If you’re like us, you’ve probably wondered what famous people add to their carts. Not the JAR brooch and Louis XV chair but the hairspray and the electric toothbrush. We asked Joseph “Rev Run” Simmons — the minister, mogul, and founding member of Run-D.M.C. — about the boxers, sneakers, and hot sauce he can’t live without.
They’re sturdy. They have a rough look to them. You can wear them and always be cool, in any generation. They aren’t as expensive as some of the really expensive sneakers. Kids can wear them; grown-ups can wear them. They’re just the coolest thing ever. I’ve been wearing them since 1980. I use them like water. Like toilet paper. Just today, I’ve worn two pairs. There are pairs all over my house. My wife is upset because they’re everywhere you look.
Tommy Hilfiger boxer shorts are the only ones I wear. They feel right, they fit right, they’re loose — everything that I need. Between these and Adidas tracksuits — I only wear Adidas tracksuits — I wear the same thing every day. Every single day, 365 days a year.
They had a commercial that said, “Heinz is what ketchup should taste like.” I agree. I don’t like any other ketchup in the world. There is no other ketchup for me, and I love ketchup. I use it on eggs, burgers, fries — I might even put it on steak.
I wear Adidas morning and night, I listen to Sade morning and night. It calms me down. She has one of those Frank Sinatra–type voices, it just brings you there. Every second, I’m listening to Sade. When I hang up this call, I’ll put Sade on my phone, put my phone in my pocket, and just walk around with Sade on. I’ve always loved her, but it’s even increased as I got older. I play it way too much.
Same thing as Sade: As I’ve gotten older, I need to have peace. The songs that Kenny G has made are so lovely. I’ll do a lot more Sade than Kenny G, but I’ll do a lot of Kenny G. My wife is into him as much as I am. They’re our honeymoon songs.
I have a court in my house. I like to shoot around. I like Spalding because it makes one of the best basketballs you can get. It’s what I grew up loving and knowing.
It’s the best. They also have a commercial: “I Put That $#!t On Everything.” You ever see that commercial? Funniest thing ever. It doesn’t taste like hot sauce, it just tastes good. I had some chicken recently, and I put Frank’s and Heinz ketchup on it. I was happy as a clam.
It’s everything. It’s all I do: I’m texting, emailing every minute. It’s nuts. I’m obsessed because I want to crush any problem the second it comes. An email? I want to answer it. A text? I want to answer it. I’ve got to get it done. I don’t want it on my plate.
First of all, I’m a pizza lover. I’m like a Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle. I can eat any pizza. No pizza is bad to me. But when Stouffer’s French Bread Pizza came along, that was it. It’s crunchy and tasty; I get the ones with extra cheese. They’re amazing.
The experience of writing this book was lovely. I got to sit with my wife, whom I’m deeply in love with, and go through our life, our trials, our tribulations. The happy moments and sad ones. It was wonderful making the book and even more wonderful making the audiobook. It was a beautiful experience.
The Strategist is designed to surface the most useful, expert recommendations for things to buy across the vast e-commerce landscape. Some of our latest conquests include the best acne treatments, rolling luggage, pillows for side sleepers, natural anxiety remedies, and bath towels. We update links when possible, but note that deals can expire and all prices are subject to change.
