Do You!: 12 Laws to Access the Power in You to Achieve Happiness and Success [Hardcover]

Russell Simmons (Author), Chris Morrow (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 24, 2007

Since rising out of the New York City streets over 25 years ago, Russell Simmons has helped create such ground breaking ventures as Def Jam Records, Phat Farm and Def Comedy Jam, in the process becoming known the world over as “The CEO of Hip Hop.” Russell might have helped introduce hip-hop to the world, but he credits his success to his belief in a strong set of principles-or laws--which he shares for the first time in this book. In 12 straight forward steps, Russell reveals a path towards success that can be followed not only by those looking to duplicate his professional success, but anyone struggling to realize their dreams.

Indeed, those solely looking for advice on how to build up their bank accounts at the expense of personal integrity should probably look elsewhere. That’s because these laws stem from the belief that all success, be it professional or personal, comes from a connection with your higher self. Using examples from his own experiences and observations, Russell demonstrates how tapping into that connection will allow you to get your mind right, find the motivation to start instead of stall, surround yourself with the right people, appreciate the power of hard work and understand the power of karma.

But most importantly, this book will demonstrate how it’s impossible to receive any sort of lasting success from the world without giving something of lasting value to the world first. That’s a practice that is reflected in Russell’s own work as a mentor and philanthropist and one that he promotes as being fundamental to empowerment and success on every level.

Blending business insight, universal spiritual truths and an inspired sense of purpose DO YOU! crosses the lines of age, race and background with wisdom that will lift you up and motivate you to pursue your vision.

Editorial Reviews

Review

Russell Simmons, the original and eternal Hip-Hop Mogul, is one of the most innovative and influential figures in modern American business and culture. (The New York Times)

I consider him one of the great entrepreneurs out there today. Russell knows the market and he sees the future, and that’s the ultimate businessperson. (DonaldTrump)

Simmons is the Godfather. Def Jam was the model that birthed Bad Boy, No Limit, Roc-A-Fella, and all these other labels. And then later, Phat Farm birthed Sean Jean, Rocawear, MarcJacobs, and all these other clothing companies. Russell is the architect of what we do. (JayZ)

‘Not many people can stay cool for twenty years,’ says Morgan Stanley star software analyst, Chuck Phillips. ‘That’s worth a lot.’ (The Wall Street Journal)

Russell and I both are both from the streets of Queens--different neighborhoods, but a similar struggle. So I have a true appreciation and respect for the commitment he's made to uplifting himself in life. But I have even more respect for the commitment he's made to uplifting other people in the struggle as well. And these Laws are just another demonstration of that commitment. With Russell, it's never just been about stacking paper. He's never been satisfied just making a hot record or a hot jacket, he's always wanted to teach the rest of us how to make something hot too. So that we can enjoy the same kind of longevity he's enjoyed. And more importantly than the records or the clothes, Russell's always reminded us to speak our truth. He's encouraged us to stay on the side of right and share what in our hearts. This book is Russell’s truth and if you listen to what he's saying, you’ll find the inspiration and the knowledge to start the journey you want to take in life too. (Nas)

About the Author

Master entrepreneur and visionary Russell Simmons has brought hip-hop to every facet of business and media, not only as co-founder of Def Jam Recordings but also through his involvement with the clothing lines Phat Farm, Baby Phat, Run Athletics, and Def Jam University; MTV’s Run’s House, HBO’s “The Def Comedy Jam” and “Russell Simmons presents Def Poetry”; the Tony Award–winning “Russell Simmons Def Jam on Broadway”; the Hip Hop Summit Action Network promoting empowerment in young people and numerous other ventures in the financial services industry, mobile communications, and philanthropy. A native New Yorker, he is the proud father of two daughters.
Chris Morrow is a journalist based in Brooklyn, New York.

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 320 pages
• Publisher: Gotham (April 24, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1592402933
• ISBN-13: 978-1592402939
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 6.2 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (90 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #108,512 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

73 of 88 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This is the real Secret!, April 25, 2007

By 

K. L. Winston Jackson (Shreveport, LA USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Do You!: 12 Laws to Access the Power in You to Achieve Happiness and Success (Hardcover)

This is by far the most inspirational and motivational self help books I have ever come across. The book The Secret is good but very vague but this book is filled with concrete examples and knowledge that is relevant to today's society. It has definitely motivated me to take action. I have never written a review for a book on Amazon, but after reading this book I couldn't not leave a review giving it 5-stars.

32 of 37 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Impressive Read, May 22, 2007

By 

Shamontiel L. Vaughn "Message from Montie" (Chicago) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: Do You!: 12 Laws to Access the Power in You to Achieve Happiness and Success (Hardcover)

I've always respected Russell Simmons for not only making a name for himself within the hip hop industry but being such a consistently impressive businessman. I like how he doesn't have to give up his whole personality in order to gain exposure or continue to make significant products within the community, so when I saw this book, I was really hoping it was going to be good. And it was!

Pros: He gave me some very useful insight about things I thought I was clear on but apparently not (ex. the contributions of rappers that I NEVER thought were giving anything back to the community sparked an article idea, his dept and then profit from Def Jam, and his views on Run DMC and "Walk This Way"). I respect him for not dogging out his ex-wife and showing the positive attributes of her, especially since I'm a Baby Phat fanatic. There was a lot of good information on how to start and keep a business with interesting antecdotes in between. Although he talked about religion, he did it in such a conversational way that it didn't seem preachy. I respect how he admitted that sometimes he contradicts his own opinions but is man enough to understand and recognize that while trying to appeal to his "higher" self. Although I currently practice a lot of his business savvy, it's helpful to know that I'm on the right path by looking at someone who is already there. I thought yoga was painful as hell, but it was interesting to read about that, and I'm a proud vegetarian so I grinned from ear to ear when he talked about not eating meat, regardless of him trying not to lecture anybody. I hope the situation with Jinx works out and his health and career work out for the best. I wanted to highlight his example about the man with his foot on the bench and punching away at his two-way. I wish somebody would make that stand out in an article somewhere because too many young professionals do NOT get it. That story is a prime example of how you don't have to be obnoxious in order to get people to understand you're about business, and be respectful to those you want business from.

Cons: Sometimes the contradictions were in the same chapter and I worried that readers who did not agree with him would believe him even less when he'd say things like there's nothing wrong with bling bling but then say spend money smart. Or say listen to Snoop to find out what's happening on the streets, when Snoop's lyrics are about as disrespectful as disrespectful can get. I wish he'd have said someone like Lupe Fiasco, Mos Def, Talib Kweli, or Common.

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Motivating Book, December 22, 2007

By 

J. Renton "computer science major" (Normal, IL USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Do You!: 12 Laws to Access the Power in You to Achieve Happiness and Success (Hardcover)

I will admit, I picked up this book because I saw Russell Simmons on the cover. It is extremely difficult to read a motivational book by someone who is not successful, so immediately I was compelled to have a gander. I figure if I should listen to someone's words of advice, why not be the Godfather of Hip-hop.

Reading into this book, all of his points make sense. Let me re-iterate that: The "laws" make SENSE. He gives specific examples in his life and others of WHY they make SENSE. You may read this review and think, "Yeah, I'm sure, probably just another ploy for Simmons to make money." WRONG. You can tell by the writing that it wasn't some Joe Schmoe Russell hired to write him a book. He poured his heart and soul into this book in what translates into a happier, more motivated you. The experiences that Russell has been through are shown in the 12 laws. It makes sense as to why an individual like him is so successful.

Immediately after starting reading this book, I felt more motivated. I decided to start working out at the gym and eating healthier. One thing that Simmons states is: "Right now is the only time that there ever is. Yesterday is gone & tomorrow never comes. Whatever you need to do in life, start it today." How many times have you told yourself: I'll start [insert activity needing motivation] tomorrow. Well guess what? Tomorrow never comes. If you keep convincing yourself you WILL do it, you WONT do it. If you think you need to work out more, stop what you are doing, put on some work out gear, and get to the gym! It's really as simple as that!

This book will make your life more fulfilling, giving you happiness, and in-turn success!

Go ahead and read the negative reviews on how they nitpick this book. Obviously, they aren't following the 12 Laws, and are too busy being negative! Don't be THAT person. Tomorrow will never come, so pick up this book TODAY!