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Hitmaka

Hitmaka (born Christian J. Ward; September 9, 1985) is an American , songwriter, and former from , . Previously known by the stage name Yung Berg, he rose to prominence in the mid-2000s as a with chart-topping singles such as "Sexy Can I" (featuring ), which peaked at number three on the , and "Sexy Lady," which reached number 18. In the , Ward pivoted to music production under the moniker Hitmaka, establishing himself as one of the most prolific and in-demand producers in and R&B, with numerous -charting singles and a signature production tag ("Hitmaka!"). Ward grew up in the suburbs of in a privileged household but was drawn to street culture and from a young age. At age 14, he signed a record deal with rapper , receiving a $50,000 advance. His mother subsequently sent him to a military-style to curb his rebellious behavior, including early experimentation with drugs and alcohol. He attended and before pursuing music full-time. After being released from the boarding school, Ward signed with in 2007 and adopted the stage name Yung Berg, releasing his debut album Look What You Made Me that year, which featured the hit "The Business" and debuted at number 20 on the Billboard 200. His rap career, marked by a flashy persona and club-oriented tracks, was derailed by legal issues and personal controversies, leading him to step away from performing in the early 2010s. As Hitmaka, Ward quickly gained traction by producing for major artists, starting with contributions to Nicki Minaj's 2014 album , including the track "Want Some More." His breakthrough came with high-profile hits like Big Sean's "" (2016), which topped the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart, and Lil Wayne's "" featuring (2015), which peaked at number 22 on the Hot 100. Other standout productions include Meek Mill's "" featuring and (2018), certified platinum by the RIAA; Nicki Minaj's "Favorite" featuring (2018); and Summer Walker's "" (2018), which earned a Grammy nomination for Best R&B Song. He has collaborated extensively with artists such as , , , and , producing multi-platinum tracks like "" (2018) and E-40's "Thot Box" remix (2019) featuring a roster of female rappers. Ward's production style blends beats, melodic hooks, and versatile soundscapes, contributing to over 100 credits across albums and singles in the 2020s. Hitmaka's achievements include winning the BET Hip Hop Award for Producer of the Year in 2022 and multiple ASCAP Pop Music Awards, such as for "Dangerous" and A Boogie wit da Hoodie's "Look Back at It" (2019). He has also ventured into artist management and publishing through partnerships like Artist Publishing Group, mentoring emerging talents while continuing to shape contemporary urban music. As of November 2025, Ward remains a key figure in the industry, with recent productions including executive production on Flau'jae's album and Dreamdoll's project, as well as contributions to VZN SZN Vol. 1, alongside earlier 2025 work with Yung Bleu and Eric Bellinger, solidifying his evolution from a one-time rap punchline to a platinum-certified hitmaker.

Early life and education

Family background

Christian Ward, known professionally as Hitmaka, was born on September 9, 1985, in , . Raised in the city's suburbs, Ward grew up in a privileged household where his parents were already millionaires, affording him a stable and comfortable early life away from the typical struggles often associated with aspiring artists from the area. His played a pivotal role in shaping 's early years, providing structure. When Ward signed his first record deal with DMX's Bloodline Records at age 14, receiving a advance, his father was initially skeptical but became supportive upon seeing the contract, recognizing the viability of his son's ambitions. Ward's introduction to music came through immersion in Chicago's vibrant scene during his youth, where he frequented local recording studios and drew inspiration from pioneers like and . This environment sparked his passion for the genre, leading him to begin under the name at age 14.

Boarding school and early challenges

Prior to the boarding school, Ward attended and . However, Ward's escalating behavioral issues prompted his estranged mother to intervene dramatically. In July 2001, at age 15, she tricked him into attending what he later described as a , enrolling him at Spring Creek Lodge Academy, a military-style for troubled youth in . The facility, which operated as part of the controversial World Wide Association of Specialty Programs and Schools (WWASPS), imposed strict discipline amid allegations of abuse that led to its closure in 2009. Ward spent approximately two years there, navigating a rigid environment designed to address his rebellious tendencies through structured routines and limited freedoms. During his time at the academy, Ward had restricted access to music production tools, shifting his focus to honing his songwriting skills by penning in notebooks as a means of creative outlet and personal expression. This period of isolation and enforced discipline profoundly shaped his early aspirations, instilling resilience while temporarily halting his professional momentum; he earned his high school equivalency diploma amid the challenges. Released from the school in 2003, Ward immediately recommitted to music, relocating to to revive his career and channel the hardships into his artistic drive.

Career

2001–2006: Rap beginnings and interruptions

Christian Ward, better known professionally as Hitmaka, began his music career in the early 2000s under the stage name while living in Chicago, . At the age of 15, he entered the industry by signing with rapper 's Bloodline Records imprint in January 2001. His debut single, "Dog 4 Life," appeared on the soundtrack to the action film , marking his initial foray into recorded music alongside established artists like and . Despite the promising start, Ward's progress was derailed by familial intervention shortly after signing the deal. In July 2001, his mother arranged for him to attend Spring Creek Lodge Academy, a military-style in , which she viewed as necessary discipline amid his budding independence and the temptations of the music world. The facility, later closed in 2009 following allegations of abuse, isolated Ward from external contact, preventing him from capitalizing on the Bloodline Records agreement. During this period, spanning approximately 2001 to 2005, he missed key opportunities, including the chance to develop and release a full-length album under the label, as Bloodline's operations faltered amid DMX's personal challenges and limited output beyond soundtrack contributions. The unfulfilled promises of the Bloodline deal, which included an advance but no substantial releases or for , underscored the interruptions to Ward's early rap ambitions. Upon completing his time at the academy and returning to civilian life around 2005, he relocated to and rebranded himself as Yung Berg to signify a fresh start. This name change coincided with a new signing to , shifting his focus toward a more viable path in .

2007–2010: Yung Berg breakthrough

In 2007, following a name change from his earlier alias Iceberg, Yung Berg signed with Epic Records and achieved his breakthrough with the single "Sexy Lady" featuring Junior, which peaked at No. 18 on the Billboard Hot 100. The track, released earlier that year, marked his entry into mainstream success and was included on his debut EP, Almost Famous (The Sexy Lady EP), distributed through Epic and Koch Records. Building on this momentum, Yung Berg collaborated with on the single "," which debuted in February 2008 and reached No. 3 on the , becoming one of the era's notable R&B/ crossovers. This partnership helped solidify his rap persona, emphasizing smooth, club-oriented flows and themes of attraction. He also featured on tracks from his upcoming projects, including contributions to the album , showcasing his ability to blend rapid-fire verses with established artists. Yung Berg's debut studio album, , was released on August 12, 2008, via , debuting and peaking at No. 20 on the with initial sales of 19,000 copies. The project featured additional collaborations with artists like and , highlighting his growing network in the R&B and rap scenes while maintaining a focus on party anthems and street narratives. By 2010, Yung Berg continued building his catalog through mixtapes, including Groundwork, hosted by DJ Woogie, DJ Ill Will, and DJ Rockstar, which kept his presence active in the circuit amid a shift toward more independent releases. These efforts, alongside singles like "The Business" featuring Casha—which peaked at No. 33 on the —reinforced his breakthrough status during this period.

2011–2017: Shift to production

Following the decline of his rap career after 2010, amid shifting industry preferences toward more established artists and changing trends in , Christian Ward, then known as Yung Berg, significantly reduced his output as a performer and pivoted to behind-the-scenes roles in songwriting and . This transition was driven by the recognition that his strengths lay in crafting hooks and beats rather than fronting as an artist, leading him to ghostwrite for prominent figures in R&B and rap. Notable early ghostwriting credits included tracks for artists like on her 2013 single "The One," which peaked at number 32 on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart, and King Louie's "My Hoes Do Drugs" featuring and . Ward's entry into production gained traction in 2011 with his first major credit as a co-producer on Lil Wayne's "John" from the album Tha Carter IV, where he collaborated with , Natown, and Rob Holladay under the moniker The Dream Team; the track reached number 22 on the Hot 100. He also contributed to other projects that year, including work on Driicky Graham's King of the Drill, marking his growing reputation in the studio. These efforts highlighted his ability to blend influences with melodic elements, appealing to a broad range of urban artists. In the mid-2010s, expanded his footprint by founding the Yung Bosses collective, a team that included producers like JFK and Rob Holladay, aimed at developing beats and placements for major labels. This group facilitated collaborations, such as his work with around 2015, where he provided beats and writing input during sessions for Brown's Royalty era, though specific track credits emerged more prominently later. By 2017, Ward officially rebranded as Hitmaka—a portmanteau of "hit" and "maker"—to shed the baggage of his Yung Berg persona and emphasize his producer identity, a change inspired by mentors like who advised distancing from past controversies. This period solidified Hitmaka's role in the industry, with his production style—characterized by bouncy synths, heavy 808s, and catchy refrains—earning placements on by rising acts. Although his debut full production-focused project, the 2019 My Level, came later, the groundwork laid from 2011 to 2017 positioned him for greater success, as he amassed over a dozen credits across R&B and releases.

2018–2025: Hitmaka success and recent projects

In 2018, Hitmaka achieved significant commercial success as a , co-producing Big Sean's "," which continued to resonate strongly that year, peaking at No. 6 on the and earning multi-platinum certification for its futuristic trap-R&B fusion. The track's enduring popularity underscored Hitmaka's ability to craft anthemic hits that blended resilience with melodic hooks, contributing to its role as a motivational staple in urban radio playlists. Throughout the early 2020s, Hitmaka expanded his influence with key productions for major artists, including multiple tracks on Chris Brown's 2019 album such as "Heat" featuring Gunna and "Back to Love," which helped shape the album's R&B-leaning sound and ongoing chart performance. By 2024, Hitmaka contributed to Normani's debut album , producing tracks like "All Yours" and "Distance," infusing the project with sultry, atmospheric elements that aligned with trends. These efforts solidified his reputation for over 20 billion global streams and contributions to more than 77 million records sold across his catalog as of 2021. Hitmaka played a pivotal role in evolving the "dark R&B" aesthetic, a moody subgenre characterized by brooding beats and introspective lyrics, through productions that emphasized atmospheric synths and emotional depth in collaborations with artists like and . Recent projects include productions for and . In 2025, he took on executive production for 's Culture Ball, honoring Black excellence in and community leadership as the event's Chicago Music Legend, while discussing future plans in interviews focused on expanding his Maka Music Group and mentoring emerging talent.

Personal life

Legal troubles

In August 2008, Yung Berg was arrested in following a dispute with a limousine driver who reported being threatened by the rapper and his entourage during a ride. He was charged with menacing in the second degree—a felony involving the threat of physical harm—and unlawful possession of marijuana after discovered a loaded and marijuana in the vehicle. In November 2014, Yung Berg was arrested in for allegedly assaulting his girlfriend and Love & Hip Hop: Hollywood co-star Masika Tucker at a hotel, where he reportedly punched her, dragged her by the hair, and choked her after an argument over a declined . He faced three counts of and one count of , leading to his immediate dismissal from the series. In October 2015, he accepted a plea deal admitting guilt but avoiding jail time through supervised release and other conditions. In December 2017, Yung Berg was arrested in for marijuana possession after found two marijuana cigarettes on him during a . Although not immediately booked, he missed subsequent court dates for the charge, leading to a bench warrant issued in January 2018. In March 2020, Hitmaka was accused of pistol-whipping model Talia Tilley after an encounter at his home, resulting in injuries including a and facial lacerations. Tilley filed for a , alleging , while Hitmaka claimed , asserting she was involved in plotting the attempted at his residence that same month. A temporary was granted in March 2020, followed by a permanent three-year in November 2020. No criminal charges were filed against Hitmaka. These encounters with the law occurred during and after the height of his career. As of November 2025, Hitmaka has faced no additional major legal issues since the 2020 .

Victim of crime

In March 2018, Hitmaka, then known as Yung Berg, and producer A1 Bentley were robbed at gunpoint during an Live session in a recording studio. The assailant entered the session and demanded their valuables, both men before fleeing with money and jewelry; the incident was captured live, sparking speculation about an inside job but resulting in no serious injuries. On March 14, 2020, Hitmaka was the target of an attempted at his residence, where surveillance footage captured three intruders attempting to enter through the backdoor while he was inside. The security system alerted him to the threat, preventing a successful break-in, and no items were stolen in the foiled robbery. No arrests have been reported in connection with the event. Following the 2020 incident, Hitmaka publicly shared the surveillance video on , stating, "I could've been murdered," and emphasized the planned nature of the attack, which he believed involved accomplices. He described the ordeal as deeply traumatic, highlighting the constant vulnerabilities faced by celebrities in high-profile lifestyles, and credited his existing measures with averting disaster; in response, he urged followers to prioritize their safety. This experience compounded his heightened caution, already influenced by prior legal challenges.

Business ventures

Maka Music Group

In 2016, Hitmaka co-founded Makasound Records with producer and songwriter Chrishan "Prince Chrishan" Dotson, establishing it as a multifaceted production and publishing entity aimed at nurturing emerging talent in and R&B. The company quickly positioned itself as a hub for creative collaboration, leveraging Hitmaka's extensive production experience to support songwriters, s, and artists in developing hit material for major acts. Makasound has signed a roster of accomplished writers and producers, including Grammy-nominated producer Rob Holladay—known for work with Nicki Minaj and Jennifer Lopez—and producer Aye YB, contributing to a robust catalog of credits across platinum-selling projects. These signings have enabled the label to generate extensive music placements, with the team behind hits for artists like Chris Brown, Ty Dolla $ign, and Jeremih. In 2023, Makasound expanded its publishing reach through a global partnership with Artist Publishing Group, which now administers its catalog and facilitates broader industry opportunities for its signees. The label has emphasized artist development, particularly for R&B talents, fostering releases that blend contemporary sounds with emotional depth. A prominent example is the 2025 debut album Let Me Explain by Grammy-winning R&B singer Ron E, released via Makasound in collaboration with , featuring collaborations with Tink and to showcase polished, genre-blending tracks. This project highlights Makasound's role in elevating rising R&B voices through hands-on production and strategic releases. By 2025, Makasound marked significant growth with high-profile events and accolades, including Hitmaka's recognition as the Chicago Music Legend at the Cultural Ball, honoring his contributions to the city's music legacy and the label's expanding influence. This milestone underscored the company's evolution from a boutique operation to a key player in urban music, with over 100 million records sold across its catalog.

Executive roles

In 2017, Hitmaka was appointed of A&R at , a position in which he oversaw signings and development within the label's urban music division, including the personal signing of artist RHKY. This role allowed him to leverage his production background to identify and nurture talent in and R&B genres. In September 2021, Hitmaka transitioned to of A&R at , where he focused on implementing hit-making strategies for artists, drawing from his track record of producing multi-platinum singles. His contributions emphasized creative direction and commercial viability in urban music releases. These high-level positions at major labels expanded on the foundation established by his entrepreneurial venture, Makasound Records. Throughout his executive career, Hitmaka has mentored emerging producers, providing guidance on songwriting, techniques, and navigation, which has supported the development of Grammy-nominated projects.

Awards and nominations

Grammy Awards

Hitmaka has earned nine Grammy Award nominations between 2019 and 2025, including for songwriting and production work across rap and R&B genres. Notable among these is the 2021 nomination for Best R&B Song for his songwriting on Chris Brown and Drake's "No Guidance," a track that blended smooth R&B melodies with subtle rap elements and became a commercial smash. He also received nods for contributions to Best R&B Album categories, reflecting his role in shaping contemporary R&B soundscapes through key production credits on high-profile releases. In 2025, Hitmaka secured his first Grammy win for his production contributions to Chris Brown's album 11:11 (Deluxe), which took home Best R&B Album at the . Specifically, he co-produced tracks like "Stutter" (featuring ) and "Press Me," collaborative efforts that infused the project with dynamic beats and featured rap-infused verses, earning acclaim for elevating Brown's versatile artistry. This victory marked a after years of nominations without a win, solidifying his status in the industry. These accolades have significantly bolstered Hitmaka's credibility as a top-tier , with the nominated and awarded works collectively amassing over 9 billion streams worldwide, underscoring his commercial impact. The win drew widespread public celebration on , where fans and peers hailed him as "Grammy Award Winning Christian " in response to his triumphant post, highlighting the personal significance of the achievement.

BET Hip Hop Awards

Hitmaka earned significant recognition at the for his contributions to production. In 2022, he won the Producer of the Year award, honoring his standout productions that year. The 2022 ceremony, hosted by and aired on October 4, highlighted Hitmaka's evolution from rapper Yung Berg to prolific , with a dedicated segment tracing his career milestones and collaborations. Performances by artists like and tied into the event's theme of hip-hop's past and present, amplifying the impact of productions like those Hitmaka helmed. He received a nomination for Producer of the Year in 2023, competing against notable figures like and , though the award went to for his work on projects including Travis Scott's . This nod underscored Hitmaka's continued influence in urban production, with credits on tracks blending and R&B elements.

Discography

As lead artist

Hitmaka, performing under the stage name Yung Berg during his early career, debuted as a lead artist with the EP Almost Famous (The Sexy Lady EP) in 2007 via Epic Records. The project peaked at number 32 on the US Billboard 200 and introduced his breakthrough single "Sexy Lady" featuring Junior, which climbed to number 18 on the Billboard Hot 100 and earned platinum certification from the RIAA for exceeding one million units sold. Yung Berg's only studio album is (2008), which reached number 20 on the and included the "The Business" featuring Casha, which peaked at number 33 on the Hot 100. In addition to his studio output, Yung Berg issued one EP and various mixtapes, including Passport Swag (2008, hosted by DJ Teknikz) and Yungn (2009, hosted by DJ Noize), which helped build his underground following through freestyles and collaborations. Over his tenure as a lead rapper, he released a total of 10 s, with "Sexy Lady" and "The Business" standing out for their commercial impact and radio play.

As producer (selected credits)

Hitmaka transitioned to full-time production in the early , amassing credits on numerous chart-topping tracks across and R&B. His work often features trap-influenced beats blended with melodic elements, contributing to over 75 million units sold globally through writing, production, and programming across 111 performances. Key collaborations include co-production on Big Sean's 2016 single "Bounce Back," which peaked at number six on the Billboard Hot 100 and earned platinum certification for its resilient, bass-heavy sound. He also handled production duties for Nicki Minaj's "Want Some More" from her 2014 album The Pinkprint, a high-energy track that showcased his ability to craft dynamic rhythms for rap heavyweights. In 2017, Hitmaka co-produced Meek Mill's "Dangerous" featuring Jeremih and PnB Rock from the album Wins & Losses, blending moody synths with trap percussion to support the song's introspective lyrics. His partnerships with Ty Dolla ign span multiple projects, including co-production on "The Light" from the 2022 collaborative album *Mih-Ty* by Jeremih and Ty Dolla ign, a smooth R&B cut emphasizing emotional vulnerability. More recently, he contributed production to tracks on Ty Dolla $ign's 2025 album TYCOON, continuing their synergy in contemporary R&B. Hitmaka's involvement extends to Chris Brown's 2023 album 11:11, where he provided production on several tracks, enhancing Brown's signature blend of pop and . In 2024, he executive produced and contributed beats to Tink's album Songs About U featuring , focusing on intimate, groove-oriented R&B narratives. Looking ahead, his co-writing and production on Bow Wow and Chris Brown's 2025 single "Use Me" highlights ongoing ties with established artists.

Filmography

Film roles

Hitmaka, formerly known as Yung Berg, has no credited on-screen roles in films. His involvement in has primarily been through contributions during his early career and transition to production, reflecting his presence in and urban entertainment scenes. He contributed to the soundtrack of the action thriller (2001) with the track "Dog 4 Life" (as Iceberg). In 2007, Yung Berg co-wrote the song "Do It" (featuring , , and others) for the teen comedy . Hitmaka received a songwriting and production credit on "Don't Get Much Better" for the blockbuster (2017). While Hitmaka has not pursued acting roles, his film involvement often ties into soundtrack production and advisory contributions for urban-themed projects in the .

Television appearances

Hitmaka, then known as Yung Berg, appeared as a supporting cast member in the first season of the VH1 reality series Love & Hip Hop: Hollywood in 2014. The show documented his personal relationships, including turbulent romances with castmates Hazel-E and Masika Tucker, while highlighting his transition from rapper to music producer amid the hip-hop scene. His involvement spanned 11 episodes, showcasing conflicts like recording sessions gone awry and public fallout from his dating life, which contributed to his evolving public image in the industry. In 2019, Hitmaka sat for an interview on , the popular radio and television program hosted by , , and . During the appearance, he discussed his career pivot to production, beefs with artists like Maino, and collaborations with major acts, emphasizing his growth beyond his Yung Berg persona. On June 8, 2025, Hitmaka appeared again on during the BET Awards media coverage, discussing topics including selling his music catalog, industry executive roles, and views on current events like "Free ." Hitmaka made a on season 19 of Nick Cannon's improv comedy and music competition series in 2023, alongside singer Tink and rapper Roxanne Shanté. In the , he participated in games like "Pick Up and Kill It" and "," while performing his track "Cater" with Tink, blending his production expertise with on-stage energy in an advisory capacity for musical segments.

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