Simmons: It is old school -- in some cases, over 3,000 years old. I've tried to make it very clear that there's nothing new in this book. These are the same laws for success that have been floating around for thousands of years. My only hope is that by hearing them come out of my mouth, maybe some people who normally ignore them will pay attention. And I don't consider these laws in any way "square" or in opposition to what's happening in hip-hop. That's because if you're part of the hip-hop nation, then you're already following these laws. You're already "Doing You." You're already "spitting truth to power." You're already respecting the "power of diversity." In fact, hip-hop only exists because it's lived under these laws. Some people might have forgotten that, but hopefully this book can help them remember the legacy of this culture.
Bankrate: How have you invested your money?
Simmons: I'll take risks when it comes to new ventures, because I'm comfortable banking on myself. But when it comes to my actual investment portfolio, I play it very close to the vest. The plan laid out by my friend and advisor Tracy Maitland isn't designed to make me any richer, but to protect the little bit of wealth I have. Specifically, I've put most of my holds in AAA convertible bonds, which are a pretty safe choice. They may not be as fruitful as real estate or stocks, but at least I know they're not going to lose any money. That's my personal philosophy.
Bankrate: A common criticism of young people today is that they are overly materialistic, that their lives are all about the bling. How do you explain the difference between success and material wealth to your own daughters?
Simmons: I tell them the same thing I tell everyone else -- that toys alone can never make you happy. I try to explain to them that real happiness can only come from giving to the world. There's really no other way. I think one of them already understands that, the other one is in the process of understanding it. But really, my hopes for them are fairly simple. If they can wake up every morning and think about what they can give to the world instead of what they can get from the world, then I think they'll be OK.
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