Russell Simmons: Endorsing Obama for President

New York - Looks like Barack Obama will be able to count on a big chunk of the hip-hop vote. The co-founder of Def Jam Recordings has announced that he is supporting Obama in his presidential bid.

Simmons says he is inspired by the diversity among supporters of the Illinois senator, who is battling Hillary Clinton for the Democratic nomination for president. A little more than a year ago, Simmons said he was divided among the three main challengers for the Democratic nod, Obama, Clinton and John Edwards. He also described Obama as “a rock star” who hadn't been clear about his positions. But now, Simmons is supporting Obama and the endorsement is considered important because in addition to his influence among the hip-hop generation, Simmons chairs the Hip-Hop Summit Action Network.

While the organization is non-profit and non-partisan, Simmons says he is “in complete solidarity” with the consciousness of the growing number of artists and young people from the hip-hop generation" who are supporting Obama.