Russell Simmon's Higher Self Series: Laws To Success In Hip-Hop
Running Time: 50 minutes
Rating: M
Distributor: Image Entertainment
When I saw Russell Simmons' widely grinning face on the cover of this DVD, I squealed like a groupie. Russell Simmons! Def Jam Records! Can anyone say Beastie Boys? Hell yes. This is part of his 'Higher Self' series, where the hugely influential Mr Simmons teaches us to not only throw our set in the air, but keep them high as the success rolls in. It claims to outlines rules to success in hip-hop, but to be honest most of the interviewees are about as hip-hop as a Sao cracker. But think what you will about LL Cool J, he's sold a bazillion more records than you or I, and that didn't happen by peddling crack. The advice is in no way limited to rap, and that's what makes this one of the most inspirational programs I've seen in a long time. 'Laws Of Success' features Russ with a roomful of kiddies, outlining the importance of hard work and dedication in making a success of your life, in whatever you choose to do. This is interspersed by interviews with such rap luminaries as Master P and Ice Cube, each delivering the simple message that to get out of the crack house and in to the crack mansion, y'all have to work like a one-legged pimp. They hammer the point that nobody will help you, ever, and once your success is made, to give back to those few who believed in you. One mostly sees programs like this with a religious bent, and it's refreshing to receive real world advice from successful people, unencumbered by moralising or implicit judgment. It does feature the importance of prayer, but it's the scattergun insurance prayer that doesn't distinguish between God, Buddha or Allah. I wholeheartedly recommend this feature to anyone in need of real life advice that is proven to work real life miracles.
Andrew Lees
When I saw Russell Simmons' widely grinning face on the cover of this DVD, I squealed like a groupie. Russell Simmons! Def Jam Records! Can anyone say Beastie Boys? Hell yes. This is part of his 'Higher Self' series, where the hugely influential Mr Simmons teaches us to not only throw our set in the air, but keep them high as the success rolls in. It claims to outlines rules to success in hip-hop, but to be honest most of the interviewees are about as hip-hop as a Sao cracker. But think what you will about LL Cool J, he's sold a bazillion more records than you or I, and that didn't happen by peddling crack. The advice is in no way limited to rap, and that's what makes this one of the most inspirational programs I've seen in a long time. 'Laws Of Success' features Russ with a roomful of kiddies, outlining the importance of hard work and dedication in making a success of your life, in whatever you choose to do. This is interspersed by interviews with such rap luminaries as Master P and Ice Cube, each delivering the simple message that to get out of the crack house and in to the crack mansion, y'all have to work like a one-legged pimp. They hammer the point that nobody will help you, ever, and once your success is made, to give back to those few who believed in you. One mostly sees programs like this with a religious bent, and it's refreshing to receive real world advice from successful people, unencumbered by moralising or implicit judgment. It does feature the importance of prayer, but it's the scattergun insurance prayer that doesn't distinguish between God, Buddha or Allah. I wholeheartedly recommend this feature to anyone in need of real life advice that is proven to work real life miracles.
