Rapper Big Sean stepped in to replace Kanye West at producer Swizz Beatz's recent education fundraiser after the Stronger hitmaker reportedly pulled out of a surprise performance at the last minute.

I have a really big surprise for you... and he just got a new girlfriend!

Alicia keys' husband Beatz hosted the Bronx Charter School for the ArtsAuction event and had called on West to provide the entertainment at New York's trendy Marquee club on Wednesday (02May12).

The DJproducer dropped hints about his special guest throughout the night as he played a string of West's hit songs, teasing the crowd by referencing his budding romance with reality TV star Kim Kardashian, saying, "I have a really big surprise for you... and he just got a new girlfriend!"

But according to the New York Post's Page Six gossip column, West was ano-show - and he sent his protege Big Sean along to hit the stage in his absence.

Keys and New York Knicks star Carmelo Anthony and his wife LaLa were among the guests at the charity event.