Producing a Rihanna record can be a bit “overwhelming,” according to Roc Nation producer Deputy.
The two collaborated on Rih’s second single “Bitch Better Have My Money” off of her upcoming album.
As the bass-heavy, trap anthem approaches gold status in sales, HipHopDX spoke to the “BBHM” beat-maker about how life has changed since his Rih record has been released.
“At first, it was overwhelming,” Deputy tells HHDX. “Dealing with an artist like Rihanna, there’s a lot of vulnerability. You don’t realize how vulnerable you become. Everyone voices their opinions. It’s like your introduction to the world.”
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Deputy says his phone has been ringing “crazy” since the song debuted digitally via the iTunes store on March 26. More doors have opened for the emerging producer and he’s been working with a handful of artists he’s never collaborated with before.
Deputy (born Jamil Pierre) laughs at the thought of a “BBHM” remix, and won’t say whether one is currently being crafted. “That would be dope,” he says. “I’m waiting on it like the rest of the world.”
While working on another Rihanna record at the famed Jungle Studios in New York City, Deputy met one of his inspirations. Swizz Beatz happened to be in the building.
“He came by and played a few joints, so I played a few beats,” Deputy says. “I finished my original session at 4 a.m. and I went down to just give him the beats that he heard and he was like, ‘Yo, I know you got one more beat inside ya laptop, so I played one more beat and that led to another four hours. It was a dope experience.
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“Just to have a legend freestyling shit in your ear, while your beat is playing, to be there for four hours just vibing, sun is coming up, it’s crazy,” he continues.
The veteran producer also shared some advice that left a lasting impact on Deputy.
“He was like, ‘Know your value. There’s certain things that you may have to step away from and only do things that your heart is in.'”
