Russell Simmons (born October 4 ,1957 in Queens, New York), is an American entrepreneur and philanthropist.

USA Today recently named Russell Simmons one of the “Top 25 Most Influential People of the Past 25 Years,” calling him a “hip-hop pioneer” for his groundbreaking vision that has influenced music, fashion, finance, television and film, as well as the face of modern philanthropy.

from peta.org, Animal Times, Summer 2000

At the time of this interview, Simmons was preparing to launch Baby Phat, a women’s clothing line, and planning a vegan line called No Animal Phat.

Dan: Are you a vegetarian?
Russell: I became a vegetarian about four years ago, and I stopped eating milk, eggs and all animal products about three years ago.