1. DPS TEXT<br />After going through a divorce, getting with an international superstar, producing hit after hit in the studio and recently having a new baby, Swizz Beatz talks us through his whirlwind year.<br />So, Swizz what was it like working with artists such as Drake?<br /> Well I did a lot of work on his album, producing a few tracks and making some beats so to be actually featured on ‘Fancy’ was a great honour because Drake is an artist I have a lot of respect for and is actually one of my big inspirations.<br />Any other artists in the Swizz Beatz line-up?<br />[Laughs] I can’t say anything officially yet, because it’s not set in stone. But I can say there are some ill collaborations coming up in this year. This is the year it all changes, hip-hop wise. This genre will change forever and if I have anything to do with it, it’ll stay that way. But that’s all I’m saying – a sick Slickk exclusive!<br />Much appreciated. How did you cope going through a divorce and then a few months later getting together with one of RnB’s biggest stars – Alicia Keys?<br />[Briefly looks down to the floor] Ah man, the divorce was probably one of the darkest times of my life. I mean when you think you found that special lady to spend your whole life with and then one day it all changes, it’s like your best friend dying. People read the tabloids and automatically believe every word they read, but what a lot of people don’t know is that I did not leave her for Alicia; our marriage was over months before I even got with Alicia. But because my life has now turned into other people’s entertainment, the scale at which s**t got exaggerated to made me sound like the bad guy, when really I’m just a pawn in this game.<br />At least everything is cleared up now. How did you guys eventually meet?<br />[Gazes upwards and smiles] We were presenting the award for best album together at the VMA’s a couple months back (Video Music Awards) and backstage we got talking and just had instant chemistry. You know when you just click with someone? And we already had so much in common because of our musical background. She just had such an amazing energy about her, it’s like she just projected positivity, you know what I’m sayin? She’s also a girl from the West Coast, which I loved. I mean, you gotta represent.<br />Represent indeed! So talk us through your experience of gaining a new addition to the family.<br />Aww, baby Egypt is just such a blessing. I thank God everyday for providing me with such a beautiful girl and another great member of the Swizz Beatz sibling clan [laughs]. Nicole (Swizz’s daughter from previous marriage to Jahna Sebastian) accepted her straightaway and she’s so happy she has someone to play with and dress-up.<br />And the complications with the birth?<br />Damn, news travels fast! [Quick exhale, reluctantly] Alicia went into labour on October 14th and we were just like any other expectant couple you know, prepared and nervous yet excited at the same time. So we quickly got our s**t together and were ready to leave for the hospital. I got the hospital bag but as I was going down the stairs, I dropped it because of my f***ing shaky hands! Alicia was following close behind me and she slipped on the bag and fell down the stairs. [long pause] <br />We got to the hospital and she was ready to start pushing. But after…it musta been like 20/30 minutes in, the doctor started panicking and said the baby needed to come out right away because the umbilical cord got wrapped around her neck and was cutting off her oxygen supply. That, was truly the worst moment of my entire life. They gave Alicia a C-section and before I knew it I had a breathless baby in my arms. I’m no expert, but when a newborn is not crying and is blue in the face then something is definitely wrong. My child was dying in my arms and it was all my fault. I’d never felt so helpless and useless. They took her off me after seconds of holding her and then there were 5 doctors surrounding her on the table. Alicia was going hysterical and I was trying my hardest to console her, but what can you do in that situation?<br />In the next few minutes, they were handing over a healthy baby free of any issues or complications.<br />Wow, that must’ve been terrifying. However, we’re overjoyed with the happy ending. On a lighter final note, what is next for Swizz Beatz?<br />[Deep inhale] Ahh man, I’m just going to focus first and foremost on my kids and raising them in the best way possible. My mother always told me kids are a reflection of their parents, so I’m going to set the best example so they go down the right path.<br />Next month I’m releasing my album ‘A mile in my shoes’ which has in it songs about my lead up to fame, some tracks are inspired by my divorce and new relationship and little Egypt was my muse for ‘Such A Star’ (My Baby). My collabo with Drake on ‘Fancy’ is also a bonus track on the album which hits the stores from next month.<br />Slickk are pleased to reveal that after being in contact with Swizz post interview, he announced that wedding bells are set for himself and Alicia and that all the family, especially baby Egypt are all well. Congrats soon-to-be Mr. & Mrs. Beatz! Check next month’s issue for exclusive details.<br />