Swizz Beatz Archives - New Hip Hop News

Swizz Beatz Revs Up Verzuz Relaunch With Major Announcement

November 7, 2024 by newhiphopnews

Swizz Beatz riled Verzuz fans up on Thursday (Nov. 7) with an Instagram preview of its return in 2025. The super producer shared a video of a new hoodie tagged with the Verzuz account, captioned “2025 Loading…” The teaser follows the brand’s announcement of its partnership with X, formerly Twitter, over the summer. Founded by Swizz and Timbaland in 2020, Verzuz became a huge success during the pandemic with viral clashes by the biggest names in music, including Rick Ross, Ne-Yo, Babyface, and more.

After a high-profile lawsuit against Triller over contract disputes, the brand announced a new distribution partnership with X on June 20. Triller and Verzuz settled in 2022, but the superproducers filed another lawsuit in 2024, alleging Triller failed to honor the agreement. Verzuz’s new deal reveals that the relaunch will be exclusively distributed on X. After announcing a hiatus in 2022, Swizz Beatz and Timbaland shared that they are “beyond excited” about working with the social media platform. “Beyond thrilled to have found the best partner for Verzuz,” they wrote in an official statement.

Swizz Beatz & Timbaland Ready Verzuz For 2025, Previews New Merch

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Swizz Beatz (@therealswizzz)

Elon Musk‘s involvement in the new distribution deal has received mixed reviews on social media. Swizz Beatz addressed the backlash immediately after the announcement, assuring fans that the production value would be preserved. “We will show you better than tell you,” Swizzy wrote in an Instagram post about the new deal in June. Verzuz’s legal battle with former partner Triller remains unresolved in 2024.

A lineup for the relaunch has yet to be announced. In June, Timbaland mentioned taking the match-up worldwide and explained, “Our goal has always been to bring Verzuz to the world which we can now do bigger than ever.” Are you ready for Verzuz’s return? Which dream matches do you want to see in the relaunch? Any rematches? Share your thoughts in the comments section down below, and keep an eye on HNHH for more updates.

[Via]

The post Swizz Beatz Revs Up Verzuz Relaunch With Major Announcement appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

Swizz Beatz Sued For $7.3M Allegedly Gifted To Him By International Fugitive

October 8, 2024 by newhiphopnews

Several reports have confirmed that super producer Swizz Beatz is being accused of receiving embezzled money from a “notorious international fugitive” in a lawsuit filed last week.

The suit claims that the Ruff Ryders in-house producer received the funds from Jho Low and Eric Tan between September 2012 and September 2014. Low and Tan were both involved in the same 1Malaysia Development Berhad corruption scandal that got Pras convicted of crimes in federal court earlier this year.

“As the 1MDB Fraud was underway, Jho Low became a well-known figure in the Hollywood scene and developed a reputation as a businessman with deep pockets and a penchant for hosting lavish, star-studded parties and group vacations,” the lawsuit states. “Throughout the early 2010s, Low befriended many U.S. celebrities including Dean and his wife Alicia Keys.”

The plaintiffs are unsure if Swizz knew that the funds were embezzled, however, they are still valiant in recovering the stolen money.

The post Swizz Beatz Sued For $7.3M Allegedly Gifted To Him By International Fugitive appeared first on .

Swizz Beatz Has Been Accused Of Receiving $7.3 Million In Stolen Funds Connected To The 1Malaysia Development Berhad Scandal

October 5, 2024 by newhiphopnews

Swizz Beatz Dean Collection Brooklyn Museum 2024 (1024x437) — Getty Image

According to reports, Swizz Beatz’s money is looking funny. The famed producer, Verzuz co-founder, and loving husband to Alicia Keys has supposedly been named in an international fraud scandal.

Based on a lawsuit filing obtained by AllHipHop, Swizz Beatz received a whooping sum of $7.3 million in stolen funds connected to the 1Malaysia Development Berhad scandal (often referred to as 1MDB).

In the paperwork, it alleged that Swizz Beatz (real named Kasseem Dean) was tied back to Jho Low as far back as the 2010s. “As the 1MDB Fraud was underway, Jho Low became a well-known figure in the Hollywood scene and developed a reputation as a businessman with deep pockets and a penchant for hosting lavish, star-studded parties and group vacations,” reads the suit. “Throughout the early 2010s, Low befriended many U.S. celebrities including Dean and his wife Alicia Keys. Between September 21, 2012 and September 4, 2014, Jho Low and/or Eric Tan caused the debtors to transfer $7,300,000 to defendants and, during that same time period, the debtors did not receive any money back from the defendants or any other consideration from the defendants in exchange for the fraudulent transfers.”

The breakdown of funds supposedly sent to Dean include, a $1.5 million payment to Swizz Beatz Productions Inc. in September 2012 as well as a $1 million then additional $800,000 transfer deployed in October 2012 by Alsen Chance. In addition to that, Dean’s Monza Studios is accused of receiving $800,000 in November 2013 and $1 million in December 2013 from Affinity sent $800,000 to Swizz Beatz’s Monza Studios in November 2013 and $1 million in December 2013. Outside of that, the filing alleged that Dean was personally sent $500,000 in June 2014, $300,000 in July 2014 and $1.4 million in September 2014.

Now, liquidators are seeking damages in the amount of $3.3 million from Swizz Beatz Productions, $1.8 million from Monza Studios, and then $2.2 million from Dean himself. The filer is also demanding that Dean cover attorneys’ fees and other court costs. Swizz Beatz has not yet addressed the lawsuit.

In April 2023, Pras Michel (of hip-hop trio Fuguees) was found guilty of several counts of money laundering in connection with the scandal. Despite his conviction, Michel maintains his innocence.

Swizz Beatz And Timbaland Announce The Return Of ‘Verzuz’ Through A Partnership With X/Twitter

June 19, 2024 by newhiphopnews

A pandemic-era favorite is making a comeback. Today (June 19), super-producers Swizz Beatz and Timbaland announced that Verzuz will make a return via a partnership with X (formerly Twitter).

The news arrives months after Tim and Swizz purchased Verzuz from previous partner Triller, now owning 100 percent of the Verzuz platform, while retaining their equity from their time with Triller. As a result, X will now have distribution rights to Verzuz, which will now broadcast on the platform that has over 550 million users.

“We are beyond thrilled to have found the best partner for Verzuz,” said Swizz in a statement. “Not only are we excited to have Verzuz on X, we’re excited to help X build the biggest entertainment company in the world. I would like to thank Elon Musk, Linda Yaccarino, Brett Weitz, Mitchell Smith and the entire X team for believing in the Verzuz vision. We can’t wait to get to work.”

Verzuz has seen several hip-hop and R&B artists — like Brandy and Monica, Nelly and Ludacris, Gucci Mane and Jeezy, and more — duel off, playing hit-for-hit within their discography. Verzuz has produced over 40 episodes, generating 100 million-plus live views and over 70 billion impressions.

At the time of writing, no new Verzuz face-offs have been announced, but we imagine Tim and Swizz have some exciting competitions in the pipeline.

“We are thrilled to partner with X, the most innovative platform globally,” said Timbaland in a statement. “Our goal has always been to bring Verzuz to the world which we can now do bigger than ever.”

Swizz Beatz And Timbaland Ink New Distribution Partnership Between Verzuz & X

June 19, 2024 by newhiphopnews

Making a monumental power move, VERZUZ—the online award-winning, multi-media platform launched by Swizz Beatz and Timbaland—has cemented an exclusive partnership with X for distribution. Swizz and Timbaland personally broke the news at an activation in Cannes, France today.

Earlier this year, Swizz and Timbaland reacquired VERZUZ from previous partner Triller, now owning 100% of the platform, while retaining their equity (along with the artists who participated in VERZUZ) in Triller. Upon resuming complete control, they sought out the perfect channel for independent distribution.

The partnership journey with X has now begun!

Together, the companies orchestrated a mutually beneficial alliance where Swizz and Timbaland maintain their full ownership and creative control, while X receives exclusive distribution rights. As a result, VERZUZ will now broadcast to an audience of over 550 million active users, exponentially expanding its viewership and international reach like never before. Since the inception of VERZUZ, the conversations around each VERZUZ naturally evolved on X from fans and enthusiasts alike. Viewers will now be able to watch for FREE exclusively on X, bringing the visual series, and viral conversation, all to one platform! Stay tuned for the announcement of the next VERZUZ matchup coming soon.

About this chapter, Swizz stated, “We are beyond thrilled to have found the best partner for Verzuz. Not only are we excited to have Verzuz on X, we’re excited to help X build the biggest entertainment company in the world. I would like to thank Elon Musk, Linda Yaccarino, Brett Weitz, Mitchell Smith and the entire X team for believing in the Verzuz vision. We can’t wait to get to work.”

Timbaland added, “We are thrilled to partner with X, the most innovative platform globally. Our goal has always been to bring Verzuz to the world which we can now do bigger than ever.”

As they have since the first VERZUZ, the founders uplift the culture and community into the spotlight in the center of the world’s stage. However, they preserve the same grit, honor, authenticity, and integrity that makes hip-hop, rap, R&B, soul and ALL genres of music so special. They have the opportunity to magnify its resonance, thanks to Elon Musk, Linda Yaccarino, CEO of X, and the entire X team championing their unfiltered voices.

Linda Yaccarino stated, “X is so proud to partner with trailblazing creators, artists, and entrepreneurs Swizz Beatz & Timbaland. Our platform stands at the forefront of innovation, and Verzuz defines the essence of an innovative content experience. As we continue to work with the most exciting voices to bring premium content to X, there is no better fit than this series. Together we will redefine how consumers engage with their favorite entertainment, one Verzuz at a time.”

VERZUZ has partnered with Uncontained Media, led by Christian Sarabia, and Raymond Garcia. Together, they have produced multiple hit shows including Emmy Winner DRIVE WITH SWIZZ BEATZ and will serve as the production company and Executive Producers of VERZUZ.

The influence and impact of VERZUZ has proven to be undeniable. So far, it has produced over 40 episodes, generating 100 million-plus live views and over 70 billion impressions. It has naturally encompassed other verticals with VERZUZ SPORTS, and VERZUZ COMEDY, all which play well to some of the most highly engaged communities on X. Not to mention, the power of the #VERZUZEFFECT cannot be overstated. Every artist that has participated in a VERZUZ have seen dramatic increases in streaming, ticket sales, merchandise, and overall revenue from just one appearance.

The post Swizz Beatz And Timbaland Ink New Distribution Partnership Between Verzuz & X first appeared on The Source.

The post Swizz Beatz And Timbaland Ink New Distribution Partnership Between Verzuz & X appeared first on The Source.

WATCH: Swizz Beatz Appears as DJ Kool Herc in Trailer for MGM+ Series ‘Hotel Cocaine’

June 4, 2024 by newhiphopnews

There’s a new elevated crime drama coming soon from a familiar pedigree. MGM+’s new crime drama, Hotel Cocaine, takes audiences into Miami’s tumultuous cocaine era of the 1970s and ’80s.

From the creator of Narcos and Godfather of Harlem, the series is set in the luxurious Coconut Grove area of South Beach. The Mutiny Hotel—cool name—was a notorious hub for drug traffickers and FBI agents alike, who would momentarily put aside their differences to celebrate together. I learned something new today. The feds and cocaine cowboys used to turn up together.

Get this: the series follows Roman Compte, the Mutiny’s general manager and a Cuban exile, portrayed by Danny Pino. Compte tries to navigate American life while distancing himself from his cocaine kingpin brother, Nestor Cabal, played by Yul Vazquez. Pino explains, “One of the many themes of this show is to maintain this sort of hedonistic adult playground party where anything is possible, and it’s all pleasure. But we see to support the people who can actually afford the cocaine that there is an awful lot of other people who are paying the price for that.”

Roman’s boss, Burton Greenberg, is played by Mark Feuerstein, while Michael Chiklis portrays Agent Zulio, who seeks to bring down Compte’s brother. Despite being a symbol of justice, Chiklis’s character is also susceptible to corruption: “He will be tested, and things will change,” he says.

Created by Chris Brancato and Guillermo Navarro, “Hotel Cocaine” strives for authenticity and detail. Brancato, known for Narcos and Godfather of Harlem, emphasizes casting actors of the same nationality as their characters to ensure validity and honesty. He chose to film in Santo Domingo due to its resemblance to Miami during that era and noted, “I think it creates a validity to all the different characterizations. It’s honest to the historical background of the fictional characters we’ve created.”

The show also highlights diversity behind the camera, with Mexican director Sara Seligman making her episodic directorial debut with episodes 105 and 106. The series replicates the Mutiny’s extravagant rooms and captures the era’s music, featuring disco and ’70s soul. Rapper Swizz Beatz appears as DJ Kool Herc and comments on the duality of the era: “Every place has its underworld, and it’s amazing to see the underworld being celebrated so high, but it can get dark at the same time.” Brancato also discusses the stark contrast between the seemingly light-hearted cocaine use and its deadly consequences: “For every bit of cocaine on a table at the Mutiny, there would be three dead people left back in Colombia.” He adds, “We get a window into the dark, secretive world and the heightened stakes of drama. We learn the reality, and throughout the season, the characters do too.”

Hotel Cocaine is set to premiere on MGM+ soon, like June 16. Yes!

The post WATCH: Swizz Beatz Appears as DJ Kool Herc in Trailer for MGM+ Series ‘Hotel Cocaine’ first appeared on The Source.

The post WATCH: Swizz Beatz Appears as DJ Kool Herc in Trailer for MGM+ Series ‘Hotel Cocaine’ appeared first on The Source.

Today In Hip Hop History: DMX Dropped His Debut Album ‘It’s Dark and Hell Is Hot’ 26 Years Ago

May 12, 2024 by newhiphopnews

tumblr 1f9b3ed9576c580e66b684d14a14bd8e b4bf0ce9 1280 1

On this day in Hip Hop history DMX released his debut album It‘s Dark and Hell Is Hot. This is DMX’s most popular project to date, with Flesh of My Flesh, Blood of My Blood serving as a close second. Within the first week of its release selling 251,000 copies debuting at #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. The LP went on to become certified quadruple platinum on December 18th, 2000.

This project came during a turbulent time in Hip Hop. The genre was coming off of the loss of two titans, Tupac and The Notorious B.I.G., and was facing a change in what was hot. With the rise of high energy production melded with dark and oft-violent lyricism coming from camps like No Limit, Cash Money, and Three 6 Mafia, DMX’s sound allowed him to find his place perfectly within the current trend while add his own twist.

DMX’s melancholic realism spoke to the generation. This project was able to simultaneously turn the party up and cause its listeners to think introspectively about the concept of good and evil and existence as a whole. This album touched on the struggle and pain that came being DMX. As most rappers would glamorize the finer side of the industry life, DMX reveals through this debut that even early on in his career he had been wrestling with the demons that come with wealth and fame.

The stand out hit of the album, “Ruff Ryders’ Anthem”, has been deemed as a classic squad anthem. Produced by Swizz Beatz, the single peaked at #93 on the Billboard Hot 100 and #79 on VH1’s 100 Greatest Songs of Hip Hop.

Following this album, DMX went on to release six other studio albums and rise to be one of the most popular and influential artists of the early 2000s. Shortly following the release of this album DMX made his film debut in the hit film Belly with fellow New York rapper, Nas.

The post Today In Hip Hop History: DMX Dropped His Debut Album ‘It’s Dark and Hell Is Hot’ 26 Years Ago first appeared on The Source.

The post Today In Hip Hop History: DMX Dropped His Debut Album ‘It’s Dark and Hell Is Hot’ 26 Years Ago appeared first on The Source.