s Music Career Begins

Just like his dad and brother, Russell Simmons II found a love for music. In his early teens, he started recording song covers and original tracks on YouTube. His smooth voice and calm style made him stand out, and fans quickly took notice.

Some of his best-known songs include:

Someone Like You
The Christmas Song
Find Your Love

He didn’t just sing for fun—he was serious about it. He was signed to Jam Records, a label backed by his uncle Russell Simmons. Even though his music uploads stopped around 2014, those early songs showed his talent and passion.

Russell may not be releasing new songs right now, but his music still lives online. He proved he wasn’t just the little brother—he was a star in the making.

His Acting and TV Journey

Russell’s time on camera didn’t stop with Run’s House. He also appeared in:

Total Request Live (2006)
In the Flow with Affion Crockett (2011)
Rev Run’s Sunday Suppers (2014–2016)
Rev Run’s Around the World (2015–2016)

He even got nominated for the Teen Choice Award for Choice Male Reality Star in 2005! That’s a big deal for someone so young. Over the years, he’s kept his work mostly within family shows, but that doesn’t mean he doesn’t have bigger dreams.

Many fans are still waiting to see what’s next for him—whether it’s on stage, on screen, or in something completely new.

Russell Simmons II’s Health Struggles

Growing up on camera isn’t always easy. For Russell Simmons II, one of the personal battles he faced was eczema—a skin condition that causes dryness, redness, and discomfort. He dealt with this since childhood, and at times, it became very visible.

Because of this, some people on social media began to spread rumors about Russell “bleaching his skin.” But in truth, his changing appearance had nothing to do with that. It was likely due to lighting, camera filters, or treatments for his skin. Even through these comments, Russell kept going and didn’t let the talk bring him down.

He has never been someone who chases attention. Instead, he’s shown quiet strength. His journey reminds us that even those who seem to have it all still deal with real, personal struggles.

Creative Talents Beyond Music

Russell Simmons II is not just a singer or a TV face. He’s also a creative thinker behind the scenes. On his Instagram, he describes himself as a screenwriter, showing that he’s now writing stories, scripts, or ideas for film or TV.

Back in 2015, he even mentioned he was studying to get a real estate license. While we don’t know if he ever finished that path, it shows how open-minded and curious he is. He’s not afraid to try new things, whether that’s in music, business, or storytelling.

Like his father and uncle, Russell Simmons II has a creative spirit. But instead of doing everything in public, he often works quietly, choosing peace and purpose over fame.

Russell Simmons II’s Life Today

So, where is Russell Simmons II now in 2026?

He’s living a quiet life in Bergen County, New Jersey, where he grew up. He still makes rare public appearances, but he mostly stays out of the spotlight. You can sometimes catch him in family photos, events, or on Instagram, where he now goes by @simmons_russell.

Even though he’s not releasing music at the moment, his past songs still live online. He continues to write and explore his own creative path. He may not be a regular on TV anymore, but he’s definitely working on meaningful things behind the scenes.

Inside the Simmons Family Legacy

Russell Simmons II comes from a family full of stars. His dad, Rev Run, helped build hip-hop as a member of Run-D.M.C.. His uncle, Russell Simmons, changed the music world with Def Jam Records. His siblings—Diggy, Angela, Vanessa, and JoJo—are all known for music, acting, fashion, or business.

Even after years in the spotlight, the Simmons family remains close. They support each other, celebrate wins together, and stand by one another during tough times. Russell has always stayed loyal to his family, and they’ve done the same for him.

He might be Diggy Simmons’ brother, but he’s also his own person—with his own dreams and his own story to tell.

Russell Simmons II’s Net Worth and Career Earnings

Russell Simmons II has been working since he was a child, and over time, his work has paid off. As of 2026, his net worth is estimated to be around $5–6 million.

He earned money through:

Run’s House and other family shows
Music and YouTube streams
Brand deals and public appearances
Behind-the-scenes creative work

Even though he lives quietly, he has built a solid foundation for himself. And he’s still young—so his story is far from over.

Final Thoughts

Russell Simmons II was born into fame, but he never let it define him. He’s always been real, humble, and creative in his own way. From childhood heartbreak to music success, from reality TV to quiet growth—Russell has shown strength, talent, and heart.

He may be known as Diggy Simmons’ brother, but more and more people are starting to see him as Russell Simmons II—a rising star with a calm voice, deep thoughts, and a story worth telling.

As fans, we’ll keep watching, cheering, and waiting to see what he creates next. Because no matter what, this young man has already made his mark.