Diggy

After releasing "The First Flight" in December 2009, Diggy Simmons created his first mixtape with zero assistance from his family members, who many consider to be hip-hop royalty, but rather solely through networking via the internet and his personal blog. The first single from the project was "Point to Prove," a song which sees the young rapper expressing his struggle to prove to the world that he is his own person, and strives to establish himself as more than just the rapping son of Rev. Run or nephew of Russell Simmons. Diggy supports this goal with his unique lyrical skills, and his larger than life personality.

Growing up as the fourth eldest child in a family known for their last name, Daniel "Diggy" Simmons is proud to be a "Simmons," but wants to be known as Diggy the fashion and shoe designer, trendsetter, and rapper in his own right. The charming middle son on MTV's "Run's House," who grew up as America watched now has the hip-hop community on the edge of their seats, anticipating what's to come from what many are calling "the next hottest thing."

Diggy's 15th birthday in March 2010, will always be one he'll remember, as it was the day he inked a deal with Atlantic Records, with a management deal with Chris Lightly and Violator Management, following shortly after. Continuing to establish himself as an artist one track at a time prior to signing a major label deal, it wasn't until Diggy took to the studio to create "Just The Beginning" a sharp, ambitious take on Drake's "Over," only hours after Drake released the single, that he caught the attention of hip-hop fans everywhere. Riding on the momentum of "Just The Beginning," Diggy teamed up with video director Phil The God to create a viral video that many say led to his record deal. "Flow Stoopid," a freestyle track over Nas' "Made You Look," received instant co-signs from rap heavy hitters ranging from Lupe Fiasco and Kanye West to Common, Quest Love, and Talib Kweli while becoming an instant viral sensation. It also became the first time people noticed Diggy, the rapper.

Performing on Hot 97's famed Summer Jam stage, Diggy was introduced to a wider audience, who left the annual concert seeing firsthand what all the hype was surrounding the young rapper was all about. Soon after, Diggy linked up with friend and Sony Music artist, Bei Major, for "Great Expecations," the first single off his second mixtape, "Airbone." The single, which features Diggy rapping over a snare-driven beat, caught the attention of executives at AT&T, who wanted to feature both the track as well as Simmons in their "Big Shoes" commercial campaign. With a viral video and major commercial under his belt, Diggy teamed up with his mentors Lupe Fiasco and Pharrell Williams for the skateboarder anthem, "Oh Yeah." "Airborne" was released in September 2010 and featured collaborations with Raekwon, Chris Brown, Colin Munroe, Wynter Gordon and production from Boi-1da and Black the Beast, and hosted by DJ Spin King.

Diggy continued becoming a role model for today's younger generation after being personally invited to be a guest speaker at Pharrell's KIDULT program. He followed his much-talked about BET Hip Hop Awards Cipher, alongside his father and brother, JoJo Simmons, with the release of his third mixtape in 2 years, "Past, Present (s) Future." Diggy received the ultimate co-sign in April 2011, when XXL Magazine featured him in their "Freshman Class" issue, an issue dedicated solely to the stand out artists who the publication believes have made a strong impact, and have the potential to take this buzz into a concrete placement in the hip-hop world. The day after his 16th birthday, which also happened to mark a year since he signed his record deal, Simmons took the stage at the XXL Freshman Class Concert, where he surprised the crowd by bringing out Rev. Run, marking the first time two generations of hip-hop performed on stage together.

While there is no denying that his last name plays a small role in the recent success of his career, Diggy has put in the time and hard work to get to the point in his career that he is at right now. His loyal fans, who he calls "jetsetters" know and appreciate the hard work and dedication he has to each project and he devotes all the success to them. Diggy is well on his way to a successful rap and fashion career, as well as establishing himself in the lineage created by his father and uncle.