Swizz Beatz is over the allegations about him cheating on his wife, Alicia Keys.. On Dec. 15, he let it be known that he wants the people who are spreading rumors about his marriage to "Knock it TF off." He commented on a video clip on the The Jasmine BRAND's page of radio personality Miss Jones alleging that Beatz and actress La La Anthony have a secret affair going on. His career largely grew from that point. He captioned another post on Instagram, Family time is the best time. Prince Nasir is Beatz son with Nicole Levy. We've heard very little from Jahna Sebastian, the mother of Swizz Beatz's (real name Kasseem Dean) 5-year-old daughter, Nicole.The London based singer's daughter with the 35-year-old producer came to light a few years ago, surprising fans who only knew of his children with ex-wife Mashonda and current wife, Alicia Keys.Swizzy has four children (Egypt with Alicia Keys, Nicole with Jahna . He also has a daughter, Nicole, with UK based singer Jahna Sabastian. "So we play a lot of board games, we'll watch movies together, we'll do bike rides and stuff like that. His Family. Their son, Prince Nasir, was born on October 25, 2000, during the time when Mashonda Tifrere was also pregnant, the pregnancy which resulted in a miscarriage. Russian-born . Some of The best conversations in the world are with your children. We are so connected and we have such a beautiful bond." Sitemap, Your California Privacy Rights : The Source Magazine Picks 20 Greatest Producers", "Source Mag Picks Twenty Greatest Producers NODFACTOR.COM", "Kanye West Calls Swizz Beatz "The Best Rap Producer Of All Time" and also produced West's new song on The Life of Pablo, "Famous. Sources tell us Beatz has been paying interim child support for his daughter with Andrianova, and the official settlement was delayed due to her being unable to travel to the US for court appearances, and her refusal to accept a settlement he offered a year ago. [54] Dean released "Pistol on My Side" featuring Lil Wayne from Poison, along with its music video, on September 14, 2018. Beatz has an 11-year-old son Nasir with Nicole Levy, a 4-year-old son Kasseem Jr. with Mashonda, the aformentioned 3-year-old daughter Nicole with Jahna, and soon-to-be year-old son Egypt with . As mentioned, he has five children. Offers may be subject to change without notice. Prince Nasir is stated to be single to date. Dean produced the song with Jukebox. His name was Kasseem Dean Jr. Apart from it, Swizz was also in a relationship with Nicole Levy. I've been so invested in this journey with him." Two years later, Tifrere released a book about co-parenting called "Blend," and Keys provided the forward. Alicia Keys and Swizz Beatz's relationship didn't necessarily get off to a good start but the two did meet long ago when they were just teens. Dean has produced several hit singles for a number of prominent artists across different music genres, such as hip hop, pop, soul, rock and R&B. Keys admitted, "Honestly, I didn't really like him that much. In 2018,TMZ got a front-row seat when Keys gifted Beatz an Aston Martin for his 40th birthday. If Swizz was a woman, this would be circulating all around the web with cries . She is known for The Silent Cross (2003) and Aardvark (2000). "Beyond the baggy jeans and arm tats there was depth. Kasseem Dean Jr was born on 22 December 2006 in the United States of America as a son of a father, Swizz Beatz, and mother, Mashonda. [56] In 2021, for their work on Verzuz, they both appeared on the Time 100, Time's annual list of the 100 most influential people in the world. She also shares stories on Medium that are meant to encourage thought and discussion. Father. On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. [72], On October 22, 2020, Dean became the first American to win a camel race in Saudi Arabia after he won his first race with his team, Kaseem abu Nasser (Saudi Bronx). In December 2014, they gave birth to a daughter, Genesis Ali Dean. [42] In October 2012, at the 2012-2013 New York Knicks Season Tip-Off event at the Beacon Theatre on 73rd Street and Broadway, special guest Swizz Beatz performed a 10-minute medley of his hits, alongside the New York Knicks' City Dancers and premiered the starting line-up theme song for the upcoming season, which he produced. Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. Before that, he had a child with another woman, Nicole Levy, in 2000, which was after he began dating Tifrere. with Nicole Levy, and another son, Kasseem Dean Jr., born in 2006, with his former wife . And now currently living with children, wife, mother, and father. The British celebrity aired out her grievances in a long letter that drew a lot of backlash from both critics and Swizz Beatz. It's a real thing, and it's possible. Here at BeatGrade we decided to do our own Top Ten series of inspiring producers. | RadioPlanet.tv | Where Hip Hop Meets Hollywood", "Top 20 Countdown: Swizz Beatz Discusses "The Dean Collection" at SCOPE Miami", "KASSEEM DEAN AND ALICIA KEYS-DEAN ARE CHANGING HISTORY ONE IMAGE AT A TIME", "Rami George Icons: Kasseem Dean/Swizz Beatz", "Swizz Beatz Joins Monster as Investor, Board Member", "Can Swizz Beatz Match Dr. Dre's Monster Legacy? We believe that every person's story is important as it provides our community with an opportunity to feel a sense of belonging, share their hopes and dreams. Keys told CBS, "I feel that one of the things that really works about us is we're very different. In fact, the two frequently gush about each other in interviews, her autobiography, and of course Instagram. In 2019, they scooped up a place in La Jolla, California, called The Razor House a$20 million mansion that, as E! He added, "I had to go down in the cave with her and that was just like, 'I would never do this. Swizz and Mashonda share son Kasseem Dean Jr. , 15.In 2007, Swizz accidentally impregnated UK-based singer Jahna Sabastian . 19782006: Early life and career beginnings, Swizz Beatz Presents G.H.E.T.T.O. I'm thinking everything. How can I use this image? [82] They announced they were engaged and expecting their first child in May 2010. New York CNN . AmoMama creates engaging, meaningful content for women. So you're both growing and both evolving and learning more about yourself and learning more about each other. [29][30] In November 2010, Dean previewed the album and confirmed guest appearances from Bono, Travis Barker, Kanye West, Lil Wayne, Jay-Z, Lenny Kravitz, Mary J. Blige and John Legend, as well as his wife Alicia Keys.[31]. So him taking his kids on a trip solo isnt out of character for him. He then had Kasseem Dean Jr. with ex-wife Mashonda Tifrere. Their daughter Nicole was born in May 2008. In her biography, "More Myself," Keys wrotethat they had bonded over their experiences growing up in New York City. with Nichole Levy, and another son, Kasseem, with ex-wife, Mashonda Tifrere. Even when he was with Mashonda, he has had a son named Prince Nasir with Nicole Levy and later on a daughter named Nicole with Zhanna Andrianova, a UK based singer. @yayachronicles is his handle. In a video . On August 21, 2007, Dean released his solo debut studio album, One Man Band Man. Nicole Levy was born in Johannesburg, South Africa. 19 Sep. Swizz Beatz has reached an official child-support deal with the mother of his love child in London. The music producer gushed to People, "Whatever we're blessed with, that baby is being born to blessed parents." Eventually, Tifrere, Keys, and Beatz reconciled and joined forces. Mary J. Blige is on the album too; John Legend. Alicia Keys, despite her fame as a talented singer and a multiple Grammy Award winner, is also a proud and dedicated super mother. The second child, Kasseem David Dean Jr., was born in December 2006 to his then-wife and the American songwriter . In the fourth picture, Genesis held a white surfboard and looked to be coming out of the water. The father of five was traveling solo with his four sons while visiting his 13-year-old daughter, Nicole, who lives in London with her mom, UK-based singer Jahna Sabastian. The teen's mom, Nicole Levy, took several pictures with her son who has grown by leaps and bounds over the years. Their first pregnancy ended in a stillbirth in 2000. He also showered love on son Kasseem Jr., who broke a record at his school for track. It was because of this, that Keys agreed to have lunch with him, but Beatz almost blew it. May 2008) with UK singer and producer Jahna Sebastian; a son named Egypt Daoud Dean (b. October 14, 2010) and a son Genesis Ali . The couple's friend, Deepak Chopra, officiated their nuptials in . However, a source told the outlet, "They are currently in Hawaii celebrating the engagement and her birthday. "[35], In May 2011, during an interview with BBC Radio 1Xtra's DJ Semtex, Swizz Beatz announced the release of his upcoming third solo album Haute Living, would be released on his birthday, September 13, 2011. Jahna Sebastian, the mother of Swizz Beatz's five-year-old daughter Nicole, has granted very few interviews regarding her past with the producer and husband of Alicia Keys.In a recent chat, the . Keys gushed to ET, "For us to just both be at our height and place where we have really continued to grow and evolve. ", "Swizz Beatz Is Now On The Board At The Brooklyn Museum", "Swizz Beatz Joins Brooklyn Museum Board", "Kasseem Dean and Alicia Keys-Dean Are Changing History One Image at a Time", "FASHIONWEEK Fall 2007: Follow the Heatherette Brick Road for Fall", "Apr 12 - Eve Signs Joint Venture With Swizz Beatz And Dr. Dre", "Bun B and Swizz Beatz Format Magazine Urban Art Fashion", "Swizz Beatz Launches Free MP3 Series Monster Mondays", "Swizz Beatz Turns To Fans For Album Title, "I'm Done Trying To Name It", "Swizz Beatz Renames Third Album 'Haute Living', "Swizz Beatz Previews New Album, Introduces New Artist", "5 Reasons You Should Be Excited for Swizz Beatz' 'Haute Living' Album", "Swizz Beatz Announces "Haute Living" Release Date", "Swizz Beatz Reveals Track With Kanye & Bono On 'Haute Living', "Swizz Beatz Clarifies Haute Living Rollout, Lil Wayne Track", "New Label Home: Swizz Beatz Signs Joint Venture With Imagem Music", "Swizz Beatz Revealed as Silent Partner, CEO of Megaupload", "Swizz Beatz Enlists Nas, DMX, The LOX, Rick Ross & A$AP Rocky For New Mixtape", "Video: Swizz Beatz Reveals The Knicks' 2012-2013 Theme Song", "Swizz Beatz Debuts Chris Brown, Ludacris-Assisted 'Everyday Birthday': Listen", "Swizz Beatz's Everyday Birthday" VIDEO TRAILER Ft. Chris Brown & Ludacris + Bobby V's "Put It In" VIDEO SHOOT Ft. K. Michelle", "New Music: Swizz Beatz Feat. Prince Nasir Dean is a son of Swizz Beatz and Nicole Levy whois the elder brother to Egypt born on 25 October 2000. "It's always hard to say goodbye, especially too soon and to someone that you love," she said. ), "Hotel", "I'm a Hustla" (Cassidy), "Touch It" (Busta Rhymes), "Ultralight Beam" (Kanye West), and more. This story has been shared 85,143 times. Beatz went on to explain how it's better not to compete. New York natives Alicia Keys, born Alicia Augello Cook, and Swizz Beatz, born Kasseem Daoud Dean, married in 2010. He sings, raps and is also a model. The same year, Dean released two singles, "Guilty" and "Bigger Business", both of which charted on the Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart. Swizz was nowhere in sight." Swizz Beatz and Sebastian first got together back in 2007. ", The "Fallin'" singer also revealed in her book "More Myself" that she and her husband try to stick to one big rule they made. We've received your submission. Swizz Beatz and Alicia Keys may have worked out their issues with each other, but the two still had to face a lot of drama once they officially got together. A lot more family dinners." Following this, a check for full payment was sent by Beatz to her lawyer, divorce attorney Raoul Felder on Friday. [64] In the summer of 2018, Dean and Keys were featured in Cultured Magazine for their first joint cover, where they delved into Parks' works and the Dean Collection in more depth. Beatz had also had a brief thing with Jahna Sebastian and learned in 2008 he'd fathered a daughter as a result. Beatz took to his Instagram to pay tribute to his friend, writing, "My brother was a different type of brother. He goes by the stage name Note Marcato. I wanted nothing to do with that scene or with Swizz. [66], In early 2013, Dean invested in and joined the board of Monster, and became involved in product management and marketing activities. ESSENCE.com is part of ESSENCE Communications, Inc. Jahna Sebastian Upset With Alicia Keys. Egypt Daoud Dean in the Music Industry For Keys and Beatz, it's not all just mushy IG content. In Swizz Beatz's untitled project, the hip-hop legend and car collector visits car-loving destinations to examine each area's distinctive car culture and bring together two otherwise disparate . Nicole Dean is a half-sister to Daoud from his father Kasseem and his former spouse Jahna Sebastian. 2014 S. Carter Enterprises, LLC., Distributed by Roc Nation Records, LLC. [25] In 2009, Dean produced many popular singles including "Nasty Girl" by Ludacris featuring Plies, "Who's Real" by Jadakiss featuring OJ da Juiceman, "Million Bucks" by Maino, "Million Dollar Bill" by Whitney Houston, "I Can Transform Ya" by Chris Brown featuring Lil Wayne, and "On to the Next One" by Jay-Z. Beatz once wrote on Instagram, "You shouldn't be jealous or upset if you have a Queen that's successful, Smarter or better than you! I'm like, 'You know what? While Alicia Keys and Swizz Beatz don't usually hold back when it comes to discussing their relationship, their 2010 wedding was actually quite private. Nicole Charlene Levy was born on 28 May 1979, in New York City. Dean also has a daughter Nicole, born in May 2008, with UK-based singer Jahna Sabastian, whom he met in 2007. The two appear to be happier than ever these days after tying the knot in 2010. And Keys and Beatz are not shy about their relationship. And from there, it appears Keys' opinions on Beatz changed completely. [9][10] Dean is married to American musician Alicia Keys, with whom he has two children. Hollywood marriages are not always known for making it to "til death do us part," yet singer Alicia Keys and her husband, producer Swizz Beatz, seem to be going against that trend. Ruler Nasir Dean is a rising American rapper just like an artist, clearly, Prince brings in a noteworthy measure of cash. Swizz Beatz, beloved record producer and father of five, recently took a solo dads trip with all of his little ones, taking his boys to London, where his only daughter, Nicole, resides. [8] Aside from music, Dean has also added multiple entrepreneurial endeavors to his repertoire, including fashion design, art collecting, and board directing. Between her being a Grammy Award-winning singer and songwriter, and him being one of the most sought after producers in hip hop, the couple seems to have no problem making their income from music. Please fill in your e-mail so we can share with you our top stories! He shares a son, Nasir Dior, 20, with Nichole Levy, and another son, Kasseem, with ex-wife, Mashonda Tifrere. The songstress was sure to be there to help Beatz be open with his feelings. [48], In May 2014, Dean was inducted into the Bronx Walk of Fame, where he received a street named in his honor, called "Swizz Beatz Street". Producer Swizz Beatz and his mother just sent a not-so-subtle message to his daughter's mom just days after she called out the musician's wife, Grammy-winner and host Alicia Keys. He has produced some of the Best tra. Menu. He also has a son Prince Nasir, born in 2000, with Nicole Levy, and another son, Kasseem Dean Jr., born in 2006, with his former wife Mashonda Tifrere. She gushed to People, "He's definitely a real prankster and a jokester. "During these times, it's about focusing on family and what really matters," she said. PURCHASE A LICENSE. Egypt and Genesis are his two children with wife Alicia Keys . His first wife, Nicole Levy, gave birth to Prince Nasir Dean in 2000, and his second wife, Mashonda, gave birth to Kasseem Dean, Jr. in 2006. Swizz Beatz expressed pure joy over his oldest sons high school graduation. He has four half-siblings: Prince Nasir Dean, Genesis Ali Dean, Egypt Daoud, and Nicole Dean. Attorney for Beatz Robert Anthony Evans Jr. told us that he supports each of his children, adding, Mr. The artist was born to parents Swizz and Nicole Levy. Anyone whos been watching Alicia Keys docuseries NOTED: Alicia Keys The Untold Stories via YouTube Originals knows how important family is to Swizz Beatz. Swizz has a son with Nicole Levy; a son with his former wife, R&B recording artist and songwriter Mashonda; a daughter with British singer, songwriter, and producer Jahna Sebastian; and two children . Stories, released in 2002, and later his debut studio album, One Man Band Man in 2007. Clearly drawing from real-life experience, Keys put out a song called "Blended Family" in 2016. [77] Dean and Tifrere married in 2004. I was so d*mn proud of my son I had to kiss his face, Swizz told his Instagram fans. The pair were married in 2004 and had a kid named Kasseem Dean Jr. in December 2006. His first Grammy Award came in 2011, awarded in the category of Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group for a track titled "On to the Next One" teaming him with Jay-Z. [43][44] On November 2, 2012, he released a new single titled "Everyday Birthday", featuring Chris Brown and Ludacris. It is that time of year again! Eva Perez Suarez - Eva Mendes' Mother the Star Calls 'Coolest of the Cools', Redmond Gerard's Siblings are Talented in Their Own Ways, Doris Day Died without Right People near Her She Lived Alone for 39 Years in her $7M Home & Worked Out Every Day, Alicia Keys Rejected Swizz Beatz at 15 - His 1st Wife Accused Her of Being a Homewrecker Years Later, Alicia Keys Grew up without a Dad after He Abandoned Her Meet the Singer's Mother Who Raised Her Alone, Tom Brady & Pregnant Bridget Moynahan Split - She Wed Husband at Secret Ceremony 9 Years Later. His kids are taking the lux life to new locales, especially his son Genesis, who ordered sparkling water at a restaurant. [67][68] Monster products that he is promoting include the Monster GODJ[69] and the Monster 24K headphones. She revealed to CBS, "I was so excited. In 2000, Dean accidentally fathered a son, Nasir Dior, with Nichole Levy. When Dean released his first compilation album Swizz Beatz Presents G.H.E.T.T.O. [20], In a December 2007 interview with Format Magazine, Dean stated that he was already working on his second studio album, at the time under the title Life After the Party. [88] Dean contributed to Tifrere's 2018 book on co-parenting with him and Keys. Swizz, real name Kasseem Daoud Dean, is a record producer, record executive, rapper, and businessman. He continued by encouraging others to seek education as well. It seems that the key to Alicia Keys and Swizz Beatz's relationship is communication and quality time. His Dad, Swizz Is Remarried To American musician, Alicia Keys. While Alicia Keys may not have been into Swizz Beatz at first, the two seemed to really hit off after working together in the studio. Tifrere even accused Beatz of cheating with Keys,writing on Twitter (via Refinery 29) that the singer "assisted in destroying a family." [80][78][81], During this time, Dean dated Alicia Keys, whom he has known since they were teens. Keys revealed in her autobiography "More Myself" about a romantic moment from their engagement trip to Hawaii, where she believes their first son, Egypt, was conceived. We see what you did there, Beatz. [98] Dean is also credited with helping Low navigate both the art world,[96] and the music industry in the U.S.,[98] where Low acquired a number of renowned paintings and a stake in EMI music publishing, which was ultimately recovered by the U.S. Department of Justice and estimated at a value of $415 million.[99]. Isha Sesay is a doting mom. It is an honor to do that together and to be able to do that with our first loves," which she clarified is music. Kasseem "KJ" Dean . He also has a daughter, Nicole, with UK based singer Jahna Sabastian. She revealed toET, "It feels like two years. Essence may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. Swizz Beatz is a 44 year old American Rapper. Alicia Keys was in good company as she enjoyed a day letting loose on a luxury superyacht with husband Swizz Beatz and friends in the South of France . The rap artist is a father to five kids. He lived his life for everyone else. They have an 11-year-old son, Egypt, and a 7-year-old son, Genesis. Language We've been talking a lot about just being able to feel how you feel and let that process and not rush that.". Eventually, Tifrere, Keys, and Beatz reconciled and joined forces. She added they also are sure to "set aside one weekend a month to go away together. [94], In March 2016, Dean announced that his son Egypt was a credited producer on Kendrick Lamar's compilation, Untitled Unmastered. It's clear that the duo knows how to make every anniversary special. Give that man his flowers now. Swizz Beatz is an American hip hop recording artist, DJ, record producer, art collector, and entrepreneur. Nicole Levy-Swizz Beatz: 43: Virgo: Rapper: American: Children Name Gender Born Age Other Parent; Prince Nasir: Male: 25th October, 2000: 21 years old: Swizz Beatz: ", "Monster GO-DJ is First True Example of Swizz Beatz Partnership", "Holiday gift guide: This year's fashion must-haves", "Swizz Beatz Purchases Co-Ownership Stake in Monster, Joins Advisory Board", "Report: Alicia Keys, husband look to transform Macedon property into music campus", " ", "Mashonda: Swizz Beatz is a deadbeat who owes big money", "Jahna Sebastian: Swizz Beatz is a good father to our daughter", "Swizz Beatz addresses Alicia Keys Rumors, Reveals Michael Jackson Tour Deal", "Rap Radar Podcast - Swizz Beatz on Alicia Keys relationship", "Alicia Keys Thought Her Husband Swizz Beatz Was "So Annoying" When They Met", "Alicia Keys & Swizz Beatz Bless Baby in Zulu Ceremony", "First Photo: Alicia Keys and Swizz Beatz Seal Marriage with a Kiss", "Swizz Beatz: Marrying Alicia Keys Was A 'Blessing', "Congratulations Alicia Keys, Swizz Beatz On Baby Boy! Alicia Keys also commented with three kiss and wink emojis. A whole dads trip? "That's an unhealthy vibe for any couple, you know, a lot of men are scared of powerful women.". May 22, 2008 . Althoughthe wedding appeared to be super magical, the couple seemed to be even more excited for their baby that was on the way during that time. She dished to Billboard, "How you view yourself [changes]. Swizz and Mashonda finalized their divorced in May 2010. Alicia Keys' husband, Kasseem Dean, who is popularly and professionally known as Swizz Beatz, shared cute pictures of three of his sons, who look so much alike. "It took two years into our blending to make it happen, but when we did it was like turning the light on," Tifrere told People. Swizz Beatz was previously married to Mashonda Tifrere (2004 - 2007). With all this love and romance it's hard not to be curious about Alicia Keys and Swizz Beatz's marriage and how they got to such a great place. Mrs. Keys-Beatz released a short film about a mother and her . Beatz has an 11-year-old son Nasir with Nicole Levy, a 4-year-old son Kasseem Jr. with Mashonda, the aformentioned 3-year-old daughter Nicole with Jahna, and soon-to-be . The reason behind the divorce was mainly Swizz Beatz's infidelity. Which is why, when I missed my period a few weeks later, I wasn't exactly surprised." And if youd like to see more loving moments between Swizz and his kids and get to know them better keep scrolling! We love it when dads take the kids for a few hours, but for days? This feature is the great Swizz Beatz. We are currently in process of looking up more information on the previous dates and hookups. Alicia Keys, who released her memoir, "More Myself: A Journey" on March 31, describes parenting as her favorite job. ", Ahead of their 9th anniversary, the music producer toldUs Weeklythat they are "very spontaneous" when it comes to these excursions. They had a son named Prince Nasir age 22. It's not like a compilationit's a nice mixture of creativity. Subsequently, Swizz Beatz returned to Aston Martin for 2013. MIAMI BEACH, FLORIDA - DECEMBER 02: Nicole Levy and Nasir Dean attend Creative Minds Talks at New World Center on December 02, 2019 in Miami Beach, Florida. Their first child, Egypt Daoud Dean, was born in October 2010. PerCelebrity Net Worth,Beatz's list of additional ventures includes a clothing line, a contract with Bacardi, and being the Vice President of Sports Style Marketing, Design, and Brand Music Development for Reebok. They then had their second son, Genesis Ali Dean, in December 2014. Over time, I have unlocked many new abilities by introducing myself to new techniques through focus. Dean found out about his daughter a year after her birth. Nicole Levy: Ex: August 1999: February 2000: 6 months 1: Mashonda Tifrere: Married: 2004: 2010: 6 years . Dean later found a protg in Philadelphia-based rapper Cassidy, whose success helped the launch of his own label imprint, Full Surface, in 2001. Real Moments of Life! Swizz Beatz, the Grammy winning producer has partnered with 12on 12 to release 1,000 hand numbered vinyl albums of Long Live Jazz on Friday, February 25 th. He could of (sic) took many wrong turns but he chose the right direction and landed on his feet. Kasseem Dean Jr. is the son of Beatz and his ex-wife, singer Mashonda Dean. Working with DMX as his producer, DJ and hype man, helped Dean gain prominence as a high-profile personality in hip hop. Stay tuned for more celebrity kids news! Keys revealed that it was then she finally saw a different side to Beatz. 67,422, This story has been shared 29,804 times. Just Like Teenage Love," Keys wrote on Instagram. Many fans of Swizz Beatz believe that he has strong genes after the record producer shared pictures on his Instagram page of three of his sons, Egypt, Genesis, and Kasseem, at the beach. I first realized that I was interested in potentially pursuing a career in music when my dad gifted me my first beat machine for my 10th birthday, Prince Nasir, a.k.a. He spent much of his childhood raised by his mother in the North East Bronx, where he first encountered hip hop.