The prestigious National Arts Club paid homage to the Phat Farm menswear creator by bestowing upon him a gold medal of honor for Lifetime Achievement in music.

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The Hollis, Queen New York native is the first hip-hop figure to be celebrated by the New York-based organization, which aims to stimulate, foster and promote public interest in the arts and educate the American people in the fine arts.

Simmons’ former roommate and music mogul pal Andre Harrell shared stories with the well-heeled crowd about the days when the two men shared a studio apartment in Lefrak City. Danny Simmons, Russell’s older brother, shared how proud he was of the 52 year-old rap impresario, who financed his first art gallery in Brooklyn before he was a multi-millionaire. Producer Swizz Beatz sent a video from Paris to honor the man he called an inspiration to many.

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