Alicia Keys, an eight-time Grammy Award winner, is once again nominated for a major music award. This time, she’s up for Song of the Year for “A Beautiful Noise,” and her supportive family will be cheering her on during the biggest night in music. Keys has often spoken about her blended family, so here’s a closer look at her husband, children, and how they maintain a close bond.

Alicia Keys first met her husband Swizz Beatz when they were teenagers through a mutual high school friend. However, at the time, Keys wasn’t interested in the future hip-hop artist—she was 14 and he was 16. In her autobiography, More Myself, she noted that Swizz, whose real nаme is Kasseem Dean, used to arrive in fаncy cars, surrounded by his crew, and adorned with flashy jewelry, which wasn’t her scene.

Years later, as their careers progressed, they became friends, and their relationship eventually led to marriage in 2010. According to Keys, Swizz has always supported her vision and encouraged her career ambitions. He often reminds her that they are both their own bosses and individuals, which she finds empowering.

Due to their busy schedules, communication is crucial for maintaining their relationship. In her autobiography, Keys mentioned that they have a rule not to go more than two weeks without seeing each other. They also set aside one weekend each month for just the two of them to reconnect.

Together, Alicia Keys and Swizz Beatz have a blended family. They have two sons: Egypt Daoud, born in 2010, and Genesis Ali Dean, born in 2014. Keys is also a stepmother to Swizz’s three other children from a previous marriage: Prince Nasir, Kasseem Jr., and Nicole. Despite initial controversy surrounding the couple’s relationship, they managed to build a “beautiful partnership” with Swizz’s ex-wife, Mashonda Tifrere, for the sake of their children. It took time and conscious effort, but they now co-parent effectively and with mutual respect.

Alicia Keys’ son Egypt seems to have inherited his parents’ artistic talent. In 2010, he was born the same year Keys and Beatz got married. He is now growing into his teenage years, and Keys cherishes this time with him. Egypt made his stage debut with his mom at the 2019 iHeartRadio Music Awards. Although there’s no confirmation on whether he’ll pursue a music career, Keys describes him as a “natural” who is outgoing, much like her.

Their younger son Genesis, born in 2014, is also showing signs of being a performer. In March, Keys posted a video of Genesis reading in bed. In November, he joined his mom on stage at the Apollo Theater during SiriusXM and Pandora’s Small Stage Series.

Both sons appeared in their mom’s music video for “Best of Me,” which made the song even more special for Keys, who values the strong sense of family.