Swizz Beatz, born Kasseem Daoud Dean, is an American record producer, DJ, and rapper who rose to fame in the late 1990s.
He got his breakthrough when he produced the hit single “Ruff Ryders’ Anthem” for DMX, which was featured on DMX’s debut album, It’s Dark and Hell is Hot.
Swizz Beatz’s unique production style, characterized by the use of live instrumentation and innovative beats, quickly established him as a prominent figure in the hip-hop industry.
File
- Full Name: Kasseem Daoud Dean
- Nickname: Swizz Beatz
- Date of birth: September 13, 1978
- Age: 46 years old
- Gender: Male
- Place of birth: The Bronx, New York City, United States
- Nationality: American
- Occupation: Record producer, DJ, rapper, art collector, entrepreneur
- Height: 1.85 m
- Parents: Terrence Dean (father), Kim Porter (mother)
- Siblings: None
- Spouse: Alicia Keys (m. 2010), Mashonda Tifrere (m. 2004–2010)
- Children: Prince Nasir Dean, Kasseem Dean Jr., Nicole Dean, Egypt Daoud Dean, Genesis Ali Dean
- Relationship status: Married
- Religion: Islam
- Ethnicity: African American, Eritrean
- Net worth: $120 million
Early life and education
Swizz Beatz, now 46 years old, was born on September 13, 1978 in The Bronx, New York City.
His father, Terrence Dean, worked for the post office and was of Eritrean descent, while his mother, Kim Porter, raised him primarily in the Northeast Bronx.
Due to his father’s busy schedule, Swizz Beatz spent most of his childhood with his mother. His exposure to hip-hop culture in the Bronx and musical encouragement from his uncles, who were involved with the Ruff Ryders record label, set the stage for his future career.
He attended Harry S. Truman High School for a short time before moving to Atlanta, where he began his music production career.
Personal life
Swizz Beatz began dating singer Mashonda Tifrere in 1998 and married in 2004. The couple have a son, Kasseem Dean Jr., born in December 2006.
However, their marriage ended in divorce in 2010 due to irreconcilable differences. Swizz Beatz had a daughter, Nicole Dean, with British singer Jahna Sebastian during this time.
In May 2010, he announced his engagement to Alicia Keys, and the couple married in July 2010 in a private ceremony.
They have two children together, Egypt Daoud Dean and Genesis Ali Dean. Swizz Beatz and Alicia Keys are known for their personal and professional partnership.
Career
Swizz Beatz’s career began at a young age when he began producing tracks for the Ruff Ryders label. His early success with DMX’s “Ruff Ryders’ Anthem” brought him into the limelight.
Throughout the late 1990s and early 2000s, he produced many hits for artists such as Jay-Z, Noreaga and Eve.
In 2001, he founded the record label Full Surface Records, in partnership with Clive Davis. Swizz Beatz released his first compilation album, Swizz Beatz Presents GHETTO Storiesin 2002, showcasing his innovative production style.
In 2007, he released his debut solo album, One Man Band Man, which included hits such as “It’s Me Bitches” and “Money in the Bank”.
Over the years, he has continued to produce music for top artists and expand his influence in the music industry.
Swizz Beatz has dabbled in other areas, including art and fashion collections, and launched the popular Verzuz series with Timbaland in 2020.
Prize
- Grammy Award for Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group (2011)
- BET Hip Hop Award for Best Producer (2010)
- Urban Music Award for Best Producer (2009)
Net worth
Swizz Beatz’s net worth is estimated to be $120 million.
He amassed his fortune through his successful career as a music producer and artist, producing many hit songs and albums for famous musicians.
Argumentative
Swizz Beatz has faced his fair share of controversies throughout his career. One of the more notable scandals was his tumultuous relationship with Mashonda Tifrere, which ended in divorce in 2010.
Divorce proceedings revealed that Swizz Beatz fathered a daughter with British singer Jahna Sebastian during his marriage to Tifrere. The revelation led to significant media scrutiny and public attention.
Another controversy involved his business dealings. In 2014, Swizz Beatz was accused of defaulting on a luxury car lease, leading to a lawsuit. The case was settled out of court but brought negative attention to his financial management.
Swizz Beatz’s involvement in the art world has also been controversial. An avid art collector and patron, he has been accused of using his influence to manipulate the art market.
Critics have suggested that his close relationships with artists and galleries could pose a conflict of interest, although no formal investigation has substantiated these claims.
Social media
- Instagram: @therealswizzz
- Twitter: @THEREALSWIZZZ
List of movies played
- The Gutter (2019)
- Godfather of Harlem (Music Department)
Discography
- One Man Band (2007)
- Swizz Beatz Presents GHETTO Stories (2002)
