In a sentence that didn’t start with “I’mma let you finish,” Kanye West once called Swizz Beats “the best rap producer of all time.” From one heavyweight producer to another, that alone should be enough to secure Swizz Beatz’ seat in the hip-hop canon.

Kasseem David Dean (a.k.a. Swizz Beatz) was born and raised by his mother in the Bronx in New York City. This is where he was introduced to hip-hop and DJing. His mother thought his high school and neighbourhood was too rough (he got in one little fight) and dangerous, so he re-located to Atlanta, where he began working with his uncles, Joaquin and Darrin Dean. Wait, is Fresh Prince Of Bel Air based on Swizz Beatz’ life?!

It just so happens that Swizz’s uncles were the founders of Ruff Ryders Entertainment. At sixteen years old, Swizz was producing beats for aritsts on the Ruff Ryders label, and at seventeen, he sold his first beat to DMX — “Ruff Ryders Anthem.” From that point on, it was clear that a young star was emerging in the hip-hop production world.

In 2001, Swizz Beats began working closely with a rapper named Cassidy, who would be Swizz’ first protege. Through his work with Cassidy, and through the release of his first compilation album Swizz Beatz Presents G.H.E.T.T.O. Stories, Swizz started getting noticed for his distinct sampler and keyboard-based style of production. As Swizz’ production discography expanded, in his own words, it would soon be time to “put a voice to [his] face.”

In 2007, Swizz Beats stepped out from behind the console, and picked up a mic. His debut album One Man Band Man didn’t perform well commercially, but it allowed Swizz to establish a more public persona, and gave him access to opportunities he may not have otherwise had, including endorsements and partnerships with brands like Kidrobot, Reebok, and Lotus. Swizz Beats’ entrepreneurial spirit is a big part of his public identity, but if anyone asks, he had absolutely nothing to do with MegaUpload.

From 2009 until present day, Swizz Beats seems to have really hit his stride in terms of production. In 2009, he produced Jay-Z’s “On To The Next One,” which earned him a Grammy Award for Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group. Swizz also received a nomination in the same category one year later for his work on Drake’s “Fancy.” More recently, Swizz’s beat for his wife Alicia Keys’ “New Day” is one of the best couple-collaborations we’ve ever heard.

Swizz Beatz is one of the most diverse and interesting presences in hip-hop today. Let’s check out some of his best beats for this edition of the Friday Mixtape.