Swizz Beatz
Swizz Beatz at the Hot 97 Summer Jam.
Background information
Birth name	Kasseem Dean
Born	(1978-09-13) September 13, 1978 (age 33) The Bronx, New York, United States
Genres	Hip hop
Occupations	Record producer, rapper, record executive, painter
Instruments	Keyboard, sampler
Years active	1998–present
Labels	Full Surface, Ruff Ryders Indy, Atlantic
Associated acts	Fat Joe, DMX, Eve, Alicia Keys, Jay-Z, The LOX, Kanye West, T.I., Cassidy, Lloyd Banks, Ruff Ryders, Drag-On, Bone Thugs-N-Harmony, Beyoncé, Drake
Website	http://swizzbeatzonline.com

Kasseem Dean (born September 13, 1978),^[1] better known by his stage name, Swizz Beatz, is an American record producer, DJ, rapper and painter. At the age of 17, he gained attention in the hip-hop world through his friendship with rapper DMX. Grady Spivey and rapper Cassidy helped launch his label Full Surface Records. He is married to R&B superstar Alicia Keys and has one child with her, as well as three other children.

Early life[link]

Dean did not see much of his father, a postal worker, due to his parents' separation in his early life. Dean is of Puerto Rican and African American decent.^{[citation needed]} He was raised by his mother in the South Bronx, where he spent most of his childhood. This was where he first encountered Hip hop and began deejaying. He began deejaying after he got some equipment from his stepfather and his uncles. He later relocated to Atlanta as a teenager due to having too many fights at Harry S. Truman High School; there he started to work for his uncles, Joaquin and Darrin Dean, who were co-CEOs of the Ruff Ryders label. Forgoing the practice of using samples, he mostly used the Korg Trinity and Triton Keyboards and tried to accentuate the performance aspect of his music.

Music career[link]

1998–2002: Music beginnings[link]

With his uncles (Chivon, Dee, and Waah Dean) involved with the Ruff Ryders label, he began to produce tracks at the age of 16. He sold his first beat at 17 which became DMX's hit single "Ruff Ryders' Anthem". In 2001 at the age of 23 he established his own record label, Full Surface, in a joint venture with Clive Davis of J Records.^[2] The first artist signed was Philadelphia-based rapper Cassidy. But it was not until Swizz's first compilation album, 2002's Swizz Beatz Presents G.H.E.T.T.O. Stories, that he started to get noticed for his production style and interesting ideas and Cassidy began to get attention. He released two singles "Guilty" and "Bigger Business", both charted on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs and were accompanied by music videos.^[3] Swizz Beatz along with being associated with Ruff Ryders & Roc-A-Fella Records, began to produce for artists from labels such as Elektra Records, Atlantic Records, Epic Records, Def Jam Recordings, and Bad Boy Entertainment and his career largely grew from that point.

[edit] 2006–07: One Man Band Man

In February 2007, the producer mixed the music for design duo Heatherette's Fall 2007 New York Fashion Week runway show.^[4] On August 21, 2007, Swizz Beatz released his second solo album, titled One Man Band Man.^[5] The album sold 45,000 records in its first week^[6] and includes singles "It's Me Bitches" and "Money in the Bank".^[5]

On October 19, 2007, Swizz Beatz launched a contest called "Share the Studio", presented by Music Video 2.0 and The Source magazine. The contest was intended to be a continuation of the work from his debut album.^[7]

In 2007 Swizz Beatz signed longtime friend Drag-On,^[8] legendary Cleveland-based rap group Bone Thugs-n-Harmony,^[9] and former Ruff Ryder member Eve^[10] to his label.

[edit] 2008–present: Haute Living

Undaunted by the disappointing sales of his last album, One Man Band Man, Swizz Beatz is working on his second album (his second as an artist, however, it will be the third album he has released). In late 2007 Swizz Beatz confirmed it will be called Life After the Party in an interview with Format Magazine saying^[11]

April 24, 2009 Swizz Beatz did a promo song for Hennessy Black, entitled "When I Step In The Club". A video was made and was directed by Hype Williams.^[12]

In 2010 on his Twitter Swizz Beatz renamed his album three times. He first announced he was calling it King Issues but later on that day settled on The Perception of Greatness,^[13] and on August 23 while in a studio session with Mary J. Blige in New York City, Swizz unveiled his new album title Haute Living, stating that it's the perfect phrase to represent what he's all about.^[14] Swizz Beatz announced while being interviewed on BBC Radio that he was planning to release it on September 13, to coincide with his birth date.^[15] The album will be released under his actual contract with Everest Entertainment/Atlantic/Warner, who signed the rapper in August 2010. Confirmed guest appearances include Bono, Travis Barker, Kanye West, Lil Wayne, Jay-Z, Lenny Kravitz, Alicia Keys, Mary J. Blige and John Legend.^[16] On February 12, 2010, he and 81 other artists including Kanye West, Lil Wayne, Justin Bieber, Miley Cyrus, Jamie Foxx, Will.i.am, and Usher, debuted "We Are the World 25 for Haiti" during the Opening Ceremonies of the Winter Olympics in Vancouver. In 2010, inspired by Kanye West's GOOD Fridays series, Swizz Beatz launched his own series of free weekly mp3s titled Monster Mondays. The first song, "DJ Play that Beat" featuring Estelle, was released on October 25. Other Monster Monday tracks include features from Rakim, Pusha T, DMX, Busta Rhymes and Pharrell.^[17][18]

In 2011, Swizz Beatz won his first Grammy Award for Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group with American rapper Jay-Z, for the song "On To The Next One". The first single from Haute Living titled Everyday (Coolin') Produced by Joe Lindsay was released through monstermondays.com on March 28, 2011. The song features Eve.^[19] During an interview with Paper Mag, Swizz Beatz reveals some of the collaborations that will make their way on Haute Living. One of them is called ‘Skyscrapers’ featuring Kanye West and Bono.

^[20]

On May 21, 2011, Swizz Beatz confirmed that Dr. Dre was working on the album with him.^[21]

On March 7, 2012, Swizz Beatz announced that he will be releasing a mixtape featuring the likes of DMX, Nas, Rick Ross, The LOX, ASAP Rocky (who will feature on the first single) amongst many others. Swizz also said he doesn't have a release date for Haute Living claiming he's a "perfectionalist" who is "taking my time to get it right". ^[22] On March 22, 2012, "Street Knock" featuring ASAP Rocky was premiered on "The Angie Martinez Show". The song was produced by AraabMuzik, and will be featured on the mixtape, titled Limitless.^[23]

Producing career[link]

Swizz Beatz produced hit songs for many elite rap, hip-hop soul and R&B, such as DMX ("Party Up (Up in Here)"), Beyoncé ("Check on It", "Ring the Alarm"), T.I. ("Bring 'Em Out"), Styles P ("Good Times"), Cassidy ("Hotel", "I'm a Hustla"), Busta Rhymes ("Touch It") and many more.

In 2003 he began to expand his label; Big Tigger, Keith Sweat, Bounty Killer and Yung Wun were all in talks to signing with Full Surface but in the end only Yung Wun was signed. Yung Wun, whom Swizz took under his wing and was executive producer of his album, The Dirtiest Thirstiest and co-produced the lead single "Tear It Up.^[24][25][26]

In 2009, Swizz Beatz produced many popular singles including "Nasty Girl" by Ludacris featuring Plies, "Who's Real" by Jadakiss featuring OJ da Juiceman, "Million Bucks" by Maino, "Million Dollar Bill" by Whitney Houston, "I Can Transform Ya" by Chris Brown featuring Lil Wayne and "On to the Next One" by Jay-Z .^[2]

Swizz Beatz also was named the first "Producer in Residence" at New York University. This lasted from the 2010-2011 academic year.^[27]

Other ventures[link]

Fashion designer[link]

In 2006 he became a partner involved in the popular clothing company Kidrobot, a creator and retailer of limited-edition art toys and clothing.^[2][28]

Shoe designer[link]

On Twitter in 2010, Swizz Beatz revealed his new sneaker line with Reebok.^[29][30]

Painting[link]

Swizz Beatz not only collects paintings but also paints on his own free time. He donates the money he earns from his paintings to the Children's Cancer & Blood Foundation.^[31]

Brand promoter[link]

Since 2011, Swizz Beatz has been the official face of Lotus cars.

Personal life[link]

In 2000, his first son by Nicole Levy, Prince Nasir was born.^{[citation needed]} In 2004, he married Mashonda, together they have one child, Kasseem Dean Jr. (born 2006). In April 2008, they announced their plans to divorce after four years of marriage. In May 2008 UK singer and producer Jahna Sebastian gave birth to a daughter Nicole, whom Swizz Beatz fathered.^[32] In May 2009, Alicia Keys admitted to having a relationship with Swizz Beatz, while he was still married to his first wife. In May 2010 Beatz confirmed he was engaged to Alicia Keys, and that she was pregnant with Beatz' fourth, and her first child.^[33] During the time of the 2010 FIFA World Cup, the couple took part of a union and had the unborn child blessed in a Zulu ceremony, which took place in the Illovo suburb of Johannesburg, South Africa.^[34] Keys and Swizz Beatz held a wedding celebration on the French island of Corsica on July 31, 2010.^[35] Alicia Keys gave birth to their son, Egypt Daoud Ibarr Dean, on October 14, 2010.^[36][37]

Discography[link]

Studio Albums 2007: One Man Band Man 2012: Haute Living Compilation albums 2002: Swizz Beatz Presents G.H.E.T.T.O. Stories Awards and nominations[link] Urban Music Awards 2009, Best Producer (won) Grammy Awards 2010, Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group "On to the Next One" (won) 2010, Best Rap Song "On to the Next One" [Nominated] 2010, Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group "Fancy" [Nominated] References[link] ^ Tweet from Aug. 30, 2011 ^ a b c The Songs of Swizz Beatz ^ DisCogs entry. Swizz Beatz at Discogs. Discogs. Accessed August 23, 2007. ^ "FASHIONWEEK Fall 2007: Follow the Heatherette Brick Road for Fall". FashionTribes. February 8, 2007. http://fashiontribes.typepad.com/main/2007/02/fashionweek_fal_26.html. Retrieved May 17, 2010.  ^ a b "Official Website of Swizz Beatz". http://swizzbeatzonline.com/default.asp. Retrieved May 17, 2010.  ^ "'High School Musical 2' Hangs On Atop Billboard 200". Billboard.com. http://www.billboard.com/bbcom/news/article_display.jsp?vnu_content_id=1003632746#/bbcom/news/article_display.jsp?vnu_content_id=1003632746. Retrieved May 17, 2010.  ^ "Swizz Beatz". JPop.com. http://www.jpop.com/Swizz%20Beatz. Retrieved May 17, 2010.  ^ Drag-On Signs With Swizz Beatz's Full Surface Records ^ Swizz Beatz and Bone Thugs-n-Harmony on Strength & Loyalty ^ Eve Signs Joint Venture With Swizz Beatz And Dr. Dre ^ Bun B and Swizz Beatz ^ Hennessy Black Cognac Promotes w/Swizz Beats' When I Step In the Club Video, Up/Down Dance Contest ^ Swizz Beatz Turns To Fans For Album Title, "I'm Done Trying To Name It" ^ Swizz Beatz Renames Third Album 'Haute Living' ^ Horowitz, Steven J. (2011-05-30). "Swizz Beatz Announces "Haute Living" Release Date | Get The Latest Hip Hop News, Rap News & Hip Hop Album Sales". HipHop DX. http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.15340/title.swizz-beatz-announces-haute-living-release-date. Retrieved 2012-01-22.  ^ Ryon, Sean (2010-11-29). "Swizz Beatz Previews New Album, Introduces New Artist | Get The Latest Hip Hop News, Rap News & Hip Hop Album Sales". HipHopDX. http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.13165/title.swizz-beatz-previews-new-album-introduces-new-artist/. Retrieved 2011-02-20.  ^ Swizz Beatz Presents Monster Mondays ^ Swizz Beatz Launches Free MP3 Series Monster Mondays ^ "Swizz Beatz Presents Monster Mondays". Monstermondays.com. http://www.monstermondays.com/weektwentytwo.php. Retrieved 2011-05-07.  ^ "Swizz Beatz Reveals Track With Kanye & Bono On ‘Haute Living’ | HipHop-N-More". Hiphop-n-more.com. 2011-04-21. http://hiphop-n-more.com/2011/04/swizz-beatz-reveals-track-with-kanye-bono-on-haute-living/. Retrieved 2011-05-07.  ^ Stacey Anderson. "Swizz Beatz Revealed as Silent Partner, CEO of Megaupload | Music News". Rolling Stone. http://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/swizz-beatz-revealed-as-silent-partner-ceo-of-megaupload-20120119. Retrieved 2012-01-22.  ^ Horowitz, Steven J. (2012-03-07). "Swizz Beatz Enlists Nas, DMX, The LOX, Rick Ross & A$AP Rocky For New Mixtape | Get The Latest Hip Hop News, Rap News & Hip Hop Album Sales". HipHop DX. http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.18935/title.swizz-beatz-enlists-nas-dmx-the-lox-rick-ross-aap-rocky-for-new-mixtape. Retrieved 2012-03-30.  ^ "WORLD PREMIER: *NEW* SWIZZ BEATZ – ‘Street Knock’ Feat. ASAP ROCKY !!!". http://theAngieMartinezShow.com.+2012-03-22. http://theangiemartinezshow.com/2012/03/22/world-premier-new-swizz-beatz-street-knock-feat-asap-rocky/. Retrieved 2012-03-22.  ^ Keith Sweat, Big Tigger & Bounty Killer Join Swizz Beatz's Full Surface Records ^ BET's Big Tigger Says He Hasn't Joined Swizz Beatz's Label ^ Super Producer, SWIZZ BEATZ, Unites with J Records for FULL SURFACE ^ Tanzer, Myles (2010-11-24). "Swizz Beatz Named NYU "Producer in Residence"". NYU Local. http://nyulocal.com/on-campus/2010/11/05/swizz-beatz-named-nyu-producer-in-residence/. Retrieved 2011-02-20.  ^ Kid Robot by Swizz Beats the Monster ^ Swizz Beatz Teams Up With Reebok For Line Of Sneakers ^ Swizz Beatz Collaborates With Reebok For Shoe Design! ^ Swizz Beatz: Pupil of Paint ^ Mashonda-Swizz To Divorce ^ Laudadio, Marisa (May 27, 2010). "Alicia Keys and Swizz Beatz Are Engaged – and Expecting!". People. Time. http://www.people.com/people/article/0,,20389363,00.html. Retrieved May 27, 2010.  ^ "Alicia Keys and Swizz Beatz Receive Zulu Blessing in Africa". Rap-Up. http://www.rap-up.com/2010/06/22/alicia-keys-and-swizz-beatz-receive-zulu-blessing-in-africa/. Retrieved August 2, 2010.  ^ Baertlein, Lisa (August 2, 2010). "Alicia Keys Marries Swizz Beatz". Billboard. Nielsen Business Media. http://www.billboard.com/news/alicia-keys-marries-swizz-beatz-in-france-1004107126.story#/news/alicia-keys-marries-swizz-beatz-in-france-1004107126.story. Retrieved August 2, 2010.  ^ "Pals: Alicia Keys Is Secretly Engaged!". US Magazine. http://www.usmagazine.com/celebritynews/news/pals-alicia-keys-is-secretly-engaged-2010271. Retrieved May 17, 2010.  ^ Greer, Carlos (October 15, 2010). "Alicia Keys Has a Baby Boy". People. People. http://www.people.com/people/article/0,,20434638,00.html?xid=rss-topheadlines. Retrieved October 15, 2010.  External links[link] Wikimedia Commons has media related to: Swizz Beatz Official website Swizz Beatz at MTV Interview, HitQuarters Jun 02 v t e Swizz Beatz Discography Production Discography Studio albums One Man Band Man Haute Living Compilation albums G.H.E.T.T.O. Stories Singles "It's Me Bitches" "Money in the Bank" "Everyday (Coolin')" Featured singles "Set It Off" "New York Shit" "We in Here" "Tambourine" "C'mon Baby" "My Drink n My 2 Step" "Watch Ya Mouth" "Blow Ya Mind" "Hi Hater" (Remix) "Swing Ya Rag" "Arab Money" (Remix) "Who's Real" "Million Bucks" "I Do" "I Can Transform Ya" "On to the Next One" "We Are the World 25 for Haiti "Fancy" "Gucci Time" "Start It Up" "Can a Drummer Get Some?" "Ass on the Floor" Other songs "Top Down" "Candy Green" "Where the Cash At?" "So Appalled" Related articles Full Surface Ruff Ryders Cassidy v t e Ruff Ryders Entertainment Artists Cassidy Dame Grease DMX Drag-On Eve Fiend Flashy Jadakiss Jin Larsiny The LOX Sheek Louch Styles P Swizz Beatz Yung Wun Albums Ryde or Die Vol. 1 Ryde or Die Vol. 2 Ryde or Die Vol. 3: In the "R" We Trust Vol. 4: The Redemption Ruff Ryders: Past, Present, Future Persondata Name Beatz, Swizz Alternative names Dean, Kasseemdaoud (birthname) Short description African-American rapper Date of birth September 13, 1978 Place of birth The Bronx, New York, U.S. Date of death Place of death