Kasseem Daoud Dean, known professionally as Swizz Beatz is a famous American hip-hop producer, rapper, and businessman from New York City who is perhaps best known for his marriage to the 15-time Grammy Award-winner Alicia Keys.
Swizz Beatz has produced several hit songs for different prominent artists like Jay Z, Beyonce, Kanye West, DMX, and much more. The duo got married in 2010 and have two children together. Swizz, however, has three other children from previous relationships.
Biography and Profile Summary of Swizz Beatz
- Real Name: Kasseem Daoud Dean
- Stage name: The Monster, Swizz Beatz
- Date of Birth: September 13, 1978
- Age: 45 years old
- Nationality: American
- Education: Harvard Business School
- Occupation: Record Producer, DJ, Rapper, Businessman
- Marital Status: Married
- Spouse: Mashonda Tifrere (m. 2004; div. 2010), Alicia Keys (m. 2010)
- Children: 5, including Egypt Daoud Dean and Genesis Ali Dean
- Net Worth: $150 Million (combined net worth with Alicia Keys)
Swizz Beatz is an American Producer, Rapper, and Businessman from New York City
Born Kasseem Daoud Dean on September 13, 1978, Swizz Beatz hails from New York City. He was born and raised in the North East Bronx, New York City, by his mother. While growing up, he encountered hip hop and thus developed a keen interest in it at a very young age. With the help of his stepfather and uncles, he started DJing at a young age.
When he was about 18 years old, Swizz started gaining recognition in the hip-hop industry through the Ruff Ryders Entertainment record label in Atlanta, Georgia owned by his uncles; Darrin Dean and Joaquin. The young lad had attended Harry S. Truman High School in New York but relocated to Atlanta, Georgia due to his repeated involvement in violence.
Alicia Keys’ husband’s height of popularity tremendously increased when he began working with rapper DMX as his hype man, DJ, and producer. He also produced other hit songs released in 1998, including Jay-Z’s Money, Cash, Hoes, Noreaga’s Banned from TV, etc. He founded a record label, Full Surface Records, alongside Clive Davis in 2001. Since then, he has never looked back. So far, he has released two albums, including One Man Band Man (2007) and Poison (2018).
He has worked with several prominent artists such as Kanye West, Mary J. Blige, Lenny Kravitz, Drake, T.I., Jay-Z, Bono, John Legend, Travis Barker, Bono, Lil Wayne, and his wife, Alicia Keys, among others. Swizz Beatz has equally recorded several awards in his name, including a Grammy Award, Urban Music Award, Webby Music Award, and many other nominations.
He is a Harvard Business School Graduate
Although Swizz Beatz attended Harry S. Truman High School in The Bronx before he dropped out and relocated to Atlanta, Georgia, to work for his uncles, the rapper never gave up on education. In 2014, he was enrolled in an Owner/President Management Executive program at Harvard Business School. However, three years later, in 2017, the rapper confirmed that he had graduated from the school.
Before his graduation, he released a video where he said, “It’s been a blessing coming from The Bronx, going to Harvard. Many people were saying why would you go to school? It’s never too later to get your education, further your education. Knowledge is power and it doesn’t have to be an Ivy League school. Just as long as you’re doing your thing, do your thing.” The talented record producer graduated in November 2017.
Swizz Beatz and Alicia Keys First Met in 1995
Dean and Alicia Keys have come a long way; they have known each other since their teenage years. What’s more interesting is that they attended Harry S. Truman High School, even though they weren’t friends back then. They first met each other in 1995; at the time, Alicia was 14 while Swizz was 17 years old.
During an interview with Wendy Williams in 2013, Alicia said that even though they were just friends when she saw how far his mind went, she started seeing him as more than a friend, and she also found his intellect appealing.
Although Alicia revealed she didn’t like him that much at the time because she thought he was too ostentatious. According to her, Beatz will get the fastest car, the loudest jacket, and the biggest jewelry. Everything with him was really over the top, which made her see him as so annoying. At first, she never wanted to work with the famous producer; nevertheless, she later succumbed, and after working together, things took a positive turn between them.
They Tied the Knot Many Years Later in 2010
Swizz Beatz and Alicia Keys had every sort of relationship one can think of, from professional to personal and then, romantic relationship. Even so, their marriage has stood the test of time, and they don’t look like they would be calling it quits anytime soon. The duo had a great relationship, but because Keys was married at the time, they remained good friends.
However, in 2008, Beatz’s wife accused the producer of having an affair with Keys, which led to their separation. She further filed for a divorce, and the divorce process was completed in May 2010. However, when they separated, Beatz continued his relationship with Keys, thus making it official.
After his divorce from his first wife, Swizz Beatz and Alicia Keys decided to make it official by exchanging marital vows in July 2010. Their wedding was a private ceremony held in their home near the Mediterranean Sea; close pals and family members graced the occasion. Alicia wore a stunning asymmetrical gown designed by Vera Wang, while Swizz Beatz appeared in a white jacket made by Tom Ford.
Since then, the couple has continued to enjoy a blissful union. They have been together for 13 years and counting. The couple celebrated their 11th marriage anniversary on July 31, 2021, and to mark the occasion, Alicia Keys penned a sweet and heart-warming tribute to Swizz Beatz on Instagram.
Despite their busy schedule, the couple has remained inseparable, and to date, they have been going stronger. Together, they have built a big and happy family with their children.
The Couple Have Two Adorable Children
Before tying the knot in 2010, Alicia and Swizz announced they were already expecting their first child. During the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, the couple participated in a Zulu ceremony where they had their unborn baby blessed. The ceremony took place in the Illovo suburb of Johannesburg, South Africa. However, about two and half months later, their first child, a son named Egypt Daoud Dean, was born on October 14, 2010.
Currently, 13 years old, Egypt has shown traits of becoming a budding pianist and record producer like his dad. He has attended several shows with his parents. Although he is still very young, his parents are very proud of him and have revealed they would give him all the support he would need in his chosen field of endeavor.
Egypt also has a brother named Genesis Ali Dean. He was born on December 27, 2014. Genesis is currently 9 years old, and even though it’s hard to tell if he would follow in his parents’ footsteps, it wouldn’t be surprising to see him becoming a prominent figure in the American entertainment industry someday.
Before Alicia, Swizz was Previously Married to Singer Mashonda Tifrere, and They Had a Son
Swizz Beatz and Alicia Keys may have become Hollywood’s it couple. Still, the beginning of their relationship wasn’t all rosy as the couple was constantly making headlines following Beatz’s divorce from his first wife, Mashonda.
Mashonda Tifrere is a talented American singer from Boston, Massachusetts. She released her first studio album titled January Joy in 2005 and was also part of the first edition of VH1’s reality show, Love & Hip Hop: New York. She and Swizz Beatz started dating in 1998.
In 2000, Mashonda had a miscarriage, and four years later, in 2004, she exchanged marital vows with Swizz. In 2006, they welcomed a son named Kasseem Dean Jr. Unfortunately, their relationship hit the rocks, and the couple announced their breakup in 2008. At the time, Tifrere accused Alicia of ruining her relationship with Swizz, which led to their divorce.
Beatz’s split from Mashonda was very brutal, but they have become friends and wonderful co-parents to their children many years along the line. However, Beatz credits Alicia for mending his relationship with his ex-wife Mashonda.
Mashonda, Alicia Keyz, and Swizz Beatz are in Good Terms and Have Become Wonderful Co-Parents
Although Mashonda accused Alicia of stealing Swizz from her many years ago, that is now history as the three have put the past behind them. Their initial tumultuous relationship gave rise to what seems like a strong union, as we can see today. Interestingly, Mashonda recently released a book on co-parenting with Alicia and Beatz.
While some scorned exes would take to social media to diss their former partner’s new flame, Mashonda surprised everyone since the accusation that led to their divorce. The book, Blend: The Secret to Co-Parenting and Creating a Balanced Family, released in 2018, had its foreword written by Alicia Keys. It unravels how Swizz Beatz, Alicia, and Mashonda were extremely committed to raising Mashonda’s son, Kasseem Dean Jr., alongside their two children.
With many positive reviews, Mashonda’s book was greatly applauded, especially for their patience, communication, and cooperation in creating an environment where they could work as a team, and their children also thrive. More than that, Mashonda previously sent a heartfelt message to Alicia Keys on being a wonderful stepmom to Kasseem. She also showed gratitude to her for being involved in her son’s life.
Meanwhile, Kasseem isn’t Beatz’s only child with other women. In 2000, the record producer had a son with Nichole Levy. Although he was born Nasir Dior, he is now a famous American model and musician known as Note Marcato.
While still married to Mashonda, Swizz Beatz also welcomed his third child, a daughter named Nicole, with UK-based singer Jahna Sabastian. Beatz and Jahna met in 2007, and their daughter, Nicole, was born in May 2008. However, Beatz didn’t find out about her birth until one year later. However, nothing much is known about Nicole and what she is currently up to.
Swizz Beatz and Alicia Keys Have a Combined Net Worth of $150 Million
According to Celebrity Net Worth, Swizz Beatz and his wife, Alicia Keys, have a combined net worth of $150 million. This means that Swizz has accumulated a fortune of about $70 million, while the remaining portion comes from his wife, a 15-time Grammy Award winner. Swizz Beatz. A great part of their net worth comes from their music career and other business endeavors.
For Swizz, he makes bank through his works as a record producer, hype man, rapper, and businessman, while Alicia made a bigger chunk of her net worth through her musical album sales, shows, acting, and other endeavors. With such a huge net worth, the couple is currently living their best life. They live in an opulent mansion in California. However, they have several befitting mansions in different parts of the United States.
In 2013, the power couple acquired a mansion in Englewood, New Jersey. The 25,000 square foot mansion has 35 rooms and was previously owned by Eddie Murphy. In 2019, the couple purchased a Razor House in La Jolla, California, for US$20 million. The house, which was built in 2007, ranks among the best contemporary homes in the United States.
With a 10,240 square foot living space, the mansion has two master suites, six baths, two additional bedrooms, a gym, a built-in outdoor BBQ, two steam rooms and showers, and ultra-modern views over the Pacific Ocean. Additionally, Alicia and Swizz Beatz recently sold their holiday mansion in Arizona.
Besides the stunning mansion, the record producer has always been a lover of fast cars, and many of them could be found in his garage. Swizz Beatz has a collection of fast cars, including Ferraris and Aston Martin. Others are Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren, a Lotus Elise, a Lotus Evora, the Morgan Aero SuperSports, a Maybach 62 S, etc.
