Russell Simmons defends Jay-Z's Occupy shirts

Hip hop entrepreneur Russell Simmons has come out to defend Jay-Z's recent decision to sell 'Occupy'-themed gear for profit. Simmons, who has been a vociferous support of the Occupy protests, spoke to Billboard recently about his involvement in the movement

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.

Listen, I'm going to get every corporation that wants to support us to get branding as part of the process. No one's against business. We're against business having too much control over our government.

Check out the interview here.