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Swizz Beatz Says DMX Taught Him the Importance of ‘Staying Real’

by Henry Smith
written by Henry Smith

Swizz Beatz Says DMX Taught him the value of authenticity — a trait that defined their powerful creative partnership. In a recent interview with Something About Rocks, Swizz opened up about his late friend and Ruff Ryders collaborator, DMX, and the life lessons he left behind.

“X was just authentic. Even as a multi-millionaire, you wouldn’t know,” Swizz shared. “He would write in abandoned buildings to get the essence. He wasn’t into a lot of fancy cars and fancy jewellery.”

That raw approach to life and music deeply influenced Swizz. “He was always in the essence of music and Hip Hop, staying true to how he started. He wasn’t blinded by the glitz and fake industry — which separated him from most. He just taught me how to keep my boots on the ground and stay real.”

DMX’s Legacy Lives On
Though DMX tragically passed in 2021, Swizz Beatz continues to honor his friend’s memory — not just through words but also through music. According to Swizz, there’s still unreleased material that could lead to another posthumous album.

In a conversation with HipHopDX, Swizz revealed: “We have other songs. Can we make a new X album? For sure. Will I make another X album? I don’t know. It has to feel good.”

Speaking about DMX’s last project, Exodus, Swizz clarified that it was entirely the vision of DMX. “A lot of people wanted to see X go harder, stronger — they even blamed me for it. But it’s actually what he wanted to do.”

A New Creative Chapter with Jewelry
Outside of music, Swizz Beatz is branching out into the world of design. He recently launched his own jewelry line, ARA x MR DEAN, a collaborative effort with Brazilian jeweler Ara Vartanian.

The line features bold pieces like brooches, cufflinks, necklaces, chain bracelets, and signature two-finger rings. It’s described as a fusion of structure, creativity, and everyday luxury — inspired by Swizz’s personal love for rubellites and emeralds.

According to Something About Rocks, the debut collection is geared toward men, but future releases will be inclusive and “without gender constraints.”

Swizz Beatz Says DMX Taught

Ara Vartanian praised Swizz’s artistic involvement, saying, “Swizz has a very strong creative presence. From the beginning, he was fully involved — contributing ideas, references and artistic sensitivity. He listens deeply and proposes clearly.”

Vartanian continued, “The collaboration was fluid and intense. It’s rare to find someone so committed to the process — someone who understands jewellery as language, as a cultural gesture.”

Staying True in Every Medium
Whether it’s through the music he helped create with DMX or his foray into fashion and jewelry, Swizz Beatz Says DMX Taught him the importance of staying real. That spirit of authenticity continues to guide him — from the studio to the design studio — ensuring the legacy of one of Hip Hop’s most genuine voices lives on in every project he touches.

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