Russell Simmons, T.I. get political at MTV Awards
AP, Sep 7, 2008 11:00 pm PDTThe MTV Video Music Awards are all about unique collaborations and blowout performances, but a few show guests Sunday added a touch of politics in this hot election year.
Host Russell Brand drew hearty applause when he said in his opening monologue he hoped the U.S. would elect Barack Obama in November.
He said that "some people — racists" may not be ready to elect a black man as president, but then he noted that the nation was open-minded enough to put a "dumb cowboy" in office for eight years.
Russell Simmons voiced his views on the red carpet before the show.
"Palin, what's that?" Simmons asked about the John McCain's running-mate choice. "He went all the way to the right and got the most conservative person who knows nothing about the struggle of most Americans and made her the vice presidential nominee. That's amazing. Any skirt will do."
T.I., meanwhile, took a quieter approach, wearing a T-shirt during his performance with Rihanna that read, "Respect my vote."
More Artist News
U.N. names hip-hop pioneer goodwill envoy
May 20, 2009 11:00 am PDT
Hip-hop pioneer and entrepreneur Russell Simmons on Wednesday pledged to raise awareness about slavery around the world after being appointed a United Nations Goodwill Ambassador. Simmons, who joins celebrity ambassadors including British...
Simmons happy to pay $40,000 a month for kids
Feb 27, 2009 2:00 pm PST
Russell Simmons says he's happy to fork over $40,000 a month in child support for his two daughters. Simmons blogged Friday about a court order issued Thursday that finalized custodial and financial arrangements for 9-year-old Ming and 6-...
Russell Simmons raising money for Africa
Dec 6, 2006 9:15 am PST
Hip-hop and fashion mogul Russell Simmons said Tuesday he's selling bling to help raise money for the development and empowerment of Africans. The 49-year-old entrepreneur announced his "Green Initiative" jewelry, which is manufactured a...
Hip-hop mogul to tour African mines
Nov 17, 2006 8:16 am PST
Russell Simmons is planning to visit Africa to tour diamond mines and factories. Simmons sets out this month for South Africa and Botswana on a fact-finding mission as he starts the Diamond Empowerment Fund to teach Africans how to cut a...
