Hip-hop guru mixing rap, yoga

NEW YORK -- As country is to line-dancing, rap is to ... yoga?

Hip-hop guru Russell Simmons has entered the fitness world with the release of a yoga video set to rap beats. "Russell Simmons Presents Yoga Live" is an otherwise traditional instructional video that teaches the basics of yoga postures and breathing.

"For me, this is a very serious venture," Simmons said. "If I could move the meter and take yoga and spread it ... then everyone in the world would do it."

The 47-year-old Simmons has practiced yoga for nearly a decade.

The creator of rap label Def Jam also has introduced a host of other hip-hop flavored products including an HBO comedy series, clothing lines and beverages -- but says this yoga series is especially important.

"Everything you sell has got something to do with happiness," Simmons said. "So this is the best thing that I can sell."

Hosted by Sara Ivanhoe, the video (also available in DVD) has a soundtrack with relatively tame rap beats.

"It's really about silence," Simmons said. "The world can be a backdrop, but you've got to use your breath as the real soundtrack."