HITMAKA 

Growing up in Chicago, artist, producer and songwriter Christian Ward aka 
Yung Berg aka Hitmaka was focused while most his age were merely beginning to figure out who they even were. Music was what he had his eyes on. His passion was so strong it caused tunnel vision of sorts; winning in all facets of the industry was all he saw. That is all he still sees. It all began with a deal on DMX’s Bloodline Records and going on to work on a soundtrack for Warner Bros.’ film, Exit Wounds, at the budding age of 15. Early determination has positioned Yung Berg to control his own destiny and his imprint on music. 

His parents didn’t understand where the desire to do music came from so Yung Berg became his own guide when it came to his career decisions. Making a mature and life-changing move he left the Midwest for California. To follow any dream you can’t be afraid to live them, so he did just that. In 2005 he landed a position as DTP artist Shawnna’s hype man and recording assistant. The industry was becoming familiar with him and he was becoming more aware that he was a good fit for it. His first album Look What You Made Me was released the summer of 2008, he now had something that was completely his own, but that was only the beginning. In the midst of opportunities coming his way, Yung Berg established his own ventures including Yung Bosses production team & YFM. Around this time the world became very familiar with the artist in him when his collaboration, “Sexy Can I,” with Ray J took over the airwaves. The single went 4x platinum and was featured on Ray J’s fourth album & Yung Berg's debut album. That was followed by the singles “Sexy Lady” and “The Business” that both sold platinum. In 2011 he brought in music manager Tiffany J. she encouraged the multi-talented star into focusing on his talents as a writer and producer for other acts. 

The recent years have brought on a string of more production and songwriting credits under the name Hitmaka with a roster of established artists trusting his gifts. He has produced or written on some of the most popular records in the last few, now being Grammy nominated four times to date. He received Grammy nominations for Lil Wayne feat Rick Ross’s “John,” Tamar Braxton’s “The One,” Nicki Minaj’s “Pink Print” and Big Sean’s “Bounce Back.” 

Hitmaka is currently the VP of A&R at EMPIRE as well as co-founder of Makasound Records, while still churning out hits for artists such as Ty Dolla $ign, Toosii, Yung Bleu, Chris Brown, Chloe Bailey and more. 

Realizing that in the industry if you don’t take the wheel it may be taken from you has influenced his path. He shares these sentiments “After the career I had as an artist, I have to thank God for allowing me another opportunity, my music is meant to leave a lasting impact. Creating your own way, building off established success, and of course continuing to push forward.” Hitmaka has allowed every experience to put him in a new place and change his approach to life and especially his music, all for the better.

@hitmaka on Instagram