Russell Simmons is a giant in the music world. He co-founded Def Jam records, created the Phat Farm clothing line and owns a chain of vegan restaurants in New York City. But the thing that actually brings him pleasure and peace in life is yoga. And, says Simmons, yoga is what's helped make him successful.


In a new interview with Oprah, the hip hop mogul admitted that while he got into yoga for less than altruistic reasons (there were a lot of beautiful ladies in the classes and virtually no men), he's now hooked. "The first class, I came out, I was so high," he said. "I was sitting there like, 'Wow.'"

RELATED: 5 Simple Tips To Help You Stress Less

Through yoga, he's learned the power of being present, and he credits yoga and meditation with helping him be more successful. Though initially he was concerned that yoga might make him lose his intensity, he's actually found that its helped him better channel his power. "All the creativity came from seconds and flashes of presence. So, the more you can expound on that, you can do twice as much in half the time now."

He's now made yoga a part of his daily practice. "I take time every, single day. Meditate twice, and go to yoga," he said.v "It's a moving prayer." [Huffington Post]