Russell Simmons: Dolezal story isn’t worth thought

Russell Simmons doesn't think Rachel Dolezal's story is newsworthy.

The former NAACP leader lied about her ethnicity for years, posing as a black woman even though she was born white.

And although Rachel's bizarre narrative has grabbed news headlines around the world, Russell isn't convinced her story is worth the public's attention.

"It's not something I've thought about much. I didn't see any of the interviews," the hip-hop mogul told Page Six. "I don't think it's worth following. The news has been a distraction."

Instead of jumping into the transracial debate sparked by Rachel's pathological lying, Russell is choosing to quiet his mind through meditation.

The Def Jam co-founder is extremely dedicated to the practice and meditates regularly.

"The only time when you're ever creative, ever happy, or ever engaged, is when you're present," he explained. "A quiet mind is bliss and a noisy mind is sadness and sickness. Meditation helps you to become more present."

Russell is so passionate about the practice he even wrote a book about it, entitled Success Through Stillness: Meditation Made Simple.

The 57-year-old is convinced the whole world needs to jump on the meditative bandwagon.

"I don't know why all of the myths or misconceptions exist," Russell said. "People think it's for hippies or alternative spirits.

Everyone needs to reboot the mind. Everyone needs to let the mind rest. It doesn't rest when you sleep. It rests when you meditate.

"To be still and know, to be wide-awake and see the miracles that are floating in front of you, that's enlightenment. That's what we take drugs to get to, that what's we run to get to, that's why we do yoga practice and take deep breaths. Slow the world down so you can see the world, instead of it flickering in front of you.

"We're all struggling. We all need meditation."