Bobby Simmons is a pioneering figure in hip-hop, best known as the drummer and co-founder of Stetsasonic, the genre's original live band. Emerging from Brooklyn's Brownsville neighborhood in the early 1980s, Simmons, alongside fellow members Daddy-O, Prince Paul, MC Delite, Wise, and DBC, helped redefine hip-hop's sound by integrating live instrumentation with traditional rapping. Their groundbreaking approach led them to coin the term "hip-hop band" in 1985, distinguishing themselves from groups that merely rapped over pre-recorded tracks. 

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Simmons began his musical journey at the age of six, self-teaching himself to play drums by emulating the rhythms of artists like the Ohio Players. His early exposure to music came through his older brother, a session guitarist for acts such as Sister Sledge and Dan Hartman. This foundation in rhythm and timing laid the groundwork for his future contributions to hip-hop. 

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In addition to his work with Stetsasonic, Simmons has been involved in various aspects of the music industry, including radio hosting and comedy. He hosts a radio show on Party 101.9 Radio and performed stand-up comedy in the early 1990s, sharing stages with notable comedians like Tracy Morgan.