Russell Simmons vents about activism, his new streetwear line, his breakup with Kimora, and why he'll never run for office.

Mary H.K. Choi Photo: Matt Doyle Russell Simmons has a really big desk. Hewn from some gargantuan tree, it's the type of monumental, elaborate furniture befitting a mogul. However, behind this massive mantel, located in his 43rd floor Manhattan offices, the 48-year-old impresario responsible for Def Jam, Phat Farm, a new streetwear line called RWS, and a growing list of philanthropic works, is long on enterprise but short on attention span. In between numerous rapid-fire phone calls, Simmons found time to discuss politics, fashion, and the frustration of separating from his supermodel wife, Kimora.

Congratulations on the fifth anniversary of the Hip-Hop Summit Action Network.

Russel Simmons: After five years, Hip-Hop Summit has a real presence. I think our nonprofit companies are going to achieve a lot.

What else are you working on that you're excited about?

Russel Simmons: I'm managing [tsunami survivor] Petra Nemcova's Happy Hearts Fund. They shot a book to raise money for Asia. The relationships I have with people can make a difference. They just came and shot Kimora, they're going to shoot George Clooney, and I'm going to get Oprah involved.

Philanthropy is big with you these days.

Russel Simmons: I'm a little less fearful about what I'm going to have left for tomorrow. The more you buy, the more you want. The more you want, the more you get...

What else are you working on?

Russel Simmons: I have a new fragrance called Atman. [Calls an employee on speakerphone.] Who can I talk to for a press release on Atman? It means "higher self." Kimora and I both own part of it since our businesses are tangled up. We're both giving up all of our proceeds-25 percent is going to Alicia Keys's Keep a Child Alive.

That's a full plate.

Russel Simmons: We just started Simmons Jewelry-actually Kimora started Simmons Jewelry...no, wait, I started it, but Kimora's been successful with it. But I've been successful with it, too. I never thought I'd sell diamonds, but we're actually working with De Beers to create schools in Africa, to make De Beers create better investments.

There's something to be said for gradual progress. Which takes me to the Rockefeller Drug Laws. In 2004, there were some changes made, among them the shortening of the mandatory minimum jail sentences. You must be happy about that.

Russel Simmons: That's right, but there's the rest of the country, too. Maryland's [Republican governor] Bob Ehrlich made reforms. Funny that the Republicans made changes, considering there were Democrats before them that didn't, and have no excuses. They had control of the House and the assembly, and they blew it.

Speaking of Republicans, how do you feel about the Bush administration?

Russel Simmons: I prefer to get the best out of everybody. Without [Republican National Committee Chairman] Ken Mehlman, I don't think we would've had a Million Man March, because the Democrats couldn't get us a permit.

So are you frustrated with the Democrats?

Russel Simmons: I'm not frustrated with anyone that's doing the best they can.

Well, that's a diplomatic response.

Russel Simmons: It ain't meant to be diplomatic. Fuck 'em all, if you're gonna take it like that. They all don't know any better. They're doing the best they can. I gotta work with them. I gotta find the high notes with whoever and play those. It doesn't make sense to say things angry. It's not going to get heard, it's not gonna sink in, it doesn't make your opinion more valuable.

Is this all a platform for your own political aspirations?

Russel Simmons: I'm not going to run for any office. I've got a terrible history.

Come on, no "people's champ" ticket? You're telling me you have absolutely no desire to run for office?

Russel Simmons: I have no chance of running for anything. Never. I laugh about it, and I hear it often enough, but I have no intentions at all.

Okay, so we'll talk about being a magnate. You sold Phat Farm for $140 Million in 2004 to Kellwood. At this point, what is your involvement in Baby Phat?

Russel Simmons: Baby Phat is upstairs. Kimora's always been running it, but some parts of the business come back to me.

What are the logistics of working together since the divorce?

Russel Simmons: We're not divorced yet.

It might not be official, but word on the street is that you and Kimora are over.

Russel Simmons: [Sighs] I don't know.

She's pretty embroiled in your affairs.

Russel Simmons: She's the mother of my children and she works upstairs. She's in Paris now.

Until?

Russel Simmons: Until at least tomorrow, I hope. We have to be best friends, we have businesses together, we have children. We have to spend lots of hours together every day. People always make you want to go back.

Seven years is a long time to be married.

Russel Simmons: We've been together 14 years! As much as we work together and have things together, we have things that are different. That's gonna happen no matter what.

Well there's a certain synergy to the two of you being together.

Russel Simmons: [Exasperated] Jesus Christ! Thank you, I think I've heard that a few times.

So with the sale of Phat Farm would you say your interest in fashion is waning?

Russel Simmons: Oh no, I want to show you this clothing company. [Makes another call on speakerphone.] Get me Kevin, tell him to bring the T-shirts. It's RWS-Russell Wendell Simmons-it's a fun company, it's very different, very expensive 8-ounce selvedge denim.

So you bought superexpensive, ancient looms like the Japanese folks?

Russel Simmons: Yeah, all of that stuff. I'm excited for it. We'll do a lot of Sanskrit with allover graphics, too. Not hoodies with that tired old Arabic, though. [Drops tablets into water.] Do you want one?

What is it?

Russel Simmons: It's an endorphin supplement. Do you know about them? I just discovered them. They're great.

I think I have enough endorphins, but thank you.

Russel Simmons: Okay. Home // CELEBRITIES // THE SHOTCALLER // Russell Simmons