>> swizz beatz: I'm not scared to challenge the artist in the studio.
To challenge the artist in the studio. I think as a producer, you
should challenge the artist in
the studio because we both got
to look good, you know?
The studio because we both got to look good, you know? We share this 50-50.
To look good, you know? We share this 50-50. If it's your dream, you should
we share this 50-50. If it's your dream, you should know everything about your
if it's your dream, you should know everything about your dream.
Know everything about your dream. You know, you should educate
yourself on your dream so you
you know, you should educate yourself on your dream so you can actually get to it and know
how to handle it when it comes
to you.
How to handle it when it comes to you. You got to plan like you're
gonna get it.
If I can think something,
there's nothing you can tell me.
If I'm focused on something,
like, "no, I'm getting that.
Yeah, that's gonna happen."
but I'm also equipping myself.
It's not gonna fall out the sky.
But I'm also equipping myself. It's not gonna fall out the sky. It's gonna happen from hard
it's not gonna fall out the sky. It's gonna happen from hard work, research, dedication,
it's gonna happen from hard work, research, dedication, listening, being a student,
putting your ego to the side,
and asking questions that you
don't know the answers to.
And asking questions that you don't know the answers to. It's okay not to know [bleep]
you know?
A lot of people just feel like
they're stupid because they
a lot of people just feel like they're stupid because they don't know certain things.
They're stupid because they don't know certain things. No, like, the smartest people in
the world ask questions.
♪
-- captions by vitac -- www.Vitac.Com
back then, I wasn't really thinking about where I was gonna end up.
Thinking about where I was gonna end up. I was more enjoying what I was
around, you know, and living
life at that current moment.
Around, you know, and living life at that current moment. I can't say that when I was
younger I was looking too much
towards the future.
Younger I was looking too much towards the future. Even though I was dreaming, I
just was living in the moment
even though I was dreaming, I just was living in the moment 'cause that's what we was
exposed to at that point.
I think it's important for us to
dream, right?
Like, you know, especially when
we're young because those
like, you know, especially when we're young because those dreams -- when we get older, we
try to manifest them as much as
possible.
Try to manifest them as much as possible. But going back to when I was
young, I definitely was a super
but going back to when I was young, I definitely was a super dreamer, you know?
Young, I definitely was a super dreamer, you know? I never -- I never thought that
things weren't possible, even
though where my upbringing was
in the bronx and things like
that.
In the bronx and things like that. You know, it just always felt
like endless possibilities.
♪
growing up in the bronx, what I
was exposed to -- I was exposed
to many great things.
Was exposed to -- I was exposed to many great things. You know, a lot of people, when
they hear I'm from the bronx,
you know, a lot of people, when they hear I'm from the bronx, they start to have this, like,
somber tone in their voice,
especially if I'm in a different
country or something like that.
Especially if I'm in a different country or something like that. You know, they're like, "oh,
you're from the bronx," and it's
you know, they're like, "oh, you're from the bronx," and it's kind of like feeling sorry for
this poor kid.
Kind of like feeling sorry for this poor kid. When I was growing up in the
bronx, I didn't even know that,
when I was growing up in the bronx, I didn't even know that, you know, we were poor, you
know, or -- 'cause I never
needed anything, you know?
Know, or -- 'cause I never needed anything, you know? I was well taken care of,
although it was -- you know, it
was little things.
Although it was -- you know, it was little things. I never starved.
Was little things. I never starved. I always had clothes on my back.
But then also the community
around me felt like family, you
but then also the community around me felt like family, you know?
Around me felt like family, you know? Like, it felt like we had a
family around us with my friends
like, it felt like we had a family around us with my friends that lived in different
buildings.
That lived in different buildings. And so, like, I had fun in the
bronx.
Like, I didn't have, like, you
know, all these horror stories
like, I didn't have, like, you know, all these horror stories like people think that you're
supposed to have 'cause you grew
up in the bronx.
Supposed to have 'cause you grew up in the bronx. That was a part of being in the
jungle, you know?
I'm not gonna say the bronx
wasn't the jungle.
It was the jungle and still is
the jungle.
You know, every place in the
world got a jungle.
But when you grow up in the
jungle, you have to know how to
but when you grow up in the jungle, you have to know how to maneuver in that jungle, you
know?
Maneuver in that jungle, you know? You have to pick your path and
different things like that.
And so me getting kicked out of
my school wasn't from academics.
It was more from survival and,
you know, wanting to make it
it was more from survival and, you know, wanting to make it home to my family and not
letting people take advantage of
my brothers and things like
that.
My brothers and things like that. So, we had to go all out for
that.
I moved to atlanta maybe about
'14 going into '15.
I mean, you know, when I look
back at it, it was a blessing,
to be honest, right?
Back at it, it was a blessing, to be honest, right? Like, at the time when my
stepfather was, you know,
like, at the time when my stepfather was, you know, getting a transfer from the post
office, going to atlanta, it was
actually -- I'm feeling like
they were saving my life because
I was getting into too many
things.
It was coming too close to home.
Things. It was coming too close to home. And a couple of incidents had
it was coming too close to home. And a couple of incidents had occurred where it was just in
and a couple of incidents had occurred where it was just in our backyard at this point, and
it was like, "you know what?
Our backyard at this point, and it was like, "you know what? We got to go somewhere else."
but when I heard I was going to
we got to go somewhere else." but when I heard I was going to atlanta, I thought I was going
to, like, a farm or something,
right?
To, like, a farm or something, right? Like, I'd never really been to
atlanta at that point.
And I just remember
south carolina, where we had
and I just remember south carolina, where we had family there.
South carolina, where we had family there. We would go visit, and I just
know it's in the south.
So I was just like, "man, we're
moving to a damn farm and
so I was just like, "man, we're moving to a damn farm and [bleep] man."
you know, like, I'm coming from,
you know, the bronx where we're
having fun and I know everybody.
You know, the bronx where we're having fun and I know everybody. I'm going to this different
place.
And, you know, I went to atlanta
with a little nasty attitude
and, you know, I went to atlanta with a little nasty attitude 'cause I didn't want to be
there.
I can admit that.
There. I can admit that. I mean, deejaying -- it was
something that I was doing back
in new york already.
Something that I was doing back in new york already. I was already known for my
mixtapes.
I was selling my mixtapes and
giving out haircuts at the same
time.
Giving out haircuts at the same time. And, you know, I started getting
this name, and I was having fun.
I was making a little bit of
money.
And then when I went to atlanta,
it got -- you know, that's when
and then when I went to atlanta, it got -- you know, that's when I got introduced to, like, the
gang culture -- 'cause we didn't
have gangs in new york and the
bronx.
Have gangs in new york and the bronx. It was more like crews or, you
know, your block.
Like, that was like your family.
Know, your block. Like, that was like your family. But we wasn't never like bloods,
like, that was like your family. But we wasn't never like bloods, crips, and all these different
but we wasn't never like bloods, crips, and all these different things.
Crips, and all these different things. And when I went to atlanta,
that's the first time I seen
and when I went to atlanta, that's the first time I seen gangs, you know, bloods, crips,
folks, vice lords.
Gangs, you know, bloods, crips, folks, vice lords. And I remember on my first day
of school, you know, I was
and I remember on my first day of school, you know, I was sitting, I guess, where I wasn't
supposed to be sitting --
'cause, you know, you're coming
into a new setting.
They have it organized to -- you
know, everybody was standing
they have it organized to -- you know, everybody was standing against the wall, and I was
like -- I didn't know why people
were standing against the wall.
Like -- I didn't know why people were standing against the wall. But it was all the different
gangs standing against the wall.
I went to go sit down, and,
like, these two guys come up to
me, tell me where I need to sit
'cause of the colors and things
I had on and everything like
that.
So, that was all new to me
at that point.
And then, you know, the dude
felt like he was able to put his
and then, you know, the dude felt like he was able to put his hands on me and I had to defend
myself and I got kicked out that
first day.
Myself and I got kicked out that first day. Couple people jumped in that was
from new york at that time.
Those are still my friends,
my friends to this day.
After we got all over, you know,
all of this stuff here, the
after we got all over, you know, all of this stuff here, the music started to kick in because
the school knew I deejayed.
Music started to kick in because the school knew I deejayed. You know, I became -- they had,
like, the new york boys and all
you know, I became -- they had, like, the new york boys and all these different things, but I
didn't really like the
new york -- the new york people
that was in my school because
they just seemed like fake
new york people to me.
They just seemed like fake new york people to me. You know, like, no disrespect to
syracuse, no disrespect to
you know, like, no disrespect to syracuse, no disrespect to buffalo and the catskills and
all this stuff, but these guys
was coming from there and they
was representing new york and
the school, and it just wasn't
authentic to me like that.
The school, and it just wasn't authentic to me like that. So I couldn't really -- I wasn't
really comfortable associating
so I couldn't really -- I wasn't really comfortable associating myself with them, so I just had
my own group of guys.
Myself with them, so I just had my own group of guys. And we did music and things like
that.
We had a group called aod.
That. We had a group called aod. But then, to make a long story
we had a group called aod. But then, to make a long story short, a deejay pulled out one
but then, to make a long story short, a deejay pulled out one day from doing the prom, and
they called me.
Day from doing the prom, and they called me. And they was like, you know,
"we know you do music.
We have an emergency.
Can you deejay the prom?"
we have an emergency. Can you deejay the prom?" and I was like, "yeah, but, you
can you deejay the prom?" and I was like, "yeah, but, you know, y'all got to pay me."
and they was like, "yeah, we
know."
I said, "y'all got to pay me
$800."
and I think the budget was like
$200.
And I think the budget was like $200. But the reason why I said $800
was because, although I knew I
but the reason why I said $800 was because, although I knew I could deejay the prom, I didn't
have equipment, I didn't have --
my records and everything wasn't
updated.
My records and everything wasn't updated. So I needed that money to, like,
really make this chance worth
so I needed that money to, like, really make this chance worth the time.
Really make this chance worth the time. And they ended up doing it.
The time. And they ended up doing it. They ended up giving me the
and they ended up doing it. They ended up giving me the money.
And what I did was I played
music from everywhere that
and what I did was I played music from everywhere that night.
Music from everywhere that night. When the deejays would normally
play, like, 69 boyz and all this
when the deejays would normally play, like, 69 boyz and all this stuff there at that time --
which was cool, but our school
was already a melting pot from
people from l.A., from new york,
from jamaica, from, you know,
all over the place.
From jamaica, from, you know, all over the place. And so I played music for all of
the audiences that was there,
and so I played music for all of the audiences that was there, and then I became very popular
for doing that.
And then I became very popular for doing that. And then I got an offer to go
deejay at club flavors on
and then I got an offer to go deejay at club flavors on memorial drive.
Deejay at club flavors on memorial drive. And then I deejayed at the
atrium.
And, you know, it was a
blessing.
>> swizz beatz: Art was something that I grew up around in the bronx, you know?
Something that I grew up around in the bronx, you know? I would see, you know, futura's
work, keith haring's work,
fab 5 freddy, doze, dondi.
Work, keith haring's work, fab 5 freddy, doze, dondi. That was outside of my building.
Fab 5 freddy, doze, dondi. That was outside of my building. Like, the trains used to come
that was outside of my building. Like, the trains used to come past every day.
You know, I was with a
breakdancing crew called gtr,
you know, I was with a breakdancing crew called gtr, guaranteed to rock.
Breakdancing crew called gtr, guaranteed to rock. All we did was spray-paint and
do art and things like that.
So, art and music -- they ran
parallel in my life, and they
so, art and music -- they ran parallel in my life, and they actually run parallel with each
other.
Actually run parallel with each other. They're brothers and sisters,
right?
So, that's always been in my dna
just from my upbringing.
But as far as getting into what
they would call fine art, I just
but as far as getting into what they would call fine art, I just did it on my solo time.
They would call fine art, I just did it on my solo time. Nobody would even go, man.
Did it on my solo time. Nobody would even go, man. I used to go by myself.
>> swizz beatz: Eve -- eve is my sister forever. Like, and not only is she my
sister.
She's one of the most realest
people I know, you know?
She's never changed.
People I know, you know? She's never changed. She's always stayed the same.
You know, eve used to live with
she's always stayed the same. You know, eve used to live with me when she first started.
That was, like, a good thing and
a bad thing.
The bad thing was, like, she
would have dudes pull up to the
the bad thing was, like, she would have dudes pull up to the house, and I was being -- I was
still a little paranoid from the
streets, like, "we got these
people pulling up to the house
like --" you know?
People pulling up to the house like --" you know? But that was the only thing that
we used to get into with, like,
but that was the only thing that we used to get into with, like, her bringing guys to the house.
We used to get into with, like, her bringing guys to the house. And I just had to pull her to
the side at the time and say,
and I just had to pull her to the side at the time and say, "listen, we got to keep where we
lay our head, like, a super
secret.
Lay our head, like, a super secret. Like, go out and do your thing,
but don't bring no guys to the
like, go out and do your thing, but don't bring no guys to the house."
and she never did it again.
House." and she never did it again. You know, I had to respect that.
And she never did it again. You know, I had to respect that. But eve -- she's just different.
She's stayed loyal the whole
but eve -- she's just different. She's stayed loyal the whole time.
Anytime, you know, we would call
her for things -- even today,
anytime, you know, we would call her for things -- even today, you know, she just finished
doing verzuz.
You know, she just finished doing verzuz. She does, you know -- she's just
always available.
She's always been a true sister,
a true ruff ryder, and a truly
she's always been a true sister, a true ruff ryder, and a truly amazing human.
A true ruff ryder, and a truly amazing human. Well, me and dmx come way before
me making a beat for him.
That's been my brother way
before we got successful
that's been my brother way before we got successful together with music.
Before we got successful together with music. I got introduced to him from my
uncle waah.
He used to just always play his
mixtape in the car.
I remember he had a nissan z300.
Mixtape in the car. I remember he had a nissan z300. It was burgundy.
And we used to always just ride
it was burgundy. And we used to always just ride around to dmx/dj superior
and we used to always just ride around to dmx/dj superior mixtapes.
Around to dmx/dj superior mixtapes. And he was like, "man, you got
to meet dmx.
You know, we're transitioning
from the streets, and, you know,
you know, we're transitioning from the streets, and, you know, we're gonna get into the music."
and, you know, I was just into
it.
And, you know, I was just into it. And then I remember one day we
went to yonkers.
He was like, "yo, come ride with
me, and we'll go try to find
he was like, "yo, come ride with me, and we'll go try to find him."
but, you know, looking for dmx
in yonkers was like looking for
a ghost, so we couldn't find him
for about a couple of hours.
A ghost, so we couldn't find him for about a couple of hours. And then we, like, turned the
corner, and he was, like,
and then we, like, turned the corner, and he was, like, walking down the block.
Corner, and he was, like, walking down the block. And then we pulled up on him.
Walking down the block. And then we pulled up on him. And -- and that was the start of
and then we pulled up on him. And -- and that was the start of the journey.
>> well, I mean, it's the
feeling.
You know, you feel what I say if
you're listening.
If not, you just feel the beat,
you know?
But it's there.
You know? But it's there. It's strong, you know?
It's deep, every song.
>> swizz beatz: I think what was
it's deep, every song. >> swizz beatz: I think what was it about his sound and the music
we made together -- it was more
about energy that we had
together.
About energy that we had together. You know, we didn't really look
at it, like, as transactional,
you know, we didn't really look at it, like, as transactional, you know?
At it, like, as transactional, you know? We looked at it as two brothers
doing -- having fun, doing what
we looked at it as two brothers doing -- having fun, doing what we like.
Doing -- having fun, doing what we like. And, you know, we was running
the streets for a little bit.
You know, I mean, he challenged
me to take his radio off a bus
you know, I mean, he challenged me to take his radio off a bus one time, and I did it.
Me to take his radio off a bus one time, and I did it. And we've just been cool ever
since.
But the music was, you know --
it came secondary.
Like, the music was secondary.
It came secondary. Like, the music was secondary. X was hard on, like, producers
like, the music was secondary. X was hard on, like, producers and things like that.
You know, like, it was just like
he either felt something or he
you know, like, it was just like he either felt something or he didn't.
He either felt something or he didn't. It wasn't because he was my guy
he'd be like "nah, I need this,"
it wasn't because he was my guy he'd be like "nah, I need this," "I want to do this," or you
know.
He was very selective on what he
went with.
[ crowd cheering ]
x was hard on everybody when he
didn't want to do things.
X was hard on everybody when he didn't want to do things. It's just like anybody.
Didn't want to do things. It's just like anybody. Like, you want to not feel like
it's just like anybody. Like, you want to not feel like doing something today, you're
like, you want to not feel like doing something today, you're gonna come up with an excuse not
to do it, right?
Gonna come up with an excuse not to do it, right? So, x was very witty, very
clever on how he moved.
But one thing about him -- if he
knew that we was on a specific
but one thing about him -- if he knew that we was on a specific mission to get something done,
he would definitely be focused.
Mission to get something done, he would definitely be focused. Like, when we worked on
"flesh of my flesh," like, we
like, when we worked on "flesh of my flesh," like, we was in miami, and it was
zoom-lens-focused with us every
day, having fun, but, you know,
he -- my job was always to make
it easy for him 'cause, you
know, I didn't want to have him
in the studio all day.
Know, I didn't want to have him in the studio all day. He wanted to go play pool.
In the studio all day. He wanted to go play pool. He wanted to go out.
He liked to have fun.
So, he would have his lyrics
he liked to have fun. So, he would have his lyrics already done, so I would have to
so, he would have his lyrics already done, so I would have to prepare for when he's coming,
and then I would gauge the
tracks based on his mood.
And then I would gauge the tracks based on his mood. If he's a little down, okay, we
can tell a good story.
If he's hyped up, oh, we can do
a party song.
Or if he's interested in someone
or something, we could do a love
or if he's interested in someone or something, we could do a love song.
Or something, we could do a love song. You know, like, really curating
the energy from him, you know,
you know, like, really curating the energy from him, you know, as an artist and me using my
skills as a producer so you can
project the best from that day.
Skills as a producer so you can project the best from that day. I wouldn't really call it
psychology, but you can call it
psychology.
Psychology, but you can call it psychology. I would call it just knowing
energies and just, you know --
just reading the energy from the
artist and making the judgment
based off of that, you know,
because, like, my thing -- I
didn't want to waste time,
either, so if I'm forcing him to
do something that he's not in
the mood with, we're gonna come
back and do it tomorrow anyway.
The mood with, we're gonna come back and do it tomorrow anyway. Like, so, if he's not in the
mood, I'd rather just say, "you
like, so, if he's not in the mood, I'd rather just say, "you know what?
Mood, I'd rather just say, "you know what? Let me finish working with some
more things.
Come back tomorrow."
and for me it's just basic
come back tomorrow." and for me it's just basic common sense.
And for me it's just basic common sense. ♪
I was in saudi arabia when it
happened.
And I remember him calling me
right before I went on the trip.
He was being a little weird.
Right before I went on the trip. He was being a little weird. You know, he was calling me and
he was being a little weird. You know, he was calling me and told me that he wanted to be --
you know, he was calling me and told me that he wanted to be -- he was like, "yo."
I could tell he, like, stepped
out of a club or wherever he was
at.
Out of a club or wherever he was at. It was a little loud.
At. It was a little loud. And he was talking to me.
He was like, "yo, where you at?"
and he was talking to me. He was like, "yo, where you at?" he's like, "I just want to be
he was like, "yo, where you at?" he's like, "I just want to be next to you.
He's like, "I just want to be next to you. I want to be where you're at,
blah, blah, blah."
I'm like, "you want to be --"
I'm boring as hell to x.
And so I thought it was weird
that he was saying that.
And I told him -- I said, "yo,
you know, like, I'm about to go
and I told him -- I said, "yo, you know, like, I'm about to go on a trip.
You know, like, I'm about to go on a trip. You should come with me.
On a trip. You should come with me. You know, it'd be a good
you should come with me. You know, it'd be a good getaway.
We just finished the album."
and he was like, "oh, that could
we just finished the album." and he was like, "oh, that could be cool.
And he was like, "oh, that could be cool. I like that. I like that.
Be cool. I like that. I like that. That could be cool."
and then I remember we were
that could be cool." and then I remember we were talking and he said, "wait a
minute.
Talking and he said, "wait a minute. How long is the flight?"
I said, "the flight is 17
how long is the flight?" I said, "the flight is 17 hours."
"I don't want to [bleep] be with
you that [bleep] long."
I'm gonna have to see you when
you come back.
That's -- 17 hours?
You come back. That's -- 17 hours? Who does that?"
that's -- 17 hours? Who does that?" he never called me back on it.
And then, like, when I landed --
when I landed, I got a text from
and then, like, when I landed -- when I landed, I got a text from him, and he was just like, "man,
I just want to tell you, you
know, I appreciate everything
you've ever done for me.
Know, I appreciate everything you've ever done for me. I want you to know that I'm
super grateful for you.
I love you, bro."
and I was just like, "okay,
okay."
he would do that a lot, but it
just felt different this time.
He would do that a lot, but it just felt different this time. I'm not gonna lie.
Just felt different this time. I'm not gonna lie. And I wrote him back.
I was like, "love you, dawg, for
and I wrote him back. I was like, "love you, dawg, for life."
and then I sent him this link to
the mr. Magic "rap attack"
'cause I felt like he needed
some energy.
And when I was calling him, he
wasn't picking up.
So I was like, "you know what?
Wasn't picking up. So I was like, "you know what? I'm gonna send him some
so I was like, "you know what? I'm gonna send him some playlists, and, like, you'll hit
all your old-school joints."
you know?
All your old-school joints." you know? That was the last time I spoke
to him, was on the text.
♪
actually, more than a sound, he
was a movement.
Actually, more than a sound, he was a movement. You see?
Was a movement. You see? And that's the difference.
Like, a lot of people got
and that's the difference. Like, a lot of people got sounds.
A lot of people can rap.
Sounds. A lot of people can rap. You know, x was a movement.
Like, you know, he was a
you know, x was a movement. Like, you know, he was a philanthropic movement.
He was a spiritual movement.
Philanthropic movement. He was a spiritual movement. You know, he was a father
he was a spiritual movement. You know, he was a father movement.
He was like -- he was one of the
most giving people I know, you
he was like -- he was one of the most giving people I know, you know?
Most giving people I know, you know? I watched that man give the
clothes off his back to people
in the streets.
Clothes off his back to people in the streets. You know, I watched him clothe
and feed who he felt was hungry,
you know, I watched him clothe and feed who he felt was hungry, you know?
And feed who he felt was hungry, you know? X's passion for music started
from love.
Like, he really -- he really was
a serious poet, you know?
Like, he really cared about what
he said.
He really cared about his craft.
He said. He really cared about his craft. He would have all these books
he really cared about his craft. He would have all these books and really took it as a study,
he would have all these books and really took it as a study, as a science.
And really took it as a study, as a science. And he was one of the most
intelligent people I've known.
Like, he can recite pages out of
books that you wouldn't have
like, he can recite pages out of books that you wouldn't have even known that he read, but,
you know, if you go back to his
album, he was putting in, you
know, scriptures in there, you
know, not only from the bible,
but from life.
Know, not only from the bible, but from life. You know, like, he was putting,
like, life scriptures in his
you know, like, he was putting, like, life scriptures in his music.
Like, life scriptures in his music. He never gave people an empty
cup.
He always gave everybody a full
cup of wisdom, of music, of
he always gave everybody a full cup of wisdom, of music, of pain, of joy, you know?
Cup of wisdom, of music, of pain, of joy, you know? And that's what made him
different than anybody in the
and that's what made him different than anybody in the world to me, was his approach to
his process and his respect for
his process.
>> swizz beatz: The dynamic of me and my wife coming together as creatives?
Me and my wife coming together as creatives? I never looked at it like that.
As creatives? I never looked at it like that. I looked at it like us coming
together as two spirits.
Most people start off wrong with
marriages and relationships
most people start off wrong with marriages and relationships because they think that it's the
gateway to ownership, right?
Because they think that it's the gateway to ownership, right? Just because we're married,
like, we don't own each other,
just because we're married, like, we don't own each other, you know?
Like, we don't own each other, you know? You're your own boss.
You know? You're your own boss. I'm my own boss.
I don't own you.
You don't own me.
But together we come together
you don't own me. But together we come together and making magic.
And I think that, you know,
women should have that freedom
and I think that, you know, women should have that freedom of not feeling like they're
owned, but loved, because when
you take the ownership out, you
take a lot of the ego out, as
well.
Take a lot of the ego out, as well. You know, when people ask me
something, I'm like, "I don't
you know, when people ask me something, I'm like, "I don't know.
Something, I'm like, "I don't know. Ask her. She's her own boss.
Know. Ask her. She's her own boss. I can't make her own decisions."
ask her. She's her own boss. I can't make her own decisions." you know, she was her own boss
before we even got together.
You know, she was her own boss before we even got together. So, how can I all of a sudden be
her boss?
It's impossible.
Her boss? It's impossible. Well, you know, I think the
it's impossible. Well, you know, I think the biggest thing is knowing how to
well, you know, I think the biggest thing is knowing how to communicate with your partner.
Biggest thing is knowing how to communicate with your partner. You know, you could live with
somebody for many years and
you know, you could live with somebody for many years and still don't know them because
y'all are not communicating.
Still don't know them because y'all are not communicating. You're arguing.
Y'all are not communicating. You're arguing. You're doing all the other
you're arguing. You're doing all the other things.
But are y'all really sitting
down and talking about real
but are y'all really sitting down and talking about real things and life and what you
don't feel comfortable with
before it becomes an argument?
Don't feel comfortable with before it becomes an argument? When it becomes an argument,
everybody's flying over each
when it becomes an argument, everybody's flying over each other's head, and you think that
because you're not bringing it
up the next day that it's gone,
but it's still in the book bag.
Up the next day that it's gone, but it's still in the book bag. But if you communicate, you can
actually start taking things out
but if you communicate, you can actually start taking things out the book bag slowly and not even
making the book bag heavy.
The book bag slowly and not even making the book bag heavy. ♪
>> one more right here!
>> swizz beatz: I've known her
since I was about 15.
I was in truman high school, and
her best friend at the time --
she used to rap, and she was in
my class.
She used to rap, and she was in my class. And she used to always tell me,
like, "yo, you got to meet my
and she used to always tell me, like, "yo, you got to meet my friend ali.
Like, "yo, you got to meet my friend ali. You got to meet my friend ali."
she's like, "with you doing your
you got to meet my friend ali." she's like, "with you doing your deejaying thing and she's
playing her piano thing, like,
maybe y'all can come together
and do something."
and I was just like, "alright,
cool, cool.
And I was just like, "alright, cool, cool. You know, let's do it."
and, like, months passed by, and
you know, let's do it." and, like, months passed by, and then I came out of school one
day.
Then I came out of school one day. And they was, like -- while I
would go for the bus, they was,
and they was, like -- while I would go for the bus, they was, like, standing there.
Would go for the bus, they was, like, standing there. And they was like, "yo, this is
my friend ali I was telling you
and they was like, "yo, this is my friend ali I was telling you about, blah, blah, blah, bing,
bing, bing."
and she was like -- she was
harder than me.
And she was like -- she was harder than me. [ chuckles ]
she had on a purple northface.
She had on tims.
She had on a purple northface. She had on tims. She had a skully on.
Like, she looked like --
she had a skully on. Like, she looked like -- she looked hard.
You know what I'm saying?
She looked hard. You know what I'm saying? Like, it wasn't like -- she
you know what I'm saying? Like, it wasn't like -- she wasn't trying to come off like
like, it wasn't like -- she wasn't trying to come off like the prissy -- trying to look
pretty.
The prissy -- trying to look pretty. She was trying to be gritty,
you know?
And it was kind of a little
standoffish, you know?
And we greeted each other, but
it was later I asked for her
and we greeted each other, but it was later I asked for her number.
It was later I asked for her number. I didn't get it at that time.
Number. I didn't get it at that time. But I think I came back strong.
The heat was definitely hot
but I think I came back strong. The heat was definitely hot because a lot of people like to
the heat was definitely hot because a lot of people like to gravity towards negativity.
Because a lot of people like to gravity towards negativity. So, anytime that people feel
that they can get away from
so, anytime that people feel that they can get away from their pain and make it -- and
make fun of what they feel is
your pain, that's gonna always
be a hell of a celebration,
right?
Be a hell of a celebration, right? But, you know, even if you
fast-forward, you know, my
but, you know, even if you fast-forward, you know, my ex-wife and myself and my wife
today, you know, we did a book
on co-parenting together.
Today, you know, we did a book on co-parenting together. Where was that party at, right?
On co-parenting together. Where was that party at, right? But everybody want to throw a
where was that party at, right? But everybody want to throw a party when they're thinking that
but everybody want to throw a party when they're thinking that they want to kill each other and
we want to be all negative and
violent.
We want to be all negative and violent. No, we got kids involved in
this, and we had to take the
no, we got kids involved in this, and we had to take the time out and go back to that
word "communicate" and
understand that, "okay,
everybody has their right to
react."
everybody have their right to
their emotions, and everybody
have their right to figure out
how to move forward as adults
and as parents and as grownups
and don't be a part of the
[bleep] show.
And don't be a part of the [bleep] show. It's not easy because, you know,
at the end of the day, it's soft
it's not easy because, you know, at the end of the day, it's soft spots with all of these
different things.
Spots with all of these different things. Like, although we've moven on to
the different level, I think the
like, although we've moven on to the different level, I think the way that we made it easy was
just saying, "you know what?
Way that we made it easy was just saying, "you know what? It's about the kid involved."
and I see all of these dads not
it's about the kid involved." and I see all of these dads not being able to see their kids
because of how the mom is
feeling and using that as a
weapon.
Feeling and using that as a weapon. Like, we got to stop that
because that's temporarily
like, we got to stop that because that's temporarily making you feel good, but it's
hurting your daughter, it's
hurting your son.
Hurting your daughter, it's hurting your son. And it's like -- it's
unnecessary, when, at this whole
and it's like -- it's unnecessary, when, at this whole time, we could have been
nourishing an ecosystem of
greatness and understanding so
by the time the child is 18,
they can go off with their head
held high and feel the spirits
and feel the energy, that
support that we gave them, which
is -- 'cause they didn ask to
be here.
Is -- 'cause they didn ask to be here. You know, the kids didn't ask to
be here.
So, how can be it about us?
Be here. So, how can be it about us? You know, she's super mom.
[ chuckles ]
you know, she's super mom. [ chuckles ] nah, nah, honestly, like, I
commend her because, you know,
it's not only -- she's not only
a super mom to egypt and
genesis.
A super mom to egypt and genesis. She's a super mom to all of my
kids, which, to be honest,
she's a super mom to all of my kids, which, to be honest, that's what really made me,
like, extra fall in love with
her, was the patience that she
had and that she have, you know,
for my children -- and not even
saying "your children," but
always saying "our children" and
genuinely meaning that, you
know, whether it's, you know,
being on the phone with nasir
for two hours while he dealing
with his teenage vibe, going
over homework with kj, you know,
doing all the different things.
Over homework with kj, you know, doing all the different things. And not to take away from their
mothers because their mothers
and not to take away from their mothers because their mothers are great, as well.
Mothers because their mothers are great, as well. You know, my kids -- they have
great parents around them, and I
you know, my kids -- they have great parents around them, and I commend all of them, as well.
Great parents around them, and I commend all of them, as well. But, you know, what my wife
does -- she lifts a pretty heavy
but, you know, what my wife does -- she lifts a pretty heavy book bag with grace and with
love.
Book bag with grace and with love. And, you know, I give her the
whole garden just for doing
and, you know, I give her the whole garden just for doing that.
Whole garden just for doing that. But they have their own
relationships.
They got better relationships
with her than they do with me.
You know, I get a little
jealous, but I just got to step
you know, I get a little jealous, but I just got to step my game up, you know?
Jealous, but I just got to step my game up, you know? Like I told you, women are
better than men.
So, zone, zone.
Better than men. So, zone, zone. [ chuckles ]
♪ >> swizz beatz: Verzuz started as an idea from a long time ago.
You can go back and see me and
kanye onstage at summer jam, I
you can go back and see me and kanye onstage at summer jam, I think, in 2006.
Kanye onstage at summer jam, I think, in 2006. That was the first verzuz.
Think, in 2006. That was the first verzuz. But I always knew that two
that was the first verzuz. But I always knew that two creatives celebrating in a
but I always knew that two creatives celebrating in a competitive way would --
people would have fun with it
because, as artists, we feel
that with egos so big, that
these things can't happen,
right?
These things can't happen, right? And so seeing me and kanye
onstage at summer jam -- it just
and so seeing me and kanye onstage at summer jam -- it just blew the roof off in front of
50,000 people.
Blew the roof off in front of 50,000 people. But just seeing, like, the
competitive sport of music and
but just seeing, like, the competitive sport of music and producers and writers, it just
always felt good.
Producers and writers, it just always felt good. But me and tim actually came up
with, like, a different concept.
Although that's where it
started, we actually sat down
although that's where it started, we actually sat down and planned out, "okay, let's do
an album together.
And planned out, "okay, let's do an album together. You do your album.
An album together. You do your album. I do my album.
But we go against each other
with that album.
Then we do a tour, and then when
we go to different states, we
then we do a tour, and then when we go to different states, we pull different artists onstage
that you don't know who I have,
I don't know who you have."
so, that was the verzuz tour.
And then we both got busy.
So, that was the verzuz tour. And then we both got busy. I started traveling and doing
and then we both got busy. I started traveling and doing different things, and he started
traveling and doing different
things.
Traveling and doing different things. And then the pandemic hit.
Things. And then the pandemic hit. And then I was thinking of
and then the pandemic hit. And then I was thinking of doing like a comedy show.
I wanted to do something called
"snaps" where two people would
start making jokes and all these
different things.
Start making jokes and all these different things. And I just loved what d-nice
had, right?
Like, d-nice had that particular
deejay area in a great space.
So I didn't want to interrupt
anything that d-nice was doing.
So I was just thinking of
something different.
And then timbaland went on his
ig and was making beats and kept
and then timbaland went on his ig and was making beats and kept calling me out every time he was
making a beat -- "swizz, what we
doing?
Making a beat -- "swizz, what we doing? What we doing?"
he was, like, sending the
what we doing?" he was, like, sending the bat-signal.
He was, like, sending the bat-signal. And so I called him.
Bat-signal. And so I called him. I said, "oh, you really -- like,
and so I called him. I said, "oh, you really -- like, you want to get it started?"
he was like, "yeah, like, why
not?"
and so I started answering him
back with some more beats, going
back and forth.
Back with some more beats, going back and forth. And then I was like, "yo, we
might as well just go."
and then I was like, "yo, we might as well just go." and he was like, "you ready?"
I'm like, "let's just go.
And he was like, "you ready?" I'm like, "let's just go. Like, you know, it don't feel
like we're ever coming back
like, you know, it don't feel like we're ever coming back outside for a long time.
Like we're ever coming back outside for a long time. You know, let's just go and have
fun."
you know, let's just go and have fun." and so, you know, he's in his
basement.
And so, you know, he's in his basement. And we just thought we had a
good time celebrating each other
and we just thought we had a good time celebrating each other that night.
Good time celebrating each other that night. But then our phones was going
crazy.
[ imitates cellphone vibrating ]
and I was just like, "man, this
might be -- this might be the
new zone."
he was like, "I'm telling you.
New zone." he was like, "I'm telling you. This one called me.
He was like, "I'm telling you. This one called me. This one wanted to do it next.
That one wanted to do it next,
this one wanted to do it next. That one wanted to do it next, this one."
that one wanted to do it next, this one." I said, "alright, well, let's
try it with some more people.
Like, it don't only have to be
about me and you.
Let's try it with some other
people."
let's try it with some other people." and it hasn't turned back since
then.
And it hasn't turned back since then. ♪
well, I can't say that it
started with a business model.
Well, I can't say that it started with a business model. It started as fun.
Started with a business model. It started as fun. You know, we've turned down so
it started as fun. You know, we've turned down so much capital in the beginning
you know, we've turned down so much capital in the beginning because it just -- we just
didn't want to, like, mess with
it.
Didn't want to, like, mess with it. It just -- like, the people just
needed what they needed,
it just -- like, the people just needed what they needed, especially at that time.
Needed what they needed, especially at that time. So, millions and millions of
dollars of sponsors we've turned
so, millions and millions of dollars of sponsors we've turned down because the timing wasn't
right.
Down because the timing wasn't right. But me and tim sat down and
said, "okay, there is gonna be a
but me and tim sat down and said, "okay, there is gonna be a time where we're gonna have to
graduate."
you know, and the first
graduation was us doing it with
apple.
Graduation was us doing it with apple. We wasn't thinking about
licenses and music and things
we wasn't thinking about licenses and music and things like that at that time.
Licenses and music and things like that at that time. We was just going.
Like that at that time. We was just going. But then every time, it's
we was just going. But then every time, it's getting bigger.
Labels are calling.
Getting bigger. Labels are calling. People are calling.
They're trying to find out how
people are calling. They're trying to find out how we're handling the sync license
they're trying to find out how we're handling the sync license and all these different things.
We're handling the sync license and all these different things. So, we realized that apple had
the license embedded because
so, we realized that apple had the license embedded because they're apple music.
The license embedded because they're apple music. I knew larry jackson over there,
and larry was, like, wanting to
do it.
And larry was, like, wanting to do it. And then we also went over there
because of the quality -- we
and then we also went over there because of the quality -- we wanted to upgrade the quality.
Because of the quality -- we wanted to upgrade the quality. So now we got trucks outside, so
the internet is not bad,
so now we got trucks outside, so the internet is not bad, all these different things.
The internet is not bad, all these different things. And that was that graduation.
All these different things. And that was that graduation. And so, like, anytime they're
and that was that graduation. And so, like, anytime they're hearing of black creatives doing
and so, like, anytime they're hearing of black creatives doing business, the immediate thing
they want to say is that you
sold out, you know?
They want to say is that you sold out, you know? And so I felt that we sold in,
right?
'cause it's like the creatives
can never really make the
business move the right way.
Can never really make the business move the right way. You know, but the businesspeople
that take advantage of the
you know, but the businesspeople that take advantage of the creatives can make any move and
it's the right way, right?
Creatives can make any move and it's the right way, right? And so I was just like, "there
has to be a point where this
and so I was just like, "there has to be a point where this turns into a business,
although it's for the love and
although it's black-owned and
although the company is sold to
a company that might not sound
black-owned, but it's still
black-owned."
me and tim is as black as it
gets, right?
Me and tim is as black as it gets, right? By having that ownership and
maintaining it so much, we've
by having that ownership and maintaining it so much, we've built up the equity.
Maintaining it so much, we've built up the equity. We didn't have to raise capital.
Built up the equity. We didn't have to raise capital. Right?
So we didn't dilute the company,
right? So we didn't dilute the company, which means that we went into
so we didn't dilute the company, which means that we went into triller, you know, as a pure
asset, didn't have to answer to
anyone else on our decisions.
Asset, didn't have to answer to anyone else on our decisions. But then we also had, you know,
enough power in our brand to
but then we also had, you know, enough power in our brand to bring 43 artists with us.
Enough power in our brand to bring 43 artists with us. And me and tim, out of our own
personal shares and our own
and me and tim, out of our own personal shares and our own personal money, not from
triller, but from our own
personal money, said, "no.
Triller, but from our own personal money, said, "no. Let's give the artists a little
piece, a little taste of the
let's give the artists a little piece, a little taste of the action," because we always build
up these apps and these
companies and we're never there
for the ipos.
Companies and we're never there for the ipos. We're never there for none of
those things.
You know, the list goes on, and
I just felt like it was a great
you know, the list goes on, and I just felt like it was a great move because -- what are we
gonna do, own 100% of nothing?
Move because -- what are we gonna do, own 100% of nothing? Like, I'm tired of us owning
100% of nothing.
"yeah, I'm cool!"
okay, but your company's
valuation is what?
Okay, but your company's valuation is what? Nothing.
Valuation is what? Nothing. And so, like, we can do
nothing. And so, like, we can do business.
You know, we can be creatives.
Business. You know, we can be creatives. We can be of color.
And we can do good business.
I wasn't laughing at all at them
and we can do good business. I wasn't laughing at all at them times.
[ chuckles ]
that's just me being a virgo,
you know, just me being so,
like, zoomed in on wanting
things to be great.
Like, zoomed in on wanting things to be great. And the teddy riley one and
babyface was definitely an
and the teddy riley one and babyface was definitely an eye-opener.
Babyface was definitely an eye-opener. But it helped us elevate
everything.
It helps us take it very serious
because with that going wrong at
it helps us take it very serious because with that going wrong at that time, I actually had
dr. Dre lined up, which is why
he was there with teddy riley.
Dr. Dre lined up, which is why he was there with teddy riley. He was gonna make his
announcement there, but once he
he was gonna make his announcement there, but once he seen how the quality was, he
called me and said, "swizz, I
can't be a part of this [bleep]"
I was like, "damn."
he was like, "you know I made my
whole career off of quality and
sound.
Whole career off of quality and sound. And for verzuz, like, I just
don't want to put my brand on
and for verzuz, like, I just don't want to put my brand on that at the time."
and it killed me.
That at the time." and it killed me. I was like, "ohh, like, we just
lost dre."
you know what I'm saying?
Lost dre." you know what I'm saying? And it just made me and tim just
go back and really take it
and it just made me and tim just go back and really take it serious and just level up as
high as possible.
Serious and just level up as high as possible. But going back looking at it,
you know, those moments helped
but going back looking at it, you know, those moments helped verzuz.
You know, those moments helped verzuz. And the reason why I like it is
because it shows that we're not
and the reason why I like it is because it shows that we're not perfect as creatives -- because
everybody thinks we're so
perfect.
Everybody thinks we're so perfect. You're singing on verzuz in real
time, this person having --
you're singing on verzuz in real time, this person having -- being human, right?
Time, this person having -- being human, right? And that's all it is.
Being human, right? And that's all it is. You know, when people go do
and that's all it is. You know, when people go do something on verzuz, they're
you know, when people go do something on verzuz, they're just being human.
>> swizz beatz: Yeah, I've known jay since I was about 17. And I remember just walking into
his office with my uncle dee and
and I remember just walking into his office with my uncle dee and him saying, you know -- he was
looking to work with grease,
another producer that was with
ruff ryders.
Another producer that was with ruff ryders. And then my uncle had a meeting
with him that day, and he just
and then my uncle had a meeting with him that day, and he just brought me with him.
With him that day, and he just brought me with him. He was like, "yo, this is my
nephew.
You two need to connect."
and I just happened to have a
you two need to connect." and I just happened to have a cassette on me with like 60
tracks.
Cassette on me with like 60 tracks. And then jay was like, "oh,
they're trying to throw the
and then jay was like, "oh, they're trying to throw the nephew on me," type of vibe.
They're trying to throw the nephew on me," type of vibe. You know, "I'm looking for
grease.
I'm not looking for swizz."
which, respectfully, I mean,
grease was killing it at that
time with -- you know, he had
tracks that was out that people
was loving.
Tracks that was out that people was loving. And then I put my cassette in.
Was loving. And then I put my cassette in. I gave him my cassette, and then
and then I put my cassette in. I gave him my cassette, and then later on dee was like, "alright,
we got to turn around.
Later on dee was like, "alright, we got to turn around. Jay wants to go in the studio
tonight."
jay wants to go in the studio tonight." and I was like, "damn."
and he did, like, five that
night, and we've been -- we've
been moving ever since that
five.
>> swizz beatz: I think what I learned from past relationships and past businesses -- take
ownership.
And past businesses -- take ownership. And, you know, the reason why I
went back to school was because
and, you know, the reason why I went back to school was because I was putting together a lot of
these deals with a lot of big
companies, but when I would go
into the rooms, they would
address me on musical terms
instead of business terms when
there wasn't -- I didn't look
anything like swizz beatz in
that room.
Anything like swizz beatz in that room. I'm suited.
That room. I'm suited. I'm coming on my business.
And I remember getting
offended -- getting offended by
and I remember getting offended -- getting offended by that.
Offended -- getting offended by that. And, you know, the first thing
you want to go to is, you know,
and, you know, the first thing you want to go to is, you know, the race card and coming up with
all these different things which
clouds our mind and block our
forward movement.
Clouds our mind and block our forward movement. And I just started asking some
different people about that, and
and I just started asking some different people about that, and they was like, "no, you know, I
don't think they're
disrespecting you.
Don't think they're disrespecting you. I just think you don't know the
language."
and when my friend told me that,
I was like, "ah.
And when my friend told me that, I was like, "ah. That makes sense."
because imagine we're sitting in
that makes sense." because imagine we're sitting in a meeting and they're talking to
me about abetting a plan or an
ipo or this different language,
and I'm in the meeting stuck
when they're trying to be
respectful of the deal that
we're all doing together.
Respectful of the deal that we're all doing together. So, I was like, "man, I have to
go learn the language if I'm
so, I was like, "man, I have to go learn the language if I'm gonna invest into what I have in
my vision for the next 20 years
plus.
My vision for the next 20 years plus. I have to sharpen my pencil."
but the thing about school this
time is that I actually knew the
mission that I was on.
Time is that I actually knew the mission that I was on. And once I have a plan, I'm
gonna carry out that mission.
Before going to school, you
don't really know what a mission
before going to school, you don't really know what a mission is.
Don't really know what a mission is. You're just going.
Is. You're just going. You're not liking your teachers.
My kids is going through it now.
You know, you want to have fun
my kids is going through it now. You know, you want to have fun all day.
You want to be with your friends
all day.
Like, you don't really care
about school because, one, it's
like, you don't really care about school because, one, it's not fun, you know, at that time.
About school because, one, it's not fun, you know, at that time. Two, you don't really know what
you're gonna do.
And then three, it can be a lot
of pressure, too, you know,
and then three, it can be a lot of pressure, too, you know, depending on your household and
things like that.
Depending on your household and things like that. So, school is a little bit of
pressure, but going, you know,
so, school is a little bit of pressure, but going, you know, in my late 30s, I had a
different understanding.
In my late 30s, I had a different understanding. And I remember telling my
assistant, mo -- you know, I was
and I remember telling my assistant, mo -- you know, I was like, "man, I want to go --
I want to go back to school."
and she was like, "what?"
I was like, "yeah, I want to go
back to school."
you know, harvard has this
program called
owner/president management.
Program called owner/president management. And I was just like, "huh."
and then I figured out that I
and I was just like, "huh." and then I figured out that I was -- I was able to get in the
class because at that time
I was a big shareholder in
monster technology electronics.
And so, you know, you had to be
a part of a company that had a
and so, you know, you had to be a part of a company that had a certain amount that they made to
get into that class.
Certain amount that they made to get into that class. And it just taught me, like, a
lot of structure.
It taught me a lot of
discipline.
But it was also, like,
nerve-racking going back to
but it was also, like, nerve-racking going back to school from not being in a
classroom for so many years.
School from not being in a classroom for so many years. And I remember going to class,
and I was scared to raise my
and I remember going to class, and I was scared to raise my hand.
And I was scared to raise my hand. You know, I was scared to raise
my hand and say the wrong
you know, I was scared to raise my hand and say the wrong answer because I'm in the room
with, like, serious, serious
people, like fortune 500, you
know?
People, like fortune 500, you know? These are all big dogs.
Know? These are all big dogs. And then I remember just saying
these are all big dogs. And then I remember just saying to myself -- I'm like, "man, I
and then I remember just saying to myself -- I'm like, "man, I come from, like, nothing.
To myself -- I'm like, "man, I come from, like, nothing. Like [bleep] it, you know?
Come from, like, nothing. Like [bleep] it, you know? I'm gonna just raise my hand
like [bleep] it, you know? I'm gonna just raise my hand three times every class, even if
it's the wrong answer.
Three times every class, even if it's the wrong answer. And then I was raising my hand,
and most of my answers were
and then I was raising my hand, and most of my answers were right.
And most of my answers were right. And then I started realizing
that, "shoot, these people in
and then I started realizing that, "shoot, these people in here -- I know more about their
companies than they know about
their own companies."
and then my confidence started
building up because, like,
although a lot of people could
look smart or, you know, be in a
smart school, they're still
missing, you know, something
that's called common sense.
Missing, you know, something that's called common sense. But it just let me know that,
you know, you're probably
but it just let me know that, you know, you're probably smarter than you think you are.
You know, you're probably smarter than you think you are. You know, but you just got to
give yourself the chance to take
you know, but you just got to give yourself the chance to take the shot at it.
Give yourself the chance to take the shot at it. Like, most of us don't even
welcome our blessings because
like, most of us don't even welcome our blessings because we're running from it, worried
about saying something wrong or
doing something wrong or not
being perfect.
Doing something wrong or not being perfect. You know, like, it's not a
mistake if you learn from it.
>> swizz, don't go anywhere!
Mistake if you learn from it. >> swizz, don't go anywhere! >> swizz! Hey!
>> swizz beatz: I just learned
something very simple, you know,
with the relationship side.
Something very simple, you know, with the relationship side. You got to let the woman win.
With the relationship side. You got to let the woman win. That's it.
Like, everything else is cool.
She got it.
You know what? She's right.
You know what? I agree with her.
That's the simple [bleep]
you know what? I agree with her. That's the simple [bleep] like, that's it.
Like, if you fighting with a
queen, you gonna always lose.
Women are stronger than men
anyway.
You know, like, I don't even
know a true strong leader as a
you know, like, I don't even know a true strong leader as a man that doesn't have, like, a
stronger queen behind him.
Man that doesn't have, like, a stronger queen behind him. You understand?
Stronger queen behind him. You understand? So, you know, the women powers
you understand? So, you know, the women powers is very serious, and the quicker
so, you know, the women powers is very serious, and the quicker you know that, the better off
you'll be.
You know that, the better off you'll be. Like, anything roll up, like,
"nah, she got that.
She won. Nope."
I might have thought I won the
she won. Nope." I might have thought I won the game, but I didn't win the game.
She won the game.
Game, but I didn't win the game. She won the game. They brought life into this
she won the game. They brought life into this world.
That's something that me sitting
in this chair could never do.
You know, just the fact off of
that, like, you know, holding
you know, just the fact off of that, like, you know, holding magic in their stomach for nine
months and, you know, going
through all of that pain, you
know, for life -- that's like --
I commend all of the strong
queens out there.
I
>> swizz beatz: I thought it was pretty unique because we got about 20 people in the book
club, black, white, asian, you
name it, hispanic, you name it.
Club, black, white, asian, you name it, hispanic, you name it. And it was based on, you know,
being black in america because
and it was based on, you know, being black in america because all of this nonsense was
happening with, you know, the
police and killing, you know,
children and things like that.
Police and killing, you know, children and things like that. So, these topics were getting --
you know, the riots was
so, these topics were getting -- you know, the riots was happening, and the protesting
was happening, but, you know,
these kids got to go to school
and be in the mix of all this
and not really knowing how to
act towards one of their friends
or act towards their teacher
that might -- you know, it was a
very sensitive time.
That might -- you know, it was a very sensitive time. So, it was like, "okay, let's
not leave it up to cnn and
so, it was like, "okay, let's not leave it up to cnn and everywhere to educate our
children on what they're
supposed to be doing."
so we created this book club,
and it was just so informative
because everybody got to hear,
like, a real side of the story
that -- some was uneducated.
Like, a real side of the story that -- some was uneducated. Some was uninformed.
That -- some was uneducated. Some was uninformed. And it filled in so many gaps of
some was uninformed. And it filled in so many gaps of understanding and communication
and it filled in so many gaps of understanding and communication that helped my boys just feel
strong and strength.
That helped my boys just feel strong and strength. It was getting so bad at one
time I remember re-enacting if I
it was getting so bad at one time I remember re-enacting if I was a police officer to my son.
Time I remember re-enacting if I was a police officer to my son. You know, like, "if I'm a police
officer and I'm asking you this,
you know, like, "if I'm a police officer and I'm asking you this, how do you handle yourself?
Officer and I'm asking you this, how do you handle yourself? If I do this, how do you handle
yourself?
How do you handle yourself?"
because we're not even teaching
how do you handle yourself?" because we're not even teaching the kids how to handle theirself
when they're scared because what
they're seeing on the news is
trauma.
They're seeing on the news is trauma. And so they're feeling like,
"okay, I'm getting pulled over.
I'm about to get shot."
because everything that's being
reported on the news is you
getting shot.
Reported on the news is you getting shot. And it's not -- all cops are not
bad.
You understand?
Bad. You understand? The world consists of two
you understand? The world consists of two people -- good people and bad
the world consists of two people -- good people and bad people, you know, which is the
reason why, like, my son -- I
take him to the range.
Reason why, like, my son -- I take him to the range. His first encounter with a
weapon shouldn't be when it's
his first encounter with a weapon shouldn't be when it's pointed at him or he finds it by
accident somewhere in the street
or somewhere --
you know, I feel -- and this is
just me personally as a parent,
you know?
Just me personally as a parent, you know? I don't think that --
let's be clear 'cause, you know,
people are, "oh, he's letting
him play with guns."
no. It's all education.
Him play with guns." no. It's all education. Like, if my son know how to see
a firearm and disarm it and save
like, if my son know how to see a firearm and disarm it and save some of his friends or -- you
know, he's gonna respect it
more.
Know, he's gonna respect it more. Like, my son -- he's never gonna
play around with a gun because
like, my son -- he's never gonna play around with a gun because he knows how deadly it is, he
knows how the wrong thing can
happen, he's trained by one of
the best in the world.
Happen, he's trained by one of the best in the world. And, you know, that's what I
chose to do because this world
and, you know, that's what I chose to do because this world is wild out here.
Chose to do because this world is wild out here. ♪
I'm just dreaming.
Like, I don't have no
boundaries, and I don't even
like, I don't have no boundaries, and I don't even have goals anymore.
Boundaries, and I don't even have goals anymore. I realized that making goals is
like making boundaries, right?
Because it's like, "yo, I'm
gonna do this, this, this, and
because it's like, "yo, I'm gonna do this, this, this, and this."
and although I do feel that you
should write down your ideas and
know what you love and still
dream, but I think that it
should be more of an open book.
Dream, but I think that it should be more of an open book. Like, I know the things I like,
which I'm gonna gravitate
like, I know the things I like, which I'm gonna gravitate towards, but I don't have,
like -- I'm not putting pressure
no pressure on any of those
things.
No pressure on any of those things. I'm just letting them flow
'cause the universe is gonna
tell you when it's the right
time for it to happen, right?
Tell you when it's the right time for it to happen, right? Like, we can play all we want,
but god is the best at planning,
like, we can play all we want, but god is the best at planning, so you just got to let the
universe flow and just have good
intentions while you're doing
it.
Intentions while you're doing it. I'm coming to support everybody
'cause, you know, this is an
amazing industry that we're in
called music.
Amazing industry that we're in called music. And I'm here to support
everybody that work hard and
and I'm here to support everybody that work hard and that deserve what they deserve.
Everybody that work hard and that deserve what they deserve. I don't want to do things that
don't speak to my heart.
I just feel like it's a waste
of time.
I don't care how much money is
involved in it.
Like I said, I never really did
it for the money like that, you
like I said, I never really did it for the money like that, you know?
It for the money like that, you know? I turn down so many
opportunities that don't speak
to me, you know?
Opportunities that don't speak to me, you know? And I just feel like, there's
only 24 hours in a day.
We're not getting younger.
Only 24 hours in a day. We're not getting younger. So, like, to put your time
we're not getting younger. So, like, to put your time towards some negative energy and
so, like, to put your time towards some negative energy and something that's not speaking to
you, you're just literally
wasting your own time.
You, you're just literally wasting your own time. And I'm not saying not to
hustle.
I'm just saying where I'm at
with it, I think I've earned the
right to pick and choose how I
want to, you know, drive my
vehicle on the highway.
You know, sky's not the limit.
It's just the view.
You know, try different things.
Like, you know, they want to
tell you what you can't do, but
show them what you could do and
just go hard.
And, like, you know, don't
listen to the noise.
Don't listen to the negativity.
You know, if anything, just use
it as fuel in your jet to just
fly away into your greatness.