 The film is a fictionalized account of the early days of Def Jam  Recordings and Rush Management. Rick Rubin (qv) and almost all of  the musical acts played themselves in the movie. Russell Walker, the  character played by Blair Underwood (qv), was based on  Russell Simmons (qv), who appeared in the film as the club owner  who said, "Lets get these kids on stage," just before the infamous  Runs House scene.