Share

As an intern at Jive Records, Deputy learned a valuable lesson—to strip away his ego and adjust his mindset.

“Prior to being at Jive, I worked at Morgan Stanley. So, I was making amazing money for my age. Once I realized that I was investing all my time in the company and could, you know, use that same time into my own thing—my passion—I removed myself from corporate America to go be an intern,” the Grammy-nominated producer told me during our phone call.

The transition consisted of humble moments that Deputy believes prepared him for success in the unpredictable music industry. “I had to humble myself. [You have to do certain things, like getting someone’s soda] to work your way up and achieve your goals. I removed my ego from the situation.”

Deputy’s humbleness perfectly combined with his talents. As a well-respected producer and songwriter, supporters can expect to see him shine at the 66th Annual Grammy Awards on February 4. He’s nominated for “Record of the Year” and “Best R&B Song” for his work on Victoria Monét’s hit single “On My Mama.”

While many waited nervously to hear their names, records, and projects announced while nominations were revealed, Deputy was asleep and had no idea the nominations were happening.

“My phone kept going off. I’m like, ‘Yo, why is everybody calling me?’ And I was annoyed [so] I put my phone on silent,” he added.

The text messages and calls were nonstop, so naturally, the producer had to check it out. 

“[I saw] all these congratulations notifications. It was a surprise for me—an amazing surprise. [“On My Mama”] being nominated for “Record of the Year” and “Best R&B Song” and knowing that it connected with people the way it did is amazing. Just understanding the process and Victoria’s journey, [I’m] grateful.”

Lashaunta Moore: The Grammys award show is approaching. Do you have your fit ready? Or are you still searching for the perfect red carpet look?

Literally, 15 minutes ago, I finished my first fitting with this stylist! I’m not going crazy last minute trying to figure out [what to wear]. I need to know what I will look like now [just in case I have to] make any changes or last-minute decisions.

I have a feeling you will be on the “Best Dressed” list. So we’re speaking that into existence.

Oh, that’s going to happen regardless. I mean, clothes don’t make me baby. [laughs]                                 

What was it like working with Victoria Monét? I absolutely love her.

With Victoria, it was amazing. The first song that we worked on together was “Jaguar.” We sat in the studio, and she had this idea of ’70s-inspired soul music. It’s always a magical moment [because] the creative synergy is there, and she’s just amazing and talented as a singer and writer. She has such a different approach to her artistry.

You also worked with Rihanna and produced her hit “B*tch Better Have My Money”—one of the songs she performed during last year’s Super Bowl. Did you think the song would have such a massive impact on the music industry the way it did? It’s the ultimate go-getter’s anthem.

Normally, I don’t get a chance to experience the songs I do the way people experience them. But for “B*tch Better Have My Money” and “On My Mama,” I knew instantly that those were big records. I remember going home; at that time, I had a vision board, and I named it “You Owe Me.” I didn’t call it “B*tch Better Have My Money.” I knew its potential, and seeing it come to fruition was crazy. I’m so close to the songs and so close to just the moment that only when I come into contact with people do I get to step back and see how big those songs were and how they affected people. It’s a crazy thing. I’m trying to step back more so I can [enjoy] it.

You’ve been in your winning season for a long time. But how did you stay patient while waiting for your work to be appreciated?

I stayed patient because I figured out that I couldn’t control anything. I had reached a frustrating point in my career where I felt like I was impatient and I was trying to control everything. I had the Rihanna demo, and I was trying to tell people. Every session, like, ‘Yo, this is me on the record,’ and I realized that it put me in a dark place and made me not appreciate the things that mattered in life.

So, once I realized that lesson, I stepped back. I was like, you know what, let me be grateful for everything I have going on. I can be patient and allow the process to happen.

All your hard work, your dedication, your creativity—it’s all paying off. What’s next for you, and do you have any advice for upcoming producers and songwriters who hope to reach your success?

I want to be disruptive in creating a new era of sound. I want to be urgent, and I feel that now that I have the platform, it’s much easier to influence people. So, this moment has given me a platform to be more creative, step outside the box, be disruptive, and be urgent with music now. 

[My advice to them] is to understand what you can control. Be grateful for the things that matter. Enjoy the journey, not the expectation, because it’s the expectation that kills people’s mindset. Figure out how to be an asset to someone you’re trying to connect with and [promote] yourself.

Photo Credits: Courtesy of Deputy