Swizz Beatz | |
|---|---|
.JPG) Swizz Beatz in 2014 | |
| Born | Kasseem Daoud Dean[1] (1978-09-13)September 13, 1978 (age 46) The Bronx,New York City, U.S. |
| Other names | The Monster[2] |
| Occupations |
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| Years active | 1994–present[3] |
| Works | |
| Title |
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| Board member of | Brooklyn Museum Monster Cable Reebok |
| Spouses | |
| Children | 5 |
| Awards | Full list |
| Musical career | |
| Genres | East Coast hip-hop |
| Labels | |
| Website | www |
Musical artist | |
Kasseem Daoud Dean (born September 13, 1978), known professionally asSwizz Beatz, is an American rapper and record producer. Born and raised inthe Bronx borough ofNew York City, Dean initially embarked on his musical career as a DJ. At the age of 18, he gained recognition in the music industry through his family's record labelRuff Ryders Entertainment and affiliation with its flagship artist,Yonkers-based rapperDMX. Working with DMX as his producer, DJ, andhype man helped Dean gain prominence as a high-profile figure inhip-hop in the following years.
Dean later found a protégé in Philadelphia-based rapperCassidy, whose success foresaw the launch of Dean's own label imprint,Full Surface Records in 2001. Dean has since signed numerous artists to the label, includingEve,Mashonda andBone Thugs-n-Harmony. As a recording artist himself, he released his compilation album,Swizz Beatz Presents G.H.E.T.T.O. Stories (2002) and debut studio album,One Man Band Man (2007) through the label; the latter peaked at number seven on theBillboard 200 despite mixed critical reception. He signed withEpic Records to release his second album,Poison (2018). As a producer, Dean has been credited on releases by music industry artists in hip-hop,pop,soul,rock, andR&B. With a career spanning over two decades, his works include "Ruff Ryders' Anthem", "Party Up (Up in Here)" (DMX), "Upgrade U", "Check on It", "Ring the Alarm" (Beyoncé), "Bring 'Em Out" (T.I.), "Hotel" (Cassidy), "Touch It" (Busta Rhymes), "Fancy" (Drake), and "Uproar" (Lil Wayne), amongothers.
Dean has won aGrammy Award from five nominations. He was named the inaugural "Producer in Residence" atNew York University in 2010,[4][5] andThe Source magazine included him on their 2008 list of the "20 Greatest Producers" of the last 20 years.[6][7]Kanye West has referred to Dean as "the best rap producer of all time".[8] Aside from music, Dean has also been involved infashion design, art collection, andboard directing—he has been a member of trustees at theBrooklyn Museum since 2015, and served as a creative director for the companiesMonster Cable andReebok.[9][10] With his wifeAlicia Keys, he jointly won the Producers & Engineers Wing Award byThe Recording Academy for "outstanding contributions to music" in 2018,[11] and the couple were featured in their first cover shoot forCultured Magazine that same year.[12]
He spent much of his childhood raised by his mother in the North EastBronx, where he first encounteredhip-hop. After obtaining the necessary equipment from his stepfather and uncles, he beganDJing as a teenager and enjoyed a modicum of success. After relocating toAtlanta, Georgia, due to his repeated involvement in violent behavior atHarry S. Truman High School, he started to work for his uncles, Joaquin (Waah) and Darrin (Dee) Dean, who were co-CEOs of theRuff Ryders record label. In his early work, he generally chose not tosample, instead using theKorg Trinity andTriton keyboards and seeking to accentuate the performance aspect of his music.
With his uncles Waah & Dee, as well as his aunt Chivon Dean, all involved with the Ruff Ryders record label, Swizz Beatz began toproduce tracks at age 16, and was signed to Ruff Ryders Productions as a producer and songwriter. A year later he sold his first beat to Ruff Ryders artistDMX, which became his chart-topping single "Ruff Ryders' Anthem". The song was placed onto DMX's seminal 1998 debut albumIt's Dark and Hell is Hot. Dean then began producing major hip-hop songs released in 1998 such as "Banned from T.V." byNoreaga, "Money, Cash, Hoes" byJay-Z and more. The following year, he produced most of the songs of the Ruff Ryders compilation albumRyde or Die Vol. 1, as well as the bulk ofEve'sdebut album. In 2001, in a joint venture withClive Davis, Swizz Beatz established his own record label,Full Surface Records, which became a subsidiary ofJ Records. The first artist signed wasPhiladelphia-based rapperCassidy.
When Dean released his first compilation albumSwizz Beatz Presents G.H.E.T.T.O. Stories, in 2002, he began to get noticed for his production style and interesting ideas, as well as his protege and artist,Cassidy, who also started to gain recognition for his ability as well.[citation needed] The same year, Dean released twosingles, "Guilty" and "Bigger Business", both of which charted on theBillboardHot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart.[13] Along with often being associated with Ruff Ryders andRoc-A-Fella Records, Dean began to expand his scope to include production of artists from more mainstream labels such asElektra,Atlantic,Epic,Def Jam andBad Boy Entertainment. His career largely grew from that point.
Over the next years, Swizz produced for the hottest rap artists such asNas,Jay-Z,Memphis Bleek,Drag-On which landed him production credits on several albums, includingCuban Link's albumChain Reaction where he produced the tracks "Comin' Home With Me" featuringAvant, "Shakedown", and "Talk About It" featuringJadakiss.[14]
In February 2007, design duoHeatherette staged their Fall 2007 New YorkFashion Weekrunway show, and Dean was asked to mix the music.[15] In June 2007, Swizz Beatz produced and was featured on his Full Surface artist Cassidy's comeback single, "My Drink n My 2 Step", following a murder trial and a car accident. The song proved to be a hit, reaching theTop 40 of the USBillboardHot 100 chart. On August 21, 2007, Dean released his solo debutstudio album,One Man Band Man.[16] The album, preceded by thelead singles "It's Me Bitches" and "Money in the Bank", debuted at number seven on the USBillboard 200 and sold 45,000 copies in its first week.[16][17]
On October 19, 2007, he launched a contest called "Share the Studio", presented by Music Video 2.0 andThe Source magazine. The contest was intended to be a continuation of the work from his debut album.[18]
Later that same year, Dean signed former Ruff Ryders cohorts and longtime friends,Drag-On[19] and Eve, toFull Surface Records.[20] He also signed legendaryCleveland-based hip-hop groupBone Thugs-n-Harmony, where they later released their seventh studio albumStrength & Loyalty in May, which Dean executive produced.[21]
In a December 2007 interview withFormat Magazine, Dean stated that he was already working on his second studio album, at the time under the titleLife After the Party.[22]
In 2008, Dean began working on his second studio album. In late 2007, in an interview withFormat Magazine he had announced the title asLife After the Party saying: "The opportunities that I've got from doing my album (One Man Band Man) are much bigger than just producing. A lot of things came from me being able to put a voice to my face. It was me just expressing myself and having the opportunity to – it was the one man band. And now I'm doing part two, which isLife After the Party."[23]
In March 2009, Dean released a song titled "You Stay on My Mind".[24] On April 24, 2009, he released a promotional song forHennessy Black, titled "When I Step in the Club". A music video, directed byHype Williams, was also released.[25] In 2009, Dean produced many popular singles including "Nasty Girl" byLudacris featuringPlies, "Who's Real" byJadakiss featuringOJ da Juiceman, "Million Bucks" byMaino, "Million Dollar Bill" byWhitney Houston, "I Can Transform Ya" byChris Brown featuring Lil Wayne, and "On to the Next One" by Jay-Z.[26]
On February 12, 2010, he and 81 other artists including Kanye West, Lil Wayne,Justin Bieber,Miley Cyrus,Jamie Foxx,Will.i.am, andUsher, debuted "We Are the World 25 for Haiti" during the Opening Ceremonies of theWinter Olympics inVancouver. Inspired byGOOD Fridays the 2010 weekly series of freemp3s fromKanye West, Swizz Beatz launched his own series titledMonster Mondays later that year. The first offering, "DJ Play that Beat", featuredEstelle, and was released on October 25. OtherMonster Monday tracks featureRakim,Pusha T, DMX, Busta Rhymes,Pharrell and many more.[27][28]
Dean's second album in the works had been renamed on three occasions: initially, the album was renamedKing Issues,[29] and was later retitledThe Perception of Greatness.[29] After initially turning to fans to help decide on an album title, Dean eventually announced in August 2010, while in a New York City recording session withMary J. Blige, that the title would beHaute Living, as "it's the perfect phrase to state what he's all about".[30][31] In November 2010, Dean previewed the album and confirmed guest appearances fromBono,Travis Barker, Kanye West, Lil Wayne, Jay-Z,Lenny Kravitz, Mary J. Blige andJohn Legend, as well as his wife Alicia Keys.[32]
In April 2011, in an exclusive listening session with Rap-Up.com, Dean premiered fourteen tracks set to appear on the album, including "V.I.P. Chillin" and also several previously unheard songs, including "Dance Like a White Girl" and "Instructions".[33] He also premiered unfinished versions of several music videos made for the album, revealing that the Reebok-commissioned video for "International Party" cost $1.4 million to shoot,[33] and that the video for "You Stay on My Mind" was shot in Dubai: he also revealed that he persuaded the Sheikh to let him use the airspace for only a dollar.[33] Dean announced that he was planning to release the album on September 13, to coincide with his birth date.[34] Rather than being released under his own imprint, the album is set to be released under his legal contract with Everest Entertainment/Atlantic Records/Warner Music Group, who signed the rapper in August 2010.
His firstGrammy Award came in 2011, awarded in the category ofBest Rap Performance by a Duo or Group for a track titled "On to the Next One" teaming him with Jay-Z. The first promotional single fromHaute Living was titled "Everyday (Coolin')", features a verse from Eve, was produced by Joe Lindsay, and was released throughmonstermondays.com on March 28, 2011.[35] In an April 2011 interview with Paper Mag, Dean revealed that a few yet-to-be-released special collaborations would appear on the album, including one titled "Skyscrapers" featuring Kanye West and Bono: "We got this song–it's me, Bono and Kanye on this one song called 'Skyscrapers'. I recorded with Kanye in the studio and then I recorded with Bono in this actual studio right here. Mary J. Blige is on the album too; John Legend. But they're all on the album in super amazing ways. It's not like a compilation–it's a nice mixture of creativity. I had no boundaries with it; I had great partners on the album–Reebok was supporting me."[36]
In May 2011, during an interview with BBC Radio 1Xtra's DJ Semtex, Swizz Beatz announced that his upcoming third solo albumHaute Living, would be released on his birthday, September 13, 2011.[37] In July 2011, Swizz Beatz said instead of releasing all of the songs at once, he would release the tracks over an extended period of time: "Let me clarify: Haute Living is still coming, but as far as releasing all on one day, I'm not doing that no more," he said. "I want to just drop singles fromHaute Living instead of 'I'm coming on September 13.' I'm like, 'You know what? Let me make every song an event, instead of just that one day being an event.'"[38]
Dean and his Monster Music Group signed a joint venture with Imagem Music USA.[39] In a press release, the artist confirmed his excitement at his upcoming partnership with Richard Stumpf and the entire group over at Imagem Music, saying: "This partnership will enable me to further develop my group of talented producers and also introduce many new producers and writers to the world". Protégé Musicman Ty and Naki "Snagz" Levy were the first acts to sign with Monster Music Publishing,[40] and on May 21, 2011, he further confirmed thatDr. Dre was working on the album with him.[41]In March 2012, Dean announced that he would release amixtape titledLimitless, featuring guest appearances from DMX,Nas, Rick Ross,The LOX andASAP Rocky, the latter of whom is featured on the first single, "Street Knock".[42] On March 22, "Street Knock" featuring ASAP Rocky premiered on "TheAngie Martinez Show".[43] In October 2012, at the 2012-2013New York Knicks Season Tip-Off event at the Beacon Theatre on 73rd Street and Broadway, special guest Swizz Beatz performed a 10-minute medley of his hits, alongside the New York Knicks' City Dancers and premiered the starting line-up theme song for the upcoming season, which he produced.[44][45] On November 2, 2012, Dean released a new single titled "Everyday Birthday", featuring Chris Brown andLudacris. He produced the song with Jukebox.[46][47] On August 23, 2013, Dean released "Hands Up", a new single featuring Lil Wayne,Nicki Minaj,Rick Ross, and2 Chainz.[48] On October 21, 2014, he released "Freaky", a new single featuring American rapper La'Vega.[49]
In May 2014, Dean was inducted into the Bronx Walk of Fame, where he received a street named in his honor, called "Swizz Beatz Street".[50]
In September 2015, it was announced that Dean would host the third annual Global Spin Awards.[51][52]
In June 2017, Dean and One Man Kru appeared as the only two American talents on thesixth season of the South Korean hip-hop competition television seriesShow Me the Money.[53]
In May 2018, Dean released the song "It's Okayyy", ahead of the release of his then upcoming albumPoison. He recorded 70 songs and used 10 for the album.Poison featuresKendrick Lamar, Lil Wayne, Pusha T, Nas,Young Thug, The Lox, 2 Chainz, among others.[54] In July 2018, Dean said he worked with Nas on the latter's follow-up to his 2018 releaseNasir.[55] Dean released "Pistol on My Side" featuring Lil Wayne fromPoison, along with its music video, on September 14, 2018.[56]
In March 2020, Dean, along withTimbaland, launched the highly popularVerzuz Instagram webcast series.[57] In 2021, for their work onVerzuz, they both appeared on theTime 100,Time's annual list of the 100 most influential people in the world.[58]
That same year, Dean became series music producer for theABC television seriesQueens starringBrandy, Eve,Naturi Naughton andNadine Velazquez.Queens premiered on October 19, 2021.[59]
In 2023, Dean hosted the car culture television showDrive with Swizz Beatz onHulu.[60]
In 2003, he became a partner involved in the popular clothing companyKidrobot, a creator and retailer of limited-edition art toys and clothing.[26][61]
On Twitter in 2010, Dean revealed his new sneaker line withReebok.[62][63]
Dean is an avid art collector and connoisseur actively projecting and displaying his taste via Instagram. The curated collection of favourites was first introduced atSCOPE Art Show Miami Beach and has since become known as The Dean Collection, it includes work from emerging and well established artists includingKAWS,Keith Haring, Cleon Peterson,Ernest Zacharevic and Erik Jones.[64][65]
Dean and Keys are co-chairs of the Gordon Parks Foundation, which permanently preserves the work ofGordon Parks, a pioneering photographer, filmmaker, musician and activist.[66] The couple acquired what is now the largest private holding of Parks' images and what is now part of the Dean Collection, the couple's philanthropic organization and family collection of international contemporary art.[66] In the summer of 2018, Dean and Keys were featured inCultured Magazine for their first joint cover, where they delved into Parks' works and the Dean Collection in more depth.[66]
Dean also paints in his free time. He donates the money he earns from his paintings to the Children's Cancer & Blood Foundation.[67]
In 2010, Dean became involved in the design and launch of the Aston Martin Rapide. In 2011, Swizz Beatz became the official face of Lotus cars until CEO Dany Bahar left the company. Subsequently, Swizz Beatz returned to Aston Martin for 2013.[68]
In early 2013, Dean invested in and joined the board ofMonster, and became involved in product management and marketing activities.[69][70] Monster products that he is promoting include theMonster GODJ[71] and the Monster 24K headphones.[72]
Dean currently sits as the Vice President - Sports Style Marketing, Design, and Brand Music Development for global footwear and apparel giantReebok.[73]
On August 9, 2019, it was announced that Dean and his wife, singer Alicia Keys, are planning to transform a large piece of property in Macedon, New York into a music paradise of sorts. The couple wants to make a performing arts center and recording studio out of the former Jindal Films center which includes 111 acres and 3 buildings.[74]
On October 22, 2020, Dean became the first American to win a camel race inSaudi Arabia after he won his first race with his team, Kaseem abu Nasser (Saudi Bronx).[75]
Dean isMuslim.[76][77] He and singerMashonda Tifrere began dating in 1998. Their first pregnancy ended in a stillbirth in 2000.[78] Dean's first son, Prince Nasir Dior (born 2000),[79] is a model and rapper—who performs under the name Note Marcato—and was conceived from a previous relationship with Nicole Levy. Dean and Tifrere married in 2004.[80] In December 2006, their son, Kasseem Dean Jr. was born. Dean also has a daughter Nicole, born in May 2008, with UK-based singer Jahna Sabastian, whom he met in 2007. Dean found out about his daughter a year after her birth.[81] In 2008, Dean and Tifrere announced their break-up. According to Dean, they had been separated 9 or 10 months by June 2008. Their divorce was finalized in May 2010, citingirreconcilable differences.[82][80][83]
During this time, he dated singerAlicia Keys, whom he has known since they were teenagers. They married on July 31, 2010,[84] and have two sons together, born in 2010 and 2014.[85][86] Dean contributed to Tifrere's 2018 book on co-parenting with him and Keys.[87][88]
In 2012, Dean was appointed the Global Ambassador for New York City Health and Hospitals Corporation (HHC).[89]
In April 2014, Dean was accepted intoHarvard Business School's Owner/President Management executive program.[90] In October 2017, Dean shared a video on social media, celebrating the final days leading up to his graduation: "It's been a blessing coming from the Bronx, going to Harvard. A lot of people were saying why would you go to school? It's never too late to get your education, further your education." He continued by encouraging others to seek education as well. "Knowledge is power. It don't have to be anIvy league school. Just as long as you're doing your thing, do your thing."[91] In November 2017, Dean confirmed he had graduated from the OPM program.[92]
In 2012, Dean began associating with Malaysian businessmanJho Low, alleged to be the mastermind of the1MDB scandal. Dean appeared at a variety of Low's parties, and became known as one of Low's inner circle of American celebrities,[93] includingLeonardo DiCaprio,Jamie Foxx, andParis Hilton. Jho Low was known to give lavish gifts or cash payments to his celebrity friends[94] and Dean received an $800k payment to attend Low's lavish 31st birthday party.[95] Dean is also credited with helping Low navigate both the art world,[93] and the music industry in the U.S.,[95] where Low acquired a number of renowned paintings and a stake in EMI music publishing, which was ultimately recovered by the U.S. Department of Justice and estimated at a value of $415 million.[96]
| Year | Nominee / work | Award | Result | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2011 | "Fancy"(withDrake &T.I.) | Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group | Nominated | [99] [100] |
| "On to the Next One"(withJay Z) | Won | |||
| Best Rap Song | Nominated | |||
| 2017 | "Famous"(as songwriter) | Nominated | [101] | |
| "Ultralight Beam"(as songwriter) | Nominated |
{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
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