Hitmaka
Christian Ward | |
|---|---|
| Born | Christian Ward September 9, 1985 Chicago, Illinois, U.S. |
| Occupation(s) | Music producer, rapper, songwriter, record executive |
| Years active | 2001–present |
| Known for | Hitmaka, Yung Berg |
Christian Ward (born September 9, 1985), professionally recognized as Hitmaka, is an American music producer.
Starting his career as a rapper under the name Iceberg at age 14 in 2001, Ward took a break due to military-style education before signing with Epic Records six years later, adopting the stage name Yung Berg. His first single in 2007, "Sexy Lady", climbed to number 18 on the Billboard Hot 100, followed by 2008’s "The Business" reaching number 33. That same year, he featured on Ray J’s top-five hit "Sexy Can I". These achievements preceded his debut album, Look What You Made Me (2008), which attained the 20th spot on the Billboard 200. After a series of mixtapes and singles that did not chart, Ward transitioned his focus toward producing music by 2014.
In his capacity as a producer and songwriter, Ward has been instrumental in crafting several Top 40 hits on the Billboard Hot 100, including Big Sean’s "Bounce Back", Lil Wayne’s "John", Chris Brown’s "Party", A Boogie wit da Hoodie’s "Look Back at It", Meek Mill’s "Dangerous", and Megan Thee Stallion’s "Plan B". In 2019, he was named executive vice president of A&R at Atlantic Records, and in 2020, he assumed a comparable executive role at Empire Distribution.
Early life
Christian Ward entered the world on September 9, 1985, in Chicago, Illinois.
2001–2005: Initial career phase and military schooling
In January 2001, Ward signed with rapper DMX’s label, Bloodline Records, debuting under the moniker Iceberg on the Exit Wounds soundtrack with the track "Dog 4 Life". Despite early backing, his time with DMX was marked by difficulties such as substance-related issues and insufficient mentorship. While still under Bloodline’s contract, Ward moved from a Toronto studio to Edgewater, New Jersey, where he worked independently on an intended album alongside producers including Boogz da Beast and Tricky Stewart.
Due to deteriorating relations, Ward’s mother sent him to Spring Creek Lodge Academy, a military boarding school in Montana, during mid-2001. Concerned about the label’s controversial reputation, his father requested DMX to release Ward from Bloodline. After demonstrating progress at the academy, Ward was discharged in late 2002.
Following this, he relocated to Los Angeles, California, after obtaining his GED in 2003. Prior to this, he had attended Chicago Vocational High School and Curie Metropolitan High School. By 2005, Ward was engaged as a hype man and recording assistant for fellow Chicago artist Shawnna.
2007–2010: Rapper emergence
Ward launched his debut single "Sexy Lady", featuring R&B vocalist Junior, on April 3, 2007. The track gained substantial traction on urban radio stations in Los Angeles and reached number 18 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. He secured a contract with Epic Records and released a six-track EP titled Almost Famous: The Sexy Lady EP on July 24, 2007. Additionally, Ward appeared in Kat DeLuna’s "Whine Up" music video and collaborated with Lil Wayne and Brisco on "Bitch Please" in November 2007.
In December of that year, he released "Sexy Can I", a collaboration with Ray J. His debut album singles also included "Do That There" featuring Dude 'n Nem and "The Business" featuring Casha Darjean; the latter peaked at number 33 on the Billboard Hot 100. On August 12, 2008, Ward unveiled his first studio album, Look What You Made Me, which reached number 20 on the Billboard 200 and secured second place on the Top Rap Albums chart.
Toward the end of 2008, Ward initiated casting for a reality television project titled Back to Business, designed to highlight beauty across various skin tones; however, this show was never aired. In 2009, he established the production collective Dream Team alongside his brother K-Young and producer Rob Holladay.
2010–present: Shift to production and achievements
In 2010, Ward decided to retire from rapping to dedicate himself entirely to producing and songwriting. His significant breakthrough occurred in 2011 when he co-produced Lil Wayne's track "John," featuring Rick Ross. Following this, he contributed as producer or co-writer on singles such as Driicky Graham's "Snapbacks & Tattoos" (2012), Tamar Braxton's "The One" (2013), and DJ Infamous' "Double Cup" (2014).
By mid-2014, Ward embraced the moniker Hitmaka, signaling his complete pivot toward music production. His initial prominent work under this new identity appeared on Nicki Minaj's third album, The Pinkprint, where he co-produced the tracks "Want Some More," "Buy a Heart," and "Shanghai." That same year, he joined VH1's reality show Love & Hip Hop: Hollywood, though his tenure ended after being dismissed following an arrest linked to an alleged assault.
During the subsequent five years, Hitmaka crafted productions for numerous artists including Jeremih ("Giv No Fuks," "Worthy," "I Think of You"), Chris Brown ("Party"), K. Michelle ("Ain't You"), Big Sean ("Bounce Back"), Kid Ink ("Nasty," "F with U"), Ty Dolla Sign ("Ex," "Pineapple"), A Boogie wit da Hoodie ("Look Back at It"), Meek Mill ("Dangerous"), and 2 Chainz ("Rule the World"). He also produced the collaborative single "Thot Box," which featured several notable rappers.
In August 2019, Ward was named executive vice president of urban A&R at Atlantic Records. Toward the end of 2020, he served as executive producer on T.I.'s eleventh studio album, The L.I.B.R.A., and co-produced Trey Songz and Summer Walker's track "Back Home," which peaked at number twelve on Billboard’s Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Airplay chart.
On February 11, 2021, Ward released a joint album with Eric Bellinger titled 1-(800)-HIT-EAZY, followed by its sequel, Line 2, in February 2023. Throughout 2021, he produced songs for Tink and co-produced Yung Bleu’s single "Baddest." In September of that year, he advanced to vice president of A&R at Empire Distribution, reporting directly to founder Ghazi Shami and president Tina Davis. In October 2022, Ward earned the BET Hip Hop Award for Producer of the Year.
Continuing into 2023, Ward maintained his production work for artists such as Chloe Bailey ("How Does It Feel"), 2 Chainz and Lil Wayne ("Transparency"), Chris Brown ("Angel Numbers / Ten Toes"), and is credited for producing Bow Wow’s track "Use Me" slated for release in 2025.
Legal matters
In October 2015, Ward was mandated to pay $100,000 in overdue child support for his child with Brandy Flint after failing to appear in an Illinois court hearing. By December 2017, the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services had classified him as a delinquent parent with outstanding child support payments amounting to $104,962 for one child.
Robbery incident
On August 23, 2008, Ward was targeted in an ambush during which his distinctive Transformers chain was stolen. In a 2011 interview, he recounted arriving at the club with a large entourage due to holding the top record at that time. Despite this event, Ward later minimized the significance of the stolen chain.
On March 20, 2011, Ward announced his decision to cease wearing ostentatious jewelry. Reflecting his personal growth and commitment to his Christian beliefs, he expressed a preference for more refined and understated accessories instead of flashy chains.
Discography
- Look What You Made Me (under the name Yung Berg) (2008)
- A.D.I.D.A.S (forthcoming)
- Mr Ward 2 (forthcoming)
- Reality Check II (forthcoming)
Collaborative albums
- 1-800-HIT-EAZY (collaborated with Eric Bellinger) (2021)
- 1-800-HIT-EAZY: Line 2 (joint effort with Eric Bellinger) (2023)
- The Purple Passion (in partnership with Icewear Vezzo) (2026)
- Short Days & Long Nights (with King Los) (forthcoming)
- Mikkey Mallory 2 (featuring Tink) (forthcoming)
- Upcoming project (with Lakeyah)
- YFM Genesis 2 (collaborators include Arin Ray, Rone, Tink, Driicky Graham, Jordan Hollywood, Dream Doll, YD The Best) (forthcoming)
Television
| Year | Series | Character | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 | Love & Hip Hop: Hollywood | Himself |