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

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.

I read alot of this book in the bookstore before I bought it. I wasn't sure what to expect. I'm not a hip hop guy... in fact, maybe the farthest thing from it. Regardless, this book is about business and success in business. It showed me that business is business no matter where you come from. The rules are they same. His writing style was maybe one of the best I've read. Its a easy read that keeps you interested. Which is something you don't find in alot of business books. If you love to read about "REAL" successful people, this is the book. I can't stand books written by "coaches" who never sold a thing. It seems like they only people who write books anymore. This book isn't one of them. I'm not sure if Russell reads the reviews, if you are reading this Russell, thanks for writing such a great book and for sharing your story!

Russell brings 12 laws that you need to understand! The great thing about Russell is he is living proof of what you can accomplish. He truly is living the life. I knew he was special when I saw him on MTV cribs and he was telling the viewers to go buy Autobiography of a Yogi. He has impacted American culture, and he is now impacting self development. I applaud that, and reconize how special this book is. There is an evolution of consciousness and this book is one more step in that direction. I went out first thing this morning and picked it up. As a PhD in Metaphysics I am so happy that he looks into the deeper aspects of success and what true success is, and that is happiness!.... It is great to have material success, but at the end of the day, we must understand the deeper aspects of life and Russell does a great job with this. Great job Russell, your smile on the cover says it all! Everyone should have a copy of this book! Respectfully, James(J.B.) Glossinger MBA, PHD Author Get Out of Neutral: Manifest the Life Experience You Desire