Russell Simmons defends Jay-Z's Occupy Wall Street T-shirts

While Jay-Z’s “Occupy All Streets” is facing heavy criticism, Russel Simmons spoke up and defended his longtime friend in an interview with Billboard.

“What’s wrong with selling goodness? There’s nothing wrong with it. It’s not the most preferred. In yogi scripture, at least, the highest form of giving is giving without expectation. Selfless. But a lot of people need incentive. You should sell things you’re happy about. You should sell products that you’re inspired by, that promote lasting and stable well-being. Give the world something or sell the world something that you’re proud of. Jay-Z didn’t make a T-shirt [that said] ‘F— the Bums on the Street’. He wrote a T-shirt ‘Occupy All Streets’ – I’m happy, it furthers the movement, it inspires the movement.”

Simmons further revealed that he is working on acquiring permits for a concert in support of the movement and that artists have OWS-inspired songs in the works:

“There’ll be a protest song that goes along with Occupy Wall Street. I promise you that. Me and you, promise.”

Simmons and Kanye West showed up at the Occupy Wall Street protest last month to show their support. Leave your thoughts on this in the comment section below.