Music mogul Simmons is given key to Newark, N.J.

Russell Simmons has received a key to the city of Newark, N.J., for his dedication to young people.

About 2,000 students from Weequahic High School attended the presentation Thursday for the 48-year-old co-founder of Def Jam Records, creator of HBO's "Def Comedy Jam" and chairman of Rush Communications, which includes Simmons' Phat clothing empire.

Newark Mayor Sharpe James honored Simmons for his work with the Hip-Hop Summit Action Network, a group Simmons founded to help at-risk youth.

Simmons said he wanted the students to learn they can be successful with hard work, dedication and faith.