Looking back at the first two decades of Run DMC, Joseph Simmons seems an unlikely candidate to be America's parenting expert.  But after reinventing himself as Rev. Run and the star of the reality television show Run's House, he has certainly proven himself worthy of being called a role model for many families.

Take Back Your Family: A Challenge to America's Parents, Rev. Run's new book spawned from Run's House, which has been airing on MTV for five seasons now.

"Initially we had a very difficult time convincing television people to take a chance on it," the Run's House star said.  "The conventional wisdom was that was that audiences find TV compelling when the kids are struggling with drinking, drugs and promiscuity, instead of getting good grades, staying out of trouble and going to church every Sunday."

"Reaction to Run's House has convinced me that promoting the value of family life is what I was put on this earth to do.  I might have earned my reputation as a rapper, but when it's all said and done, I hope that I'll ultimately be remembered for being a good dad,” he added.

Of course, part of Rev. Run's unique take on parenting is the fact that he practices what he preaches, which includes having family meetings and running the household like a business.

“I talk to my daughters every day, I talk to my sons.  I'm in their life.  At the end of the day I view raising a family as fun…Family is the one game where everyone is on an equal playing field.  Black or white, rich or poor, ugly or beautiful, everyone really has the same opportunity and ability to raise a happy, loving family.  Even though raising a family is a struggle, your family can always conduct itself with class and dignity," he said.

Meanwhile, fans can catch Rev. Run and the rest of his family on Run's House every Wednesday at 10pm on MTV.


-Kris De Leon, BuddyTV Staff Columnist
Source: telegraph.co.uk
(Image courtesy of MTV)