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Swizz Beatz

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Swizz Beatz
Spouse(s)Mashonda (2004–2008)

Kasseem Dean (born August 30, 1978[1]) better known by his stage name Swizz Beatz, is an American record producer and rapper. Swizz, wife R&B singer Mashonda, and rapper Cassidy helped launch his label Full Surface Records.

Biography

Personal life

In 2004, Swizz Beatz married R&B singer Mashonda. In Januay 2007 their son Kasseem Jr was born. In April 2009, the couple announced their plans to divorce after four years of marriage. Rumors have since surfaced online suggesting Alicia Keys was involved in the break-up [2], but Swizz dismissed the rumors saying that that is far from the truth [3]. In May 2009, Swizz Beatz admitted to having a relationship with Alicia Keys. He explained that he's kept their relationship under wraps because he didn't want to aggravate Mashonda and says that what he and Keys have is "so precious"[4].

Swizz Beatz is a painting collector and a painter himself on his own free time [5]. He donates the money he earns from his paintings to the Children's Cancer & Blood Foundation.

He is a Muslim [citation needed].

Career

With his aunt Chivon Dean, and uncles 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". He started working with Ruff Ryders, Roc-A-Fella Records, Elektra Records, Epic Records, Def Jam Recordings, and Bad Boy Entertainment and his career blew up from there. But it wasn't until his first solo album, 2002's Presents G.H.E.T.T.O. Stories, that he started to get noticed for his production style and interesting ideas. He released two singles "Guilty" and "Bigger Business" and both had music videos[6].

Swizz Beatz has his own record label called Full Surface which was helped developed by Cassidy and is currently working on albums by Cassidy, Jay-Z, 2 Much, 50 Cent, Drag-On, Papoose, Busta Rhymes, Ruff Ryders, Whitney Houston, Eve, T.I., Lil Wayne, Bow Wow, Bone Thugs-N-Harmony, Lil Jon and Ludacris[7] He is also set to be recording the new album for his close friend DMX which is confirmed to be titled Walk with Me Now and You'll Fly with Me Later. He then produced fellow Bronx rapper Remy Ma's single "Whuteva". It was also confirmed he will be working with Jennifer Lopez for the first time on her new album [8].

In February 2007 the producer mixed the music for design duo Heatherette's Fall 2007 New York Fashion Week runway show. [citation needed]

Swizz Beatz released his first proper solo album titled One Man Band Man on August 21, 2007, selling 45,000 records in its first week of release including songs such as "It's Me Bitches", and "Money in the Bank".

On October 19, 2007, as an extension to his first solo project, Swizz Beatz launched a contest called "Music Video 2.0" and "The Source Magazine Presents Share the Studio." The contest and allows unsigned/indie music artists the opportunity to compete on the Music Video 2.0 website for the chance to open for Swizz Beatz at a NYC event.

Swizz Beatz also did an interview with MTV about his next album stating he just leaked a record called "Hard Knocks" with Drag-On. It's the first offering from Beatz's upcoming follow-up to One Man Band Man.[9]

Everybody is expecting 'It's Me Bitches' or 'Money in the Bank', I just want to use my opportunity to get a little more serious in the artist department, as a performer and lyricist. Not giving a f--- about radio and all that. I just want to give hip-hop something that's not on the radio. A lot of the songs I got can blend in on the radio, but 'School of Hard Knocks' don't blend in with nothing on the radio. I'm already in full mode. What they want me to do? Let's get it. I'm busting shots early — bang, bang! The title is between Life After the Party and Remember Hip-Hop," he continued. "I'm in between them. I don't even have a date on my joint. I'm just feeling out the scene.

He later announced that his second album would be entitled Life After the Party.[10]

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.[11]

Awards and Nominations

Urban Music Awards

  • 2009
    • Best Producer: (Won)

Discography

Main articles: Swizz Beatz discography and Swizz Beatz production discography

Solo albums

Compilation albums

References

  1. ^ "Swizz Beatz Biography". NME. Time Warner. Retrieved 2009-01-02.
  2. ^ Swizz Beatz and Wife Split
  3. ^ Swizz Beatz Addresses Alicia Keys Rumors
  4. ^ Swizz Beatz Admits To Relationship With Alicia Keys
  5. ^ Swizz Beatz: Pupil of Paint
  6. ^ DisCogs entry. Swizz Beatz at Discogs. Discogs. Accessed August 23, 2007.
  7. ^ Swizz Beatz is working with Eminem, Lil John and Ludacris
  8. ^ J. Lo Taps Swizz Beatz For 'Danceable' English-Language Album
  9. ^ Swizz Beatz Working On New Bangers For Usher, 50 Cent, Ruff Ryders, Himself
  10. ^ Bun B and Swizz Beatz
  11. ^ Hennessy Black Cognac Promotes w/Swizz Beats' When I Step In the Club Video, Up/Down Dance Contest

External links

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Swizz Beatz.
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