In 1983, Simmons formed Def Jam Recordings along with Rush Artist Management, the core of Rush, which launched the careers of artists such as the Beastie Boys, LL Cool J, Public Enemy, Run-DMC and Whodini.
In 1983, Simmons co-founded Def Jam Recordings along with Rush Artist Management, a key part of Rush, which facilitated the rise to fame of artists such as the Beastie Boys, LL Cool J, Public Enemy, Run-DMC, and Whodini.