It was May 1998 when rapper DMX’s song “Ruff Ryder’s Anthem” was released— and it changed music forever. The beats and sounds in his songs were so different that the album stood out. And that’s because of Swizz Beatz. If you listen to some of the hits Swizz has produced, you’ll likely recognize them from going out with friends.
He produced several DMX hits including “Ruff Ryder’s Anthem”, “Party Up” and “Where Da Hood At”. Plus, he accomplished something few producers do. He has remained relevant for decades. “I was able to produce almost three generations of different artists and music. Longevity has been key,” he told me.
Since starting to produce songs in 1996, he has worked with prominent artists including Beyoncé, Drake, and Kanye West. But Swizz is much more than a producer and rapper. He’s a family man first and is even on a Hulu and Onyx Collective series with his son Nasir. On Drive With Swizz Beatz, the South Bronx native and his son travel the world to learn about luxury vehicles. The show is great for car enthusiasts, but it has significance beyond testing out high-end cars. Drive With Swizz Beatz is a testament to the power of Black love and representation.
“Shout out to Onyx Collective and Hulu for giving me and my son a chance to display Black love on TV. It’s an educational show, a family show, a car show, a global show. Driving with Swizz Beatz is amazing. Everybody should binge it,” Swizz said.
He has some solid advice about how to excel in your professional life. I spoke with producer and rapper Swizz Beatz about three things that made him successful in his career.
Following His Passion
Swizz recommends people follow their passions rather than the pursuit of money. Swizz has been passionate about listening to and creating music since a young age. He became a DJ at 11-years-old.
The producer, whose favorite artist is his wife Alicia Keys, mentors up-and-coming artists because he loves it. When we spoke he stressed the importance of having a career you enjoy. He told me he didn’t go into music for fame or celebrity status. “I wasn't doing music for success. I was doing it as a passion and I was doing it as something that I really thought was cool. I didn't even think you can make money in music,” Swizz said.
“My passion for Hip Hop started in the South Bronx. I grew up on Jackson Avenue where Hip Hop was outside of my windows. My passion came from birth from just living in and being around it my whole life,” he said.
Striving To Be Unique
Originality is a huge part of being successful in your career. Whether it’s an idea for a startup or the art you create, you need to stand out against your competitors. Swizz Beatz stood out by researching different sounds and beats to produce the type of music no one had before.
“What's been unique about my career is being able to have a career since 17,” he said. “When I was producing, you couldn't sound like nobody else. Being unique is still something that is very special,” he said.” And he’s right. Think about every major music artist. Taylor Swift, who was named TIME’s 2023 Person of The Year, has switched genres with grace. Artists like Jay-Z made a style of rap mainstream that no one had before.
Know that Swizz is not just another producer. He’s one of the most well-known producers in the 50 years that hip-hop has existed. He understands the importance of being unique— and that includes staying true to your roots despite fame.
Getting An Education
As a Black man from the South Bronx, Swizz has not had it easy, but he refuses to forget where he came from. Some Black people are raised in low-income areas where they may not be able to afford an education beyond high school. That’s why Swizz went back to school in recent years. He believes in the power of getting a college degree and attributes some of his success to his education.
“Be a student forever. You can be a boss and a student at the same time. I tell people that all the time. I'm gonna listen to anybody if it makes sense. I don't care how much money they got, or appearances, this person is speaking wisdom that can apply to me,’’ Swizz told me. “A lot of people judge who they listen to based on their financial status when a lot of geniuses don't even appear like one,’’ he said.
Now you know how one of the best producers of our time became famous. And like Swizz, regardless of wealth or status, try not to forget where you came from to get where you are today.