Known around the globe as a hip-hop pioneer, Russell Simmons’ passion for breaking new talent, particularly among urban youth, is well-documented and well-respected.

What largely flies under the radar, though, is his patronage of the arts in all forms, from the turntable to the easel, and his belief in the transformative effect that exposure to culture and having artistic outlets can have on the lives of urban youth.

It is that passion that in 1995 led to the creation of the Rush Philanthropic Arts Foundation. Co-founded by brothers, Russell, Danny and Joseph “Rev. Run” Simmons, the foundation has since developed programs that directly serve over 2,300 students each year, in addition to providing exposure to underappreciated artists of color.