Bronx, New York producer Amadeus has landed hit records for a lot of big acts. Artists like 50 Cent, Jennifer Lopez, Young Jeezy, Chris Brown, Fabolous and T.I. have turned to the producer’s Platinum Boy production company for hit records.
In addition to his own hard work and enterprising spirit, the producer, born Antwan Thompson, credited Hip-Hop mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs for teaching him valuable lessons, as a member of the legendary production team, The Hitmen.
AllHipHop.com: One of the first bosses is your man, Diddy. I’ve got to ask you, I’ve got to ask you … How is it working with that man?
Amadeus: It’s very inspiring. It was very inspiring. It was very motivating. You know, I’m one of the newest hit men. I was a baby when they were working on Big and Faith and 112 and that’s when I was really inspired to become a producer. Just to even be able to be a part of that legacy was just like, wow. I’m hitting it, man. You know what I’m saying? We were talking about it earlier, I came in with Sherry Dennis and Danity Kane and Day 26 and when he was doing … “Making The Band” and that era. Just being around and watching him put together records for Press Play.
I watched him put together records for the Dirty Money album, Last Train to Paris and just seeing this dude work is like … It’s everything that you think it is. The endless hours and coming from the offices and I’m sure having meetings all day and just then transforming into … From CEO to artist mode and really pushing the creative envelope.
One thing about him it’s like he knows what he wants and he knows how to explain it. It’s just about you understanding what it is and delivering. I would be challenged, man. I would be making beats and making beats and making beats and he’d be like, “I like that … almost.”
It’s like just when you think you got it, it’s like, “Nah, go back.” That’s dope because it challenges you as a record producer. Imagine if we always … We nailed it on the first shot. How dope are we really? You know, is it really dope or are you settling? So he’s always someone that’s challenging to work with. Like I said, very inspiring, very motivating.
When you see him now … This is years later. I’m sure he’s about to reach 50 pretty soon and it’s like man, are you still going? And he’s like, “Yeah,” and he’s on top. So that’s like, wow. He’s dope. He’s just hands down, dope and if you’re not inspired by him then I don’t know what to tell you. Even not working with him. Even not being a part of the team, just watching him on Instagram and seeing him move and having his DeLeon tour and the Ciroc tour and doing this and doing that. It’s like man, you still going? Revolt … and you’re like, man.
AllHipHop.com: Yeah I look at him on Instagram and he’s getting his hair cut and he’s just popping off. You’re just like, “Yo, Diddy’s popping off.” Sometimes he says something about Barak, I’ll be like, “Yo, Diddy.” But you know, that’s power.
Amadeus: People are listening and if you’re in that position to have that power to influence the masses, why not? At the end of the day, it’s his feelings, it’s his thoughts, it’s his emotions. There’s no right and wrong to it, it’s just how you feel.
AllHipHop.com: Has he ever cussed you out?
Amadeus: Nah. No cuss outs, man.
AllHipHop.com: No cuss outs? Okay.
Amadeus: No cuss outs. But we’ve … Of course I respect him as a mogul, as a king, as a man, as a label owner, as a CEO and a producer and musician. But I’ve earned that respect as well as an individual, as a dude that works hard. He respects me, he respects my family and respects me as a God fearing man and we’ve connected on that level as well, besides the musician and the musicianship. So that’s dope to be able to have that type of place with him. There’s so many people that’s surrounding him and so many people that surround, so to be able to be respected in that light is definitely a blessing.
You know, I ran into him … I think we were doing [a] festival in Vegas and I [hadn’t] seen him in maybe about a year. I ran into him in the dressing room. Me, him and Tre [Songs] and Kevin Liles and he didn’t know it was me.
I’m like, “Yo,” and he turned around and he’s like, “Yo,” and gave me the illest hug and just for that to come from someone like him, it’s just like, wow. I don’t take that lightly. We’ve known each other and you’ve seen me grow as a person, as a musician, as a producer. You’ve been supportive of me from the start. I’m honored to sit here, still being a part of the game, still being relevant. Even to wear this, man. Everybody can’t wear this.
When I go through the airports or I walk, people always stop me and show love and it’s funny how like … I guess I look like a producer because people always nail it. They’re like, “Oh man, are you part of Bad Boy?” I’m like, “Yeah, yeah, yeah, no doubt.” “Producer,” and I’m like, “How do you know?” I guess I just carry that musicianship and that producer look.
AllHipHop.com: Yeah, that’s that energy.
Amadeus: But I wear it with honor and I wear it with respect. It’s a huge legacy. You know, 20 years, so to be a part of that 20 years it’s like, man.