Russell Simmons: Homophobia is 'Society's Sickness'

Hip-hop mogul Russell Simmons told outside White House advisor Robert Wolf that homophobia constituted one of society's sicknesses.

Simmons, founder of the Def Jam record label, recently sat down with Wolf for an interview on Reuters TV. Simmons remarked on the evolving state of hip-hop and how political commentary continues to play an important role in the industry. "You still have the mirrors of our societal sickness: the homophobia, the sexism, the racism, the gangsta stuff," Simmons said. "[But young people are] not as homophobic as their parents."

This is not the first time Simmons has demonstrated his support for LGBT people. The executive commended artist Frank Ocean for opening up about a same-sex relationship and referred to his courage as an inspiration for younger people. Simmons was also a part of the 2011 New Yorkers for Marriage Equality campaign where he called upon New Yorkers to support the marriage rights of same-sex couples.