10 Questions for Russell Simmons

After the Imus scandal, the rap mogul made a surprising plea to remove three offensive words from hip-hop's airwaves. He has also penned a new book about self-empowerment. Russell Simmons will now take your questions

Michael Wong / Corbis Outline

Russell Simmons

After the Imus scandal, the rap mogul made a surprising plea to remove three offensive words from hip-hop's airwaves. He has also penned a new book about self-empowerment. Russell Simmons will now take your questions.

You have recently recommended that the words nigger, bitch and ho should be banned from the radio versions of songs, labeling them "extreme curse words." Why are you focusing on only these three words? — John Kensall, Toronto
Because every time you speak to a black activist, he will tell you that these three words offend him the most. [Eliminating] these...

Want the full story?

Subscribe Now

Subscribe
Subscribe

Learn more about the benefits of being a TIME subscriber

If you are already a subscriber sign up — registration is free!