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Swizz Beatz Calls Marriage To Alicia Keys ‘A Blessing’

The newlywed producer says he’s connected to Keys ‘spiritually,’ on ‘RapFix Live.’ By Mawuse Ziegbe Alicia Keys marries Swizz Beatz on the Mediterranean Sea July 31 Photo: Stephanie Pistel Swizz Beatz became part of one of the most high-profile musical duos after tying the knot with superstar songstress Alicia Keys this summer. And although the couple has dozens of hit records, millions of album sales, tons of awards and gobs of respect from fans and fellow artists under their respective belts, Swizzy said their outsize star power doesn’t factor into their relationship. When it comes to Alicia, Swizz keeps it all about love. “It’s a blessing,” Swizz told MTV News’ Sway about finding his match during his “RapFix Live” interview on Thursday (August 26). “I don’t look at it as from a superstar basis. I look at my relationship with my wife as a union that’s just connected … spiritually. I’m not into the names and the superstars and this and that. I’ve been around that my whole life. It means nothing to me. It’s just about great people.” Swizz, who got hitched about a month ago and is expecting a child with his new wife , also described falling in love with Keys. The superproducer didn’t point to a specific moment in their relationship that pushed him head over heels but said, simply, that he just began to sense a certain head-spinning emotion for Keys. “It’s just a feeling,” Swizzy said. “Love is a word that’s powerful but the feeling is even stronger.” Even with the charmed, jet-setting lifestyle Swizz has been able to experience for years, the rapper/producer said his connection with Keys has enhanced his life. “To identify that feeling is something that’s amazing because it doesn’t only come from your partner. It comes from your love for music, your love for people, your love for a lot of things, and I think that once you identify the feeling of love, you’ll be a better person,” Swizz explained. “I’m a better man. I think that having love in your life, it just has that effect. Because then you spread love. You can’t enjoy love without spreading love. I just think that it all falls in the pocket.” What do you think about Swizz’s comments on love and his wife, Alicia Keys? Let us know in the comments! Related Videos ‘RapFix Live’ With Swizz Beatz Related Photos Lovebirds: Alicia Keys And Swizz Beatz Related Artists Swizz Beatz Alicia Keys

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Swizz Beatz Calls Marriage To Alicia Keys ‘A Blessing’

Swizz Beatz Met With Kanye West, Pharrell For ‘Down-To-Earth Conversation’

On ‘RapFix Live,’ Swizz recounted the epic meeting of the super-producer minds. By Jayson Rodriguez, with reporting by Sway Calloway Swizz Beatz Photo: Sohyung Kang/ MTV News It was a picture worth a thousand tweets: multi-platinum producers Kanye West, Pharrell Williams and Swizz Beatz all working together in one studio. The image was snapped by Clinton Sparks and posted on his Twitter earlier this month. During MTV News’ “RapFix Live” on Thursday (August 26), Swizz explained that the trio were booked in the same studio — Swizz to work with N.E.R.D., and Kanye to work on Swizzy’s forthcoming solo effort . By the end of the night, though, they all converged and had a “real down-to-earth conversation; I think hip-hop needs more of that,” Swizz recalled. “It’s really confidential, I’m not even gonna front,” Swizz said about what went down that night. “I don’t want to be the person to let all the news out. I got to save some stories in case ‘Ye or P wanna elaborate on that. But just know that it was epic, and it was amazing to see such forces in the room, humbled but honest at the same time, comparing notes, comparing music.” The Ruff Ryders alum said the three producers are very “serious” when they discuss and critique each other’s work. But the respect level is so high that no one takes the suggestions personally, Swizz said. And he hopes that the “positive, competitive energy” they have together results in the best possible music. “If someone is saying ‘no’ to something or ‘It’s not right,’ the reason why is gonna come, and then the debate,” Swizz said of the process. “And you make the decision after that.” Related Videos ‘RapFix Live’ With Swizz Beatz Related Artists Swizz Beatz Pharrell Williams Kanye West

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Swizz Beatz Met With Kanye West, Pharrell For ‘Down-To-Earth Conversation’

Adam Levine, Swizz Beatz, Kathy Griffin Talk Humiliation On ‘When I Was 17’

‘I was gross,’ Maroon 5 frontman says of his ‘Reality Bites’ style. By MTV News staff Adam Levine on “When I Was 17” Photo: MTV News This season on MTV’s “When I Was 17,” we’ve heard embarrassing stories of awkwardness, heartbreak and, um — OK, those have been our two big themes, because even celebs like Drake and Kevin Jonas were just dorky kids back in the day. This week’s episode, however, introduced entirely new levels of embarrassment, as Maroon 5 frontman Adam Levine , hip-hop luminary Swizz Beatz and comedian Kathy Griffin dished about their less glamorous moments from childhood. “When I was 17, I was gross,” Levine admitted on the show. “My hair was long and really ratty and nappy. [I wore] huge, oversize flannels that didn’t fit [and I had] a goatee. Like a bad version of Ethan Hawke in ‘Reality Bites.’ ” Levine shared something in common with Griffin, who looks back at her high school style with utter mortification. “I was pale, freckly and had Bozo hair!” she laughed. The foul-mouthed jokester was also completely unprepared for certain aspects of teenage social life. “One time, I was fooling around with this one guy. He was like, ‘Hey, Kath, you wanna see a penis?’ ” she said. “I said, ‘OK, but I’m not going to do anything, because I’m a lady.’ And so he unzips his pants, and then this thing comes out. It scared the f— out of me. I thought it was disgusting. I didn’t know that they’re purple. I thought it’d be tan. It had this really perfect shape. When I was 17, I did not shoot anyone, I did not go to jail, I just didn’t know what penises looked like.” Right. We have to admit, we’re at a loss for words. As was Swizz one time when he tried to sneak into a club and ran into an unamused bouncer. See, the future hip-hop star got his start DJing in clubs before he was even legally allowed to drink. Usually he’d sneak in the back. But on one occasion, he showed up late and tried his luck at the front entrance. “So I go through the front, I get to the door and — ‘Show me your ID!’ I’m like, ‘I don’t have no ID. What do you mean, show you my ID? I work here. I’m supposed to be getting the party started.’ ” Swizz said. “I was like, ‘I’m telling you, I work here!’ ” he recalled. “I’m speaking with so much authority. I’m this little skinny guy. He’s looking down on me, like, ‘I don’t care. Step over here.’ ” “When I Was 17” airs Saturday at 11 a.m. on MTV. Related Videos When I Was 17 | Ep. 14 | Adam Levine, Kathy Griffin, Swizz Beatz Related Photos When I Was 17 | Swizz Beatz When I Was 17 | Kathy Griffin When I Was 17 | Adam Levine When I Was 17 | Ep. 14 | Celebrity Photo Flashback

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Adam Levine, Swizz Beatz, Kathy Griffin Talk Humiliation On ‘When I Was 17’

Drake’s ‘Fancy’ Was Mary J. Blige’s Song First, Swizz Beatz Reveals

Producer also says Drizzy wanted Andre 3000 on the track along with him and T.I. By Shaheem Reid Drake Photo: Michael Caulfield/ WireImage Drake ‘s new single “Fancy” almost ended up on two other albums before it finally landed on Thank Me Later. ” ‘Fancy’ has been well-traveled,” said Swizz Beatz, who produced the song. “It started off as a Swizz record. Then I got Mary [J. Blige] on it. It was supposed to be on her [ Stronger With Each Tear ], but we missed the deadline. Then I pulled it back for my [upcoming] record. Then five o’clock one morning, on the phone speaking with Drake, he’s in a different time zone, we’re trying to figure out what he needs [for his album]. He’s like, ‘Yo, I just need a record for the ladies.’ I’m on my computer playing him joints over the phone. Then I played him ‘Fancy.’ I was like, ‘You want something like this?’ But I was playing it as a reference.” On the original version of “Fancy,” Swizz raps about an educated girl who works at the Guggenheim Museum, while MJB sang about an independent female. “She got it all together,” Blige sings. “She don’t need you to help her/ She got her own paper/ She don’t need you to take her on a shopping spree/ My girl’s fancy, fly and free.” Drake didn’t want something like what Swizz played; he wanted that exact song for his album. “He was like, ‘That’s the record I need,’ ” Swizz recalled. “I said, ‘OK, I’ll make you that.’ ” Drake replied: “No. That’s the record I need.” Swizzy gave up the goods. “I’m a producer first,” Swizz said. “So he can have the record. I’m still on it, it’s still love. He’s a heck of an artist, and I feel no ways but honored.” The finished version of the song we hear on the album features Drake, Swizz and Tip, but at least one other MC was on the wish list to be on the song. “Andre 3000 was supposed to be on ‘Fancy,’ ” Swizz revealed. “Drake had a group of people he wanted to be on it: Andre, Tip, this one, that one. But the deadline for the album rushed a lot of things. [Drake] can tell you the rest, but Tip just wound up being on it. Which I’m cool with, cause that’s the homie.” Drake is filming the videos for “Fancy” and “Miss Me” this week in Atlanta. Are you glad “Fancy” ended up with Drake? Let us know in the comments! Related Videos ‘Drake: Better Than Good Enough’ Related Photos Drake’s Style: From A To Drizzy

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Drake’s ‘Fancy’ Was Mary J. Blige’s Song First, Swizz Beatz Reveals

Swizz Beatz Says Musical Connection To Alicia Keys Is ‘On Another Level’

‘Anytime we in the studio, it’s just musical genius,’ the producer says of working with his fianc

Alicia Keys And Swizz Beatz: A Timeline Of Their Romance

Pair have been dating for at least a couple of years. By Jayson Rodriguez Swizz Beatz and Alicia Keys Photo: Bryan Bedder/ Getty Images Alicia Keys and Swizz Beats announced late Thursday evening (May 27) that they’re engaged, and that the Grammy-winning singer is expecting the couple’s first child together. The news might have been a surprise to some: Keys is an R&B/ pop superstar who has performed at President Barack Obama’s inauguration , while Swizz (real name: Kasseem Dean) is a Ruff Ryders alumnus and a veteran hip-hop producer who’s laced Jay-Z and DMX with some of their grittiest tracks. But the musical couple have been dating for a couple of years, at least since 2008, when rumors of their union began to swirl — and recently whispers about the two ratcheted up when photos of Keys with what appeared to be a baby bump appeared online. Here’s a timeline of the couple’s relationship: > > In 2008, music-industry insiders began buzzing about a pairing between Swizz — then married to R&B chanteuse Mashonda — and Keys, but the speculation turned public when gossip blog TheYBF.com published a post detailing their union, citing a source close to the singer. > > Later in 2008, Alicia Keys threw a surprise birthday party for the art-collecting producer (who by then was separated from his wife) at New York’s Guggenheim Museum. Although they wouldn’t appear in public together until the following year, the shindig solidified that the two were an item. > > In 2009, Swizz Beatz all but confirmed his relationship with Keys through a remix verse he added to Drake’s hit, “Best I Ever Had,” rapping, “She gave me a party at the Guggenheim … What’s next? The ring? The baby? She really loves me.” > > Throughout the year, Keys and Swizz (engaged in a messy divorce from Mashonda , including public spat on Twitter) were spotted together at a bevy of events, including his pre-Grammy Awards event, Game 3 of World Series (where she performed alongside Jay-Z ), and a swank Whitney Houston album preview event; the musical pair worked together to produce the Houston single “Million Dollar Bill.” > > This year, the duo have been frequently photographed together, both domestically and abroad; flicks of Keys performing across the Atlantic caused a stir online as the singer’s loose fitting clothing led many to believe she was hiding a baby bump. > > On Thursday, a spokesperson for the couple confirmed that they were engaged and are expecting their first child together. The baby will be her first and his third; producer has two other children from previous relationships. What do you think about Swizz Beats and Alicia Keys relationship? Let us know in the comments! Related Photos Lovebirds: Alicia Keys And Swizz Beatz Related Artists Alicia Keys Swizz Beatz

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Alicia Keys And Swizz Beatz: A Timeline Of Their Romance

Alicia Keys: Pregnant! Engaged to Swizz Beatz!

Looks like Alicia Keys is in a baby – and wedding – state of mind. After much speculation, the Grammy-winning songbird’s rep confirms that she’s pregnant with her and producer Swizz Beatz’s first child – and engaged! The couple will get married later this year. This is the first child for 29-year-old Keys, while Swizz Beatz, 31, has two sons from previous relationships. Keys’ current four-month-long Freedom Tour wraps up on June 4. She’ll also perform at the Fifa World Cup’s kickoff concert June 10 in South Africa. Alicia Keys and Swizz Beatz are getting married! Nice! Reports first surfaced that Alicia Keys was engaged to Swizz Beatz back in January, but were not confirmed. Looks like that was true – well it is now! Congratulations to the happy couple!

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Alicia Keys: Pregnant! Engaged to Swizz Beatz!

Alicia Keys and Swizz Beatz Engaged, Expecting First Baby

The song features Canadian rapper

Alicia Keys Baby News!

Alicia Keys is in a baby state of mind. After much speculation, the Grammy-winning songbird’s rep confirms she is pregnant with her and producer Swizz Beatz’s first…

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Alicia Keys Baby News!

Swizz Beatz Wants To ‘Get Really Involved’ In Arts Education

‘I just feel that it’s so important to really be a part of something that’s so amazing and helpful,’ the producer says. By Shaheem Reid Swizz Beatz Talks With Students Photo: MTV News Swizz Beatz met with some of his younger fans Thursday (May 13) in his hometown of the Bronx, New York. The super-producer is not just giving his time and energy to help mold youthful minds, but he’s teaching them some of his skills and donating his money. Swizz has adopted the Bronx Charter School for the Arts, which incorporates arts education with social skills and other academics for its elementary-age students. “I been doing things in that world [of art], but I wanted to take it up another notch and get really involved,” Swizz said. “A lot of people can go to charities and donate certain things and go back to their life — that doesn’t mean the problem is over or the demand of need for a youth is over. I just feel that it’s so important to really be a part of something that’s so amazing and helpful full-time.” Swizz says hopes that when influential and successful individuals get involved in charities they sincerely care about the work. “[I hope they mean it], as opposed to, ‘I’mma go to this charity so I could feel better’ — that’s how people look at it. ‘It’s a good look if I do this.’ But I think it’s a good look if you do it for real and maintain for real. I’m from the South Bronx and the school is not too far from Jackson Avenue, where I used to live — St. Mary’s projects. It’s just super amazing to see kids that come from the ‘hood with so much positive energy in this negative world. “It’s always something amazing going on,” he added about the school. “Yesterday I was there and they got this play called ‘Seussical.’ It’s like a Broadway play for real. They got their stuff together. They got an art auction. I’m gonna get all the celebrities and people I know to make adopting charter schools the thing to do, especially for art. Those are the programs being taken away and those are the programs that help our kids. We can’t take that away. That’s the thing right there that keeps the kids there motivated with hope. When you’ re talking arts and music and different things like [that], which is still a learning [tool] from these things — no disrespect to any other subject. They’re able to teach the kids all the fundamental things in the world through art and music.” Swizz said he’s working out a deal now where he can donate some of the proceeds of his next album to the Bronx Charter School for the Arts as well as other children in need of arts education. There’s no release date, but Swizz — who’s featured in the new video for Diddy’s “Hello, Good Morning” — has been staying busy in the lab working on tracks for Diddy, Rick Ross and Busta Rhymes and has also submitted records for Dr. Dre’s Detox LP. What do you think of Swizz Beatz charitable efforts? Let us know in the comments! Related Artists Swizz Beatz

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Swizz Beatz Wants To ‘Get Really Involved’ In Arts Education