Swizz Beatz
Photo: Sohyung Kang/ MTV News

Super-producer Swizz Beatz has been keeping super busy in the studio these days.

Swizzy has jumped on Kanye West's all-star "Power" remix and has been updating his Twitter followers about his recent late-night sessions with everyone from N.E.R.D. to Mary J. Blige. During his Thursday (August 26) interview on "RapFix Live," the rapper/producer revealed that he's also been in the lab with 50 Cent.

"I met up with him earlier in the day," Swizz explained about slotting studio time with Fif, Mary and Busta Rhymes on Wednesday. "He's working on some amazing material that we're possibly collaborating on." For the most part, Swizz kept the details of his collabo with 50 on the low: "I don't want to talk too soon or too early, but it's crazy."

50 has been going back and forth about the direction of his next album after reportedly scrapping plans to work in some dance rhythms on his Black Magic LP. Swizzy, who hit the studio with 50 to craft material for the Queens MC's 2007 album Curtis, said the only advice he has for Fif is to maintain a winner's attitude.

"Triumphant. That's it. Everything just would have to be triumphant," Swizzy advised. But the producer said he's encouraging all the stars he works with, including the Queen of Hip-Hop Soul, to unleash a crazy amount of swagger in the booth.

"That's my approach on every artist I'm working with right now. Even with Mary, you're gonna be able to hear this week, probably Friday, her sound that's triumphant," Swizz said. "For me to have that blueprint and to want to be able to share it with everybody that's of talent, it's like, 'Wow, this is what I get to do for work?' It's fun."

What do you think an upcoming Swizz Beatz and 50 Cent collabo would sound like? Sound off in the comments below!

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• Swizz Beatz
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Alicia Keys marries Swizz Beatz on the Mediterranean Sea July 31
Photo: Stephanie Pistel

Swizz Beatz became part of one of the most high-profile musical duos after tying the knot with superstar songstress Alicia Keys this summer. And although the couple have dozens of hit records, millions of album sales, tons of awards and gobs of respect from fans and fellow artists under their respective belts, Swizzy said their outsize star power doesn't factor into their relationship. When it comes to Alicia, Swizz keeps it all about love.

"It's a blessing," Swizz told MTV News' Sway about finding his match during his "RapFix Live" interview on Thursday (August 26). "I don't look at it as from a superstar basis. I look at my relationship with my wife as a union that's just connected ... spiritually. I'm not into the names and the superstars and this and that. I've been around that my whole life. It means nothing to me. It's just about great people."

Swizz, who got hitched about a month ago and is expecting a child with his new wife, also described falling in love with Keys. The superproducer didn't point to a specific moment in their relationship that pushed him head over heels but said, simply, that he just began to sense a certain head-spinning emotion for Keys.

"It's just a feeling," Swizzy said. "Love is a word that's powerful but the feeling is even stronger."

Even with the charmed, jet-setting lifestyle Swizz has been able to experience for years, the rapper/producer said his connection with Keys has enhanced his life.

"To identify that feeling is something that's amazing because it doesn't only come from your partner. It comes from your love for music, your love for people, your love for a lot of things, and I think that once you identify the feeling of love, you'll be a better person," Swizz explained. "I'm a better man. I think that having love in your life, it just has that effect. Because then you spread love. You can't enjoy love without spreading love. I just think that it all falls in the pocket."

What do you think about Swizz's comments on love and his wife, Alicia Keys? Let us know in the comments!

• 'RapFix Live' With Swizz Beatz

• Lovebirds: Alicia Keys And Swizz Beatz

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Swizz Beatz
Photo: Sohyung Kang/ MTV News

It was a picture worth a thousand tweets: multi-platinum producers Kanye West, Pharrell Williams and Swizz Beatz all working together in one studio. The image was snapped by Clinton Sparks and posted on his Twitter earlier this month.

During MTV News' "RapFix Live" on Thursday (August 26), Swizz explained that the trio were booked in the same studio — Swizz to work with N.E.R.D., and Kanye to work on Swizzy's forthcoming solo effort.

By the end of the night, though, they all converged and had a "real down-to-earth conversation; I think hip-hop needs more of that," Swizz recalled.

"It's really confidential, I'm not even gonna front," Swizz said about what went down that night. "I don't want to be the person to let all the news out. I got to save some stories in case 'Ye or P wanna elaborate on that. But just know that it was epic, and it was amazing to see such forces in the room, humbled but honest at the same time, comparing notes, comparing music."

The Ruff Ryders alum said the three producers are very "serious" when they discuss and critique each other's work. But the respect level is so high that no one takes the suggestions personally, Swizz said. And he hopes that the "positive, competitive energy" they have together results in the best possible music.

"If someone is saying 'no' to something or 'It's not right,' the reason why is gonna come, and then the debate," Swizz said of the process. "And you make the decision after that."

Are you looking forward to hearing music from the three super-producers? Let us know in the comments!

• 'RapFix Live' With Swizz Beatz

• Swizz Beatz
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Photo: Sohyung Kang/ MTV News

• Swizz Beatz

Swizz Beatz
Photo: Bryan Bedder/ Getty Images

Swizz Beatz has been busy in the studio lately, working on numbers for Kanye West, N.E.R.D., Mary J. Blige and, of course, his own solo album, Haute Living.

The multiplatinum producer has been tweeting about his long nights recently, but he told MTV News that when you're inspired by a project, there's just no sleep until completion.

"When you're working on albums, nobody sleeps," he explained of all the work piled on his plate. "The excitement of being in the moment of music and having that pressure on you — you got a lot of people waiting on that project, you not gonna sleep either. You want to get it right in your mind, [so] you don't have an appetite, you're not tired. You go into overdrive ... to make the best thing possible.

"That shows how it goes when you work with real artists, you work until it's done," Swizz added. "Sometimes it gets overdone [Laughs]."

Over the weekend, Swizz and Blige connected in the studio and completed four records, according to the Ruff Ryder alum's Twitter messages. He told MTV News that at least one of the songs would see the light of day this week. While Swizz said he's producing a number of songs for her new project, he also revealed that Blige might appear on one track from his forthcoming LP.

While holed up in a New York studio earlier this month, Swizz managed to collaborate with Kanye West on his "Power" remix. His studio session with Pharrell happened to overlap with Kanye's and the three producers wound up working on one another's projects by the end of the night, Swizz said.

"We were in there working on multiple things, [Kanye] was working on a song for my album, I was working with N.E.R.D. in another room for their album, and then the 'Power' remix was still in the works," Swizz explained. "So, at the end of the night, everybody just ended up in both rooms. It was just going from one joint to the other and everyone showing respect to everyone's craft. It was super-dope."

Who else would you like to hear on a Swizz Beatz collabo? Share your wish list in the comments!

• Swizz Beatz

Swizz Beatz
Photo: Johnny Nunez/ WireImage

Swizz Beatz has a lot to talk about, from his forthcoming album to his recent nuptials to Alicia Keys. The multi-platinum producer said that on his new project, he'll be revealing more than just the frenetic figure he's known to be on songs with his peers.

"I believe it's my best work ever. It's my 'perception of greatness,' which is the title," he told MTV News, although on Monday, he posted on Twitter that he's set to reveal a new title.

The Ruff Ryders alum said the album will be his most personal yet, chronicling not only his career as a producer but also revealing parts of himself, Kasseem Dean.

"I just wanna give everyone the unthinkable," he said of the project. "When you think of Swizz, you think of a lot of party things. But this time I have a lot to say. I'm more mature. I just got a lot to talk about."

Will he share some of those things later this week? Swizz Beatz will join Sway on Thursday as the latest guest on MTV News' "RapFix Live." The show is interactive and features fans asking artists questions via video uploads at Your.MTV.com and tweets to @MTVNews, using the hashtag #rapfixlive.

Swizz follows in the footsteps of "RapFix" guests Rick Ross, Wiz Khalifa, Fat Joe, G-Unit's Lloyd Banks and Soulja Boy Tell'em.

Swizz was recently in the studio with Kanye West and the Neptunes' Pharrell, as the three producers have been collaborating on each other's projects. The producer said the creativity was flowing throughout as the trio worked alongside Q-Tip and others.

Catch Swizz Beatz on the "RapFix Live" stream on Thursday at 1 p.m. ET!

• Lovebirds: Alicia Keys And Swizz Beatz

• Swizz Beatz

Swizz Beatz
Photo: Johnny Nunez/WireImage

Kanye West's "Power" remix had just as much manpower on the record — 'Ye, Jay-Z, John Legend, Swizz Beatz — as it did behind the scenes. According to Swizz Beatz, the studio sessions that ultimately led to the production of the number featured not only the aforementioned artists, but also input from Q-Tip, Mos Def and the Neptunes' Pharrell Williams.

"Just multiple combinations," Swizz told MTV News on Monday (August 23). The MCs and producers were all working on each other's albums as the "Power" remix was being put together.

The pressure was on Kanye to deliver after the rapper announced in an interview with Angie Martinez on August 11 that a remix of "Power" featuring Jay-Z would be delivered by that Friday, August 13.

"He definitely, definitely was focused," Swizz said. " 'Cause when he made that announcement, we didn't have what we had. But you know when something feels right and it's time to let something to go.

" 'Ye was trying to put it out the best way possible, to give it to the people," Swizz explained of the delay that followed; the remix arrived a bit later than what Yeezy promised. "And then the day before, the last day, before the remix dropped, it just felt like the song needed to change up. I heard it changing up on something different, something that was already on the beat. And I was trying to explain it, but I didn't want to go in too much because [Kanye] was writing his verse. But it sparked an idea."

Once work on the track was complete, though, there was little if any lag time from the studio to the airwaves. Swizz said that after they finished the three-part remix — one part Jay and 'Ye; one part a solo 'Ye over slower music; and the third, Swizz's contribution featuring Snap's "I've Got the Power" — Funkmaster Flex had premiered the track on NY radio station Hot 97, before Swizz had even made it home from the studio.

Who would you have wanted to hear jump on a remix of "Power"? Tell us in the comments!

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Jay-Z and Kanye West
Photo: Dimitrios Kambouris/ WireImage

If you're putting together a remix of a song called "Power," it makes sense to hand over the first few verses to Forbes' top Hip-Hop Cash King. That explains why Kanye West invited Jay-Z to bless the remake of the first single from his new album.

"Is this thing on? Oh, I thought they silenced us, 'Ye. Power to the people," Jay says before dropping into his first verse on the song, which Funkmaster Flex aired in part on New York's Hot 97 and then posted in full on his site Thursday (August 19) night.

"We livin' in that 31st century/ Futuristic fly sh--/ The penthouse is the projects and everybody flies private," Jigga raps, taking the tune a century ahead of Kanye's original. "New watches, you know what time it is, watch us/ They can't stop us, the prophets, beyotches," he adds, before Yeezy lays down the song's now-indelible chorus.

But Jay's not done yet. "Rumble young man, rumble/ Life is a trip so sometimes we gon' stumble/ You gotta go through pain in order to become you/ But once the world numbs you you'll feel like there's only one you/ Now you got the power to do anything you want to/ Until you ask yourself, 'Is this what it's all come to?' "

Giving some sage advice to his younger charge, Jay adds, 'F--- all these labels/ F--- what everyone wants from you," warning that they're trying to "Axl Rose you/ Welcome to the Jungle." The Chairman follows up with a reference to the philosophy of renowned late author, womanizer and pugilist Norman Mailer, explaining that his man is "in search of the truth/ Even if it goes through Taylor Swift."

By the time it's Kanye's time to shine, he's ready to brag about how "Power" has already created its own universe. "Now when I walk in, everybody do the 'Power' clap/ Clap, clap, clap/ Fresh for the club, I just took a half an hour nap," raps the tireless MC. Then he alludes to the time he spent off after the Swift incident at last year's MTV VMAs with the line, "My socket was out the plug, now it's time to get the power back."

After pondering the abuse of power, 'Ye says while we can't all become "American Idols," we can at least "grab a camera, shoot a viral/ Huh? Take the power in your own hands/ I'm a grown man, doin' my grown dance." Considering his video for "Power" is like a moving painting, it's fitting that the Louis Vuitton Don drops an art history reference, ending his verse with the line, "I don't stop until I see the end, my vision is clear, b----/ I'm on my Van Gogh, I don't hear s---."

West gets a bit uncharacteristically political in his next verse, sending prayers out to those who lost family members in the Pakistani floods while praying that the U.S. keeps troops out of Iran and doesn't get tangled up with North Korea. Swizz Beatz drops in to pump West up a bit more, and then Yeezy brings it home with an extended verse in double time over his background singers, who slide into the iconic chorus from Snap!'s 1990 club banger "The Power."

Showing he still feels like a king, Kanye drops references to the crucifixion and compares himself to both NASCAR legend Jeff Gordon and NBA superstar Michael Jordan. "But I be feelin' like Jordan when I'm recordin'," he says, elongating the end of each line, " 'Cause every time I record, I duck to slap the boards."

But don't think he doesn't have a sense of humor about his public image. "I don't know what these rappers gon' do afterwards/ Prolly spaz like I might do at the awards," he says, admitting that the remix is another realization of one of his life's dreams.

"Now Jay my big brother and Bey my 'lil sister."

What do you think of Kanye's "Power" remix with Jay-Z and Swizz Beatz? Let us know in comments below.

• The Inspiration For Kanye West's 'Power' Video
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T.I. performs in New York City on August 16
Photo: Jamie McCarthy/ Getty Images

NEW YORK — The King of the South ruled the Big Apple last night as T.I. brought a live band to lower Manhattan's Capitale to perform a "secret show" sponsored by Axe deodorant body spray. The show was Tip's first since returning home from prison several months ago.

Wearing a hoodie, Tip addressed the crowd from the side of the stage before coming out. "Y'all act like y'all scared to get this muthaf---a started," he said. Moments later, the King came out to "I'm Back." Tip took off his hood to reveal a red Anaheim Angels hat, then started "Beat Down Low."

The star of the upcoming film "Takers" (due August 24) then leveled the venue with a flurry of his street classics including "Rubber Band Man," "24s," "Ride Wit Me" and "U Don't Know Me." The transitions were seamless and Tip was in prime form, sounding crisp and full of energy. The Grammy winner did take a couple of breaks though, to let his guests rock.

Cam'ron came out for one of his signature bangers, "I Really Mean It." Then the head of the Diplomats and the U.N. introduced fellow Harlem native Vado for "Speaking in Tungs." "This is king amongst kings," Tip said. "Since I had the King of Harlem, I had to bring out the King of Brooklyn."

Maino was then introduced and performed his platinum hit "All the Above."

Tip then shared a mini-set with his Grand Hustle artist B.o.B. First Bob came out for Paper Trail's "On Top of the World" and stayed for his collabo with Tip "Bet I Bust." T.I. then handed over the full reigns of the stage to the man with the alias of Bobby Ray. And B.o.B pulled out his number-one guns with "Nothing on You" and "Airplanes."

Tip returned and asked could he get his grown man on. Mary J. Blige then came out to the stage for "Don't Forget Me" and "Good Love."

When Tip was at a point in the concert when some artists began to falter and lose the fans' attention, T.I. went in the opposite direction and turned up the dial.

Swizz Beatz came out for "Fancy" and the audience yelled along, "You fancy, huh?" The enthusiasm was maintained on possibly the most energetic two records of the night: the Tip/Swizz collaborations "Bring Em Out" and "Swing Your Rag."

From there, the catalog kept rolling with vintage records like "Swagger Like Us," "ASAP" and "Live Your Life."

Keri Hilson was the last guest to perform, with "Got Your Back." And as the night came to a close, Tip kept his attention on the ladies with "Whatever You Like."

Friends and fans alike are still buzzing about T.I.P.'s secret show. Find out what Hilson, Yelawolf and others are saying and join the conversation on our RapFix blog.

• T.I.'s NYC Secret Show With B.o.B, Mary J. Blige, Cam'ron

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Kanye West
Photo: Robyn Beck/ AFP/ Getty Images

Now that Kanye West is back on his grind, the LV Don appears determined to push harder than ever to produce unique music. Case in point: Over the past five days, in addition to performing at an intimate club show on Thursday, where he covered songs by Rihanna and Billy Joel and was joined by Estelle, Yeezy hit the studio to work on a remix of "Power" with an all-star cast.

Given his new status as the Titan of Twitter, he, of course, tweeted about the progress of the sessions. "Scheduled studio visits 2day, Nikki [Minaj], John Legend, Mos Def, Swizz Beatz, Pusha T, Phillip Lim," he wrote of a remix session that roped in everyone from the newlywed producer he has called one of the greatest of all time (Beatz), to Clipse member T and piano man Legend, who tickled the ivories for 'Ye at Thursday night's show.

He likened the sessions to the all-star power summits of the early jazz era, writing, "remember jazz musicians used to collab and do 4 song albums or James Brown used to just keep dropping sh-- back to back." In that spirit, West added, "I might have to put out 5 albums this year ... My spirit is full ... My heart is open ... People want new music ... I can't hold it back."

And that wasn't all. He uploaded a photo from the studio that featured him with Beatz and Def, as well as another pal who knows a thing or two about harnessing the power: Los Angeles Lakers legend Kobe Bryant. "Kobe helped me finish my #POWER remix verse ... Just building on the concept of #POWE... and Mos helped me find the 'old me' lyrically," he explained early Sunday morning.

After a "super late" night in the lab with Mos that lasted early into Sunday morning, West said he was feeling so inspired that he actually had to unplug himself before he laid down the longest verse in rap history. "I had to cut my POWER remix verse short to not over do it with the million bar verse like the 2nd verse of 'See Me Now,' " he wrote. "There's so many ways to break down the subject of power ... me and Kobe went in on it... Perfect person to help out on that."

In addition to teasing a possible Justin Bieber/Raekwon collabo, throwing out some random props to M.I.A., Matt & Kim, and Fiona Apple, and taking a break to go jogging (in Lanvin gear, of course), 'Ye ended what sounded like a sleepless weekend on a creative and emotional high. "Sometimes I can't control my excitement," he wrote Sunday afternoon. "So happy ... so creative ... in the studio ... ready to create ... finished 'Power' verse ... more music."

And, in keeping with his status as the new pied piper poet of Twitter, 'Ye — who will appear at this year's MTV VMAs on September 12 — wrapped the creative marathon with an early morning tweet on Monday that summed up his new philosophy: "I'm just tryna keep it symmetrical." Right.

The 27th annual MTV Video Music Awards will be broadcast live from the Nokia Theatre in Los Angeles on Sunday, September 12, at 9 p.m. ET. Fans can go to VMA.MTV.com (or text VMA to 97979 if they are Verizon subscribers) to vote for the winners in general categories, including Best New Artist, from Tuesday (August 3) through September 12.

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