Kasseem Daoud Dean (born September 13, 1978) known professionally as Swizz Beatz is a record producer, rapper, and DJ from New York City.

He began his musical career as a DJ and gained recognition through his work with friend DMX and his families record label Ruff Ryders Entertainment. He started his own label after his protégé Cassidy gained success. His label Full Surface Records launched in 2001. He signed artists such as ex-wife Mashonda, Eve, and Bone Thugs-N-Harmony.

Dean has been called the “…best rap producer of all time…” by Kanye West and was named the “Producer in Residence” at New York University in 2011.