Christian J. Ward (born September 9, 1985), professionally known as Hitmaka, is an American record producer and former rapper from
Chicago
(''City in a Garden''); I Will
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,
Illinois
Illinois ( ) is a U.S. state, state in the Midwestern United States, Midwestern United States. Its largest metropolitan areas include the Chicago metropolitan area, and the Metro East section, of Greater St. Louis. Other smaller metropolita ...
.
Ward began his career as a rapper under the name Yung Berg, having released his debut album ''
Look What You Made Me'' in 2007. In his later career, he has become better known as a high-profile record producer and executive in the music industry. In 2020, he was appointed as the vice president of A&R at
Atlantic Records
Atlantic Recording Corporation (simply known as Atlantic Records) is an American record label founded in October 1947 by Ahmet Ertegun and Herb Abramson. Over its first 20 years of operation, Atlantic earned a reputation as one of the most i ...
.
Initially signed to
DMX's
Bloodline Records as Iceberg, he ultimately signed to
Epic Records
Epic Records is an American record label owned by Sony Music Entertainment, a subsidiary of Sony Corporation of America
Sony Corporation of America (SONAM, also known as SCA), is the American arm of the Japanese conglomerate Sony Group ...
. Ward's major-label debut single was "
Sexy Lady", and was released in April 2007, and became the lead single for his debut studio album ''
Look What You Made Me'' (2008).
As a recording artist he’s known for the singles "Sexy Lady", "
Sexy Can I
"Sexy Can I" is the first single from Ray J
William Ray Norwood Jr. (born January 17, 1981), known professionally as Ray J, is an American singer, actor, and television personality. Born in McComb, Mississippi, and raised in Carson, Califo ...
" (with
Ray J
William Ray Norwood Jr. (born January 17, 1981), known professionally as Ray J, is an American singer, actor, and television personality. Born in McComb, Mississippi, and raised in Carson, California, he is the younger brother of recording a ...
) and "
The Business".
Career
2001–2005: Career beginnings
In 2001, Ward signed to rapper
DMX's
Bloodline Records. He made his debut on the
''Exit Wounds'' soundtrack on the song "Dog 4 Life" as Iceberg. However, his parents sent him to a military boarding school in
Montana
Montana () is a state in the Mountain West division of the Western United States. It is bordered by Idaho to the west, North Dakota and South Dakota to the east, Wyoming to the south, and the Canadian provinces of Alberta, British Columbi ...
in 2001.
He moved to
Los Angeles
Los Angeles ( ; es, Los Ángeles, link=no , ), often referred to by its initials L.A., is the largest city in the state of California and the second most populous city in the United States after New York City, as well as one of the world' ...
after finishing school in 2003.
In 2005, Ward worked as a hype man and recording assistant for
Disturbing tha Peace
Disturbing tha Peace Records (DTP) is an American record label founded by Ludacris, Jeff Dixon, and Chaka Zulu.
History
Beginnings
Disturbing tha Peace was founded in 1998 by Christopher "Ludacris" Bridges, manager Chaka Zulu, and Zulu's brother ...
member and Chicago rapper
Shawnna
Rashawnna Guy (born January 3, 1978), better known by her stage name Shawnna, is an American rapper. She was the first female artist signed to Def Jam South through Ludacris' Disturbing tha Peace Records. She is a former member of the female Chi ...
.
2007–present
![Yung Berg in 2007 (6904212018)](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/3/36/Yung_Berg_in_2007_%286904212018%29.jpg)
Ward's debut single, "
Sexy Lady", which featured R&B singer Junior, became a hit on
Los Angeles
Los Angeles ( ; es, Los Ángeles, link=no , ), often referred to by its initials L.A., is the largest city in the state of California and the second most populous city in the United States after New York City, as well as one of the world' ...
urban radio, and he signed with
Epic Records
Epic Records is an American record label owned by Sony Music Entertainment, a subsidiary of Sony Corporation of America
Sony Corporation of America (SONAM, also known as SCA), is the American arm of the Japanese conglomerate Sony Group ...
among many labels that approached him. Ward's six-track
EP ''
Almost Famous: The Sexy Lady EP'' was released in July 2007. Also in 2007, Ward made a cameo in the music video of singer
Kat DeLuna
Kathleen Emperatriz DeLuna (born November 26, 1987) is an American singer.
DeLuna began pursuing a career as a singer when she was a teenager and later signed with Epic Records. Her debut single, " Whine Up", released in 2007, went on to become ...
's debut single "
Whine Up
"Whine Up" is the debut single by American singer Kat DeLuna, released from her debut album, '' 9 Lives''. The song features Elephant Man. It was believed that Puerto Rican rapper Ivy Queen was featured, but DeLuna herself provided the rap. The ...
". "Sexy Lady" peaked at #18 on the ''Billboard'' 100. In addition to that single, Ward recorded a song with
Lil Wayne
Dwayne Michael Carter Jr. (born September 27, 1982), known professionally as Lil Wayne, is an American rapper, singer, songwriter, and record executive. His career began in 1995, at the age of 12, when he was signed by rapper Birdman (rapper), ...
and
Brisco titled “Bitch Please” which was released in November 2007.
In December 2007, Ward released another single "
Sexy Can I
"Sexy Can I" is the first single from Ray J
William Ray Norwood Jr. (born January 17, 1981), known professionally as Ray J, is an American singer, actor, and television personality. Born in McComb, Mississippi, and raised in Carson, Califo ...
", a collaboration with singer
Ray J
William Ray Norwood Jr. (born January 17, 1981), known professionally as Ray J, is an American singer, actor, and television personality. Born in McComb, Mississippi, and raised in Carson, California, he is the younger brother of recording a ...
, then his debut album ''
Look What You Made Me''.
The second single was "
Do That There
"Do That There" is the first promotional single from Yung Berg's first album '' Look What You Made Me''. The single features the rap group Dude 'n Nem and a verse from their single "Watch My Feet" as the song's hook. Yung Berg said he hoped to r ...
", featuring
Dude 'n' Nem
Dude 'n Nem was an American Hip hop music, hip hop duo consisting of Chicago rappers Trygic and Upmost.
The duo signed to TVT Records and released the single "Watch My Feet" in 2007. The single peaked at number 20 on the US ''Billboard (magazin ...
, followed by "
The Business", featuring Casha, which peaked at #33 on the Hot 100. ''
Look What You Made Me'' would chart at #20 on the
''Billboard'' 200 and at #2 on the
Top Rap Albums
Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums is a music chart published weekly by ''Billboard'' magazine that ranks R&B and hip hop albums based on sales in the United States and is compiled by Nielsen SoundScan. The chart debuted as Hot R&B LPs in the issue dated Jan ...
chart. In December 2008, Ward began casting "exceptionally stand out beautiful dark skin/brown skin women to showcase beauty of all races" for a potential dating reality show that he would host.
However, as evidenced by the trailer for his new TV show, titled ''Back In Business'', it will not be a dating show. But the reality show was never released as planned. In 2009, Ward formed The Dream Team production group with his older brother K-Young and producer Rob Holladay. In 2012, Ward also co-wrote and co-produced for
Nicki Minaj
Onika Tanya Maraj-Petty (; born December 8, 1982), known professionally as Nicki Minaj ( ), is a Trinidadian-born rapper based in the United States. She is known for her musical versatility, animated flow in her rapping, alter egos and accent ...
's album ''
The Pinkprint
''The Pinkprint'' is the third studio album by rapper Nicki Minaj, released on December 15, 2014, by Young Money Entertainment, Cash Money Records and Republic Records. Minaj co-executive-produced the album alongside Birdman, Lil Wayne and Rona ...
'' on the tracks "Want Some More", "Buy a Heart" and "Shanghai".
In 2014, Ward would appear in the first season of the
VH1 show ''
Love & Hip Hop: Hollywood''. The show loosely follows events in his and fellow castmate, Hazel E's personal lives. On November 9, 2014 it was announced by
VH1 that they had fired Ward from ''Love & Hip Hop: Hollywood'' due to arrest for allegedly assaulting his fellow castmate and girlfriend
Masika Kalysha Tucker.
In 2020, Ward helmed the executive-producer duties for rapper
T.I.'s new album ''
The L.I.B.R.A.''.
Legal issues
In October 2015, Ward was cited $100,000 in back child support for his child with Brandy Flint. In December 2017, Ward was considered a delinquent parent by the
Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services
The Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services (HFS), formerly the Department of Public Aid, is the code department of the Illinois state government that is responsible for providing healthcare coverage for adults and children who qua ...
, which has published information on Yung Berg's failure to pay child support. At the time, Ward's amount owed in past-due child support is $104,962 for one child.
Personal life
Robbery victim
On August 23, 2008, it was reported and confirmed that Ward had been ambushed by
Detroit, Michigan
Detroit ( , ; , ) is the largest city in the U.S. state of Michigan. It is also the largest U.S. city on the United States–Canada border, and the seat of government of Wayne County. The City of Detroit had a population of 639,111 at ...
, rapper
Trick Trick
Christian Anthony Mathis (born June 28, 1973), better known by his stage name Trick Trick, is an American rapper and record producer from Detroit
Detroit ( , ; , ) is the largest city in the U.S. state of Michigan. It is also the large ...
and his entourage in his club and had his signature "''
Transformers
''Transformers'' is a media franchise produced by American toy company Hasbro and Japanese toy company Takara Tomy. It primarily follows the Autobots and the Decepticons, two alien robot factions at war that can transform into other forms, suc ...
'' chain" taken. But on August 26, 2008, Trick Trick denied having anything to do with the altercation, and claimed to have saved Ward from the altercation. On December 16, 2011, Ward explained the altercation by stating he didn't want to go to Trick Trick's club since a member of his entourage had a problem with him, but somehow ended up there. "I was like 30 deep, I went in the club and I went to the back because I had the number one record at the time", he said, stating that he wanted a free bottle. "The co-owner come back and he said, My partner Trick Trick said ain’t no love for you on those bottles. I was like, your partner? Hold on. So now we’re in Trick Trick's club, I come to find out, the same club that I didn’t wanna go to and perform. Now, I’m in the club. I’m like 5’6, 150 pounds. I come out there and the whole club security surrounds me. They whooped my ass through the club, the security. My entourage was all around us and they were getting their asses whooped too!"
On October 5, 2010,
United Kingdom
The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, commonly known as the United Kingdom (UK) or Britain, is a country in Europe, off the north-western coast of the continental mainland. It comprises England, Scotland, Wales and North ...
rapper Rowdy T announced that he had taken Ward's "
Batman
Batman is a superhero appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics. The character was created by artist Bob Kane and writer Bill Finger, and debuted in Detective Comics 27, the 27th issue of the comic book ''Detective Comics'' on ...
chain" and called him a snitch for reporting it to police. But during an interview Ward announced that he had done no such thing and the chain wasn't anything important to him.
On March 20, 2011, during an interview Ward announced that he was done with wearing flashy jewelry stating,
Controversies
Bow Wow
On March 25, 2008, Ward released his single entitled "
Do That There
"Do That There" is the first promotional single from Yung Berg's first album '' Look What You Made Me''. The single features the rap group Dude 'n Nem and a verse from their single "Watch My Feet" as the song's hook. Yung Berg said he hoped to r ...
", which was a direct diss towards fellow rapper,
Bow Wow. However, during an interview in early 2009, Ward stated that the two had settled their differences.
Brisco
On March 7, 2008, Ward insulted Miami rapper
Brisco on a video podcast. On July 10, 2008, Ward became involved in a controversy with rapper
Flo Rida
Tramar Lacel Dillard (born September 16, 1979), better known by his stage name Flo Rida (, ), is an American rapper and singer. His 2007 breakout single " Low" was number one for 10 weeks in the United States and broke the record for digital dow ...
when speaking about his upcoming album ''
Look What You Made Me'' when he stated "my album got pushed back like Flo Rida's hairline", though he later apologized for his remark stating he was just playing.
Flo Rida
Tramar Lacel Dillard (born September 16, 1979), better known by his stage name Flo Rida (, ), is an American rapper and singer. His 2007 breakout single " Low" was number one for 10 weeks in the United States and broke the record for digital dow ...
's
Poe Boy Entertainment
Poe Boy Music Group (formerly Poe Boy Entertainment) is an American record label, founded in 1999 by Elric "E-Class" Prince, the label's founder and CEO. President of Poe Boy Music Group Elvin "Big Chuck" Prince, CEO of Hiram Music Group & CEO of ...
label mate and longtime friend
Brisco took offense to the remark stating "You talking too much, Imma beat yo lil red ass".
Teairra Marí
On February 21, 2012 during an interview, singer
Teairra Marí
Teairra Marí Thomas (born December 2, 1987) is an American singer-songwriter, dancer, and actress. At the age of 16, Jay-Z signed her to Def Jam and she released her first album, '' Roc-A-Fella Records Presents Teairra Marí''. After disappoi ...
stated that she did not like Ward and would get him ambushed again due to comments he made about her during one of his interviews.
[Langhorne, Cyrus (February 21, 2012]
"I'll Get His A** Jumped Again. I Don't Like Yung Berg. I'm Sorry"
sohh.com On May 10, 2012, Ward spoke about the situation stating "On the Teairra situation, first and foremost, I did the interview with The Breakfast Club in 2011, and I left that in 2011," he said in an interview. "After I did the interview, I called
Ray J
William Ray Norwood Jr. (born January 17, 1981), known professionally as Ray J, is an American singer, actor, and television personality. Born in McComb, Mississippi, and raised in Carson, California, he is the younger brother of recording a ...
and I said, 'Yo, this is what I talked about in my interview,' because I spoke candidly about our relationship and I felt my loyalty is to Ray, it's not nowhere near to Teairra. I don't even know her like that, and at the end of the day, why are we gonna go back and forth about how you tried to holla at me...you know what you did...I've got bigger things to worry about than being trivial over some pussy, especially when there's so much pussy out there. I've been called worse by better people than her". In 2014, during the first season of the
VH1 show ''
Love & Hip Hop: Hollywood'', it was revealed that Ward and Marí had resolved their former issues towards each other. Later in the season, he produced her song "Deserve".
Discography
* ''
Look What You Made Me'' (2008)
* Mr Ward The Album (2011)
* Reality Check (2012)
* YFM The Genesis (2015)
* ''1-800-HIT-EAZY''
(with Eric Bellinger
Eric Aldwin Bellinger Jr. (born March 26, 1986) is an American singer, songwriter, and record producer from Los Angeles. He began songwriting in 2010, and his co-writing credits including "Lemme See" by Usher, " New Flame" by Chris Brown, "You D ...
) (2021)
* ''Big Tuh'' (2021)
* 1-800 Hit Eazy 2 (Eric Bellinger )
* Tink Pillow Talk (2022) (Hosted By HitMaka)
Filmography
Television
References
External links
*
Yung Bergon
Myspace
{{DEFAULTSORT:Hitmaka
1986 births
African-American male rappers
African-American record producers
American hip hop record producers
Chicago Vocational High School alumni
MNRK Music Group artists
Epic Records artists
Living people
Rappers from Chicago
Songwriters from Illinois
Participants in American reality television series
21st-century American rappers
Record producers from Illinois
21st-century American male musicians
American music industry executives
Midwest hip hop musicians
African-American songwriters
21st-century African-American musicians
20th-century African-American people
American male songwriters