Alicia Keys gives birth to baby boy

Alicia Keys has given birth for the first time, as husband Swizz Beatz celebrated the arrival of their baby boy on Twitter.

The baby was reportedly not due until next month, but the singer went into labour on Thursday before giving birth in a New York hospital.

Beatz, real name Kasseem Dean, wrote on his Twitter page: "I'm so thankful for everything I been blessed with in my life wowwwwww (sic)."

Fellow singer Mary J. Blige replied: "'m So excited 2 Congratulate my brother @therealswizzz and @Aliciakeys on there. New, baby, boy!!!!!!!."

The baby is Keys's first, while Beatz has three children from previous relationships.