RALEIGH, N.C. — Together and separately, Russell and Joseph "Reverend Run" Simmons have been pivotal in bringing hip-hop music from the streets into mainstream pop culture.

They have also used their considerable influence to expose young people to art and culture. Friday, the Simmons' are in the Triangle to encourage them to vote.

"The idea is to get the young people to express themselves, because they are more compassionate and have greater vision. Plus, hip-hop is about poor people -- the suffering and that experience," said Russell Simmons, founder of Def Jam Records.

The Rev. Run says it important to let young people know their vote counts.

"If they feel they are part of a movement, then they'll go out and vote," he said. "We've created a movement -- the

Hip-Hop Summit Action Network

-- where you'll feel a part -- that is you come together your one vote will be more than one vote."

Hip-Hop Team Vote

aims to register 2 million voters through the help of those in the music industry.

The Simmons brothers will be at making an appearance at the Finish Line at The Streets Of Southpoint in Durham from 5 p.m. - 7 p.m.