Kasseem Dean (born September 13, 1978),better known by his stage name, Swizz Beatz, is an American record producer, DJ, rapper and painter. At the age of 17, he gained attention in the hip-hop world through his friendship with rapper DMX. Grady Spivey and rapper Cassidy helped launch his label Full Surface Records. He is married to Contemporary R&B superstar Alicia Keys and has one child with her, as well as three other children.