Joseph Ward Simmons (b. November 14, 1964), known by the stage name Rev. Run or DJ Run, is one of the founding members of the influential hip hop group Run–D.M.C., and a practicing minister, known as Reverend Run. Simmons was born in Hollis, Queens, New York. He is the younger brother of Daniel "Danny" Simmons, Jr. and Russell Simmons, the co-founder of Def Jam Records.
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Run–D.M.C. (sometimes written Run D.M.C., Run–DMC, or Run DMC) was an American hip hop group from Hollis, in the Queens borough of New York City. Founded by Joseph "Run" Simmons, Darryl "D.M.C." McDaniels, and Jason "Jam-Master Jay" Mizell, the group is widely acknowledged as one of the most influential acts in the history of hip hop culture.
The trio was one of the most well-known hip hop acts in the 1980's, who along with LL Cool J, signified the advent of the new school of hip hop music.
In 2007, the trio was named Greatest Hip Hop Group of All Time by MTV.com
They were also named Greatest Hip Hop Artist of All Time by VH1.
[1965 Dr. Dre / 1964 Run DMC / 1963 Metallica]