Alicia Keys is a powerhouse in the music industry—her voice, talent, and artistry have sold millions of records and earned her countless awards. But while her professional life has always been in the spotlight, her love life has been a quieter affair.
For over a decade, Alicia was in a long-term but low-key relationship with Kerry Brothers Jr., a record producer and rapper who was also one of her closest collaborators. They shared both a personal and professional bond, but their romance eventually came to an end in 2008.
Not long after, Alicia found lasting love with someone the artist had known since her teenage years—Swizz Beatz. The rapper, record producer, DJ, and songwriter had a well-documented dating history before settling down with Alicia, but with her, Beatz found something different—something enduring.
Over the years, their marriage has only grown stronger with time, proving that when love is nurtured, it lasts.
So, how have they kept their relationship strong? And what does their life together look like today, from their marriage to raising their kids? Here’s everything you need to know!
When Did Alicia Keys Meet Swizz Beatz? From Teenage Acquaintances to Soulmates
Alicia and Swizz go way back—long before their love story even began. Their first meeting happened when they were just teenagers, and they were introduced through mutual friends. Alicia was only 14, and Swizz was 16 at the time. Though their paths crossed early, romance was nowhere on the horizon.
Years later, fate brought them together again in 2008 when they collaborated on a music project. This time, something shifted for Alicia. As they spent more time working together, the singer began to see Swizz in a different light.
“The more we talked, the more I noticed how his mind worked,” Alicia reflected in her memoir, More Myself. “Beyond the baggy jeans and arm tats, there was depth. He was so aware of what was happening around the world.”
That same year, their connection turned into something real, and they quietly started dating.
For nearly two years, they kept their relationship under wraps, but in May 2010, Alicia and Swizz made two life-changing announcements: they were engaged and expecting their first child. Just months later, they sealed their love in marriage.
On October 14, 2010, the couple welcomed their first son, Egypt Daoud Dean, in New York City.
Alicia and Swizz’s Intimate Wedding in 2010
On July 31, 2010, the couple exchanged vows in a private ceremony overlooking the Mediterranean Sea. Surrounded by only close family and friends, the couple celebrated their love in an intimate and elegant setting.
Alicia looked radiant in a Grecian-inspired Vera Wang dress, carrying a bouquet of purple calla lilies, while Swizz complemented her perfectly in a sharp Tom Ford tuxedo. Their wedding wasn’t just about luxury—it was about deep, spiritual connection. Their friend, Dr. Deepak Chopra, officiated the ceremony.
Their love only deepened in the years that followed. On December 27, 2014, they welcomed their second son, Genesis Ali Dean, bringing even more joy into their lives. Swizz couldn’t contain his excitement, sharing a heartwarming Instagram post with a photo of his newborn’s footprints, captioning it:
“The Joy of Joy is Joy🙏 it’s a Boy🎉🎉🎉 #Blessings🙏.”
More than a decade later, Alicia and Swizz remain as committed as ever.
Swizz Beatz’s Life Before Alicia: His First Wife and Children
Before finding lasting love with Alicia Keys, Swizz had a complicated romantic history. He was in multiple relationships over the years and was even married once before.
In 2004, the musician tied the knot with singer Mashonda Tifrere, whom Beatz had been dating since 1998. Their love story led to the birth of their son, Kasseem Dean Jr., in December 2006. But their marriage was far from smooth.
Just two years after welcoming their child, Swizz had another baby—a daughter named Nicole, born in May 2008, with UK-based singer Jahna Sebastian. At the time, the record producer was still legally married to Mashonda, and later that year, the couple announced their separation. Their divorce was finalized in May 2010, citing irreconcilable differences.
But Swizz’s journey as a father started even earlier. His firstborn, Prince Nasir Dior, was born in 2000 from a previous relationship with Nicole Levy. Now an adult, Prince has followed his own path as a model and rapper.
Despite the ups and downs of his past, Swizz has remained a dedicated father, co-parenting his children while building a strong family life with Alicia.
