How do you decide on the tempo?

[Corzhens]

When performing a number, how do you decide the tempo as the drummer? I am guessing that the tempo is dictated by the drummer particularly if the piece has an intro with the drums. I am asking this question because my composer friend sometimes makes 2 versions of minus one for his composition, one fast and another is slower. So for the drummers here, how do you determine if your beat is the right tempo for the particular song? Or is it intentional on your part to have a different tempo?

 

[Slider]

Drummers should have the same speed that the song is. You don't want to be slower or faster but you want to be the exact same speed as the song. When you are practicing you can start at a slow speed but then work your way up to the original song speed and then it will be easier to play.