Tink and Hitmaka have both made names for themselves in the music industry. They’ve scored individual success as artists. As a couple, though, things have been messy. Tink and Hitmaka parted ways in 2023 after reports that the former put hands on the latter. The nasty split spilled over to Instagram, where the two artists proceeded to air out each other’s dirty laundry and throw insults back and forth. Then, out of nowhere, Tink and Hitmaka decided to make amends. The duo decided to set their personal differences aside and focus on the music.
Tink detailed this interesting set up during a recent appearance on The Breakfast Club. The singer was asked whether it’s been difficult work so intimately with an ex, and she was forthright. She told the hosts that her and Hitmaka were contractually obligated to work on an album together, so they were forced to put their feelings aside. “I had to take the emotion out of it,” the singer noted. “And we were already in a contract so there were obligations. Things were already in motion.” Tink’s album took a particularly long time to record, and a lot of it came down to the difficulty of working with someone that she had so much history with.
“That process was different for me,” Tink explained. “It took a lot of maturity for me to get in that booth and for us to come to agreement on these songs.” The singer also admitted that certain days proved to be more difficult than others. In some instances, she needed to steer clear of Hitmaka entirely. “We had hard days where he had to walk out, and that’s just what it is,” she revealed. “I needed time away to get my mind together. I can’t look at you today, I can’t be around you, listening to what you want to say right now. “
Tink was asked which songs were about Hitmaka, in particular, but she preferred to keep the focus broad. She commended the producer for putting his ego and feelings aside to get the best possible album made. She did, however, admit that he was a point of reference during the songwriting stage. “I feel like the entire album could relate to him,” she opined. “I purposely waited to drop this album so it wasn’t 14 songs about one person.” Ultimately, though, the album is the product of both artists, and Tink is proud of it. “We went through a lot of turmoil,” she concluded. “So there’s a bit of him in a lot of these records. And he knows that, we worked on the album together.”
In the music industry, Christian Ward (whose stage name was formerly Yung Berg and currently Hitmaka) has taken on many different roles. Although he first became famous as a rapper during the mid-2000s, his career reached new heights when he started producing and writing songs for others. This career transformation saved his profession and ensured everybody knew he was a hitmaker. Some of these include No. 1 singles in hip-hop and R&B. It further shows his versatility in making catchy melodies and beats.
Additionally, he has worked alongside some of the biggest names in the business over time, contributing to their success, too. This makes him a crucial person in contemporary music because he can adapt to changes in style without losing what makes artists sound like themselves. Here are five tracks that cannot be missed for anyone who wants to understand this artist-producer’s impact on music or how they have changed over time.
1. “Sexy Can I” (Ray J Featuring Yung Berg) (2008)
Released in 2008 under his previous stage name, Yung Berg, featuring Ray J, “Sexy Can I” was Hitmaka’s first thriving song as an artist. It peaked at No. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100 and achieved platinum certification. Known for making catchy songs ready for clubs, this marked the beginning of Hitmaka’s success. He became known for creating these types of tracks. Its irresistible chorus and sleek production attracted many listeners, securing Hitmaka’s place as an up-and-coming figure in hip-hop and R&B.
The success of “Sexy Can I” was pivotal in Hitmaka’s career. It further emphasized his ability to craft hits that resounded with listeners. The song’s party vibe made it a staple on radio stations and clubs, solidifying his presence in the music industry. This track introduced Hitmaka to a broader audience and set the stage for his transition from rapper to a renowned producer and songwriter.
2. “The Business” (Yung Berg Featuring Casha) (2008)
“The Business,” released in 2008, is another major hit from Hitmaka’s early career when he was still performing under the name Yung Berg. Featuring singer Casha, the track is a smooth, melodic tune that further established his reputation for creating memorable tracks. “The Business” performed well on the charts, reaching No. 33 on the Billboard Hot 100, and became a favorite on radio stations. Its win helped to solidify Yung Berg’s status as a hitmaker during the late 2000s.
The production and chorus make this song stand out, as they would later become trademarks for Hitmaka as a producer. “The Business” showed how good he was at mixing hip-hop with R&B so smoothly that it could be enjoyed by anyone listening. This is just one example of his early abilities on display, followed by an even more successful career after he changed roles into being mainly behind-the-scenes talent.
3. “Thot Box” (Featuring Meek Mill, 2 Chainz, YBN Nahmir, A Boogie wit Da Hoodie, & Tyga) (2019)
“Thot Box,” which was released in 2019, is a big collaboration that really demonstrates Hitmaka’s ability as a producer. Meek Mill, 2 Chainz, YBN Nahmir, A Boogie wit da Hoodie, and Tyga all feature on this track. They delivered vigorous performances over its hard-hitting beat, and it quickly picked up steam. The fact that it had such an energetic performance paired with a tremendous instrumental made it do well on streaming services.
On “Thot Box,” Hitmaka shows off his skill for creating current yet impactful instrumentals. He always has strong melody lines and driving rhythms that never lose their catchiness. The connections made between different musicians through this one song prove how well-known Hitmaka is among other artists. He brings together people who may not usually collaborate to make something special.
“Bounce Back,” released in 2016, is one of Big Sean’s most successful tracks, and it prominently features Hitmaka’s production skills. The song reached No. 6 on the Billboard Hot 100 and became a massive hit and an anthem for overcoming challenges. Hitmaka’s production on this track is characterized by its seamless integration of modern hip-hop elements, making it radio-friendly and club-ready.
Moreover, the success of “Bounce Back” was a significant milestone in Hitmaka’s career as a producer. It showcased his ability to create a sound that perfectly complements the artist’s style and message. The track’s motivational vibe and Big Sean’s confident delivery made it a standout hit. “Bounce Back” emphasized Hitmaka’s production skills and cemented his status as a key player in shaping contemporary hip-hop sounds. This track is a prime example of his skill in producing chart-topping hits that echo with a broad audience.
5. “Sorry Not Sorry” (Bryson Tiller) (2015)
“Sorry Not Sorry” is one of the best songs from T R A P S O U L, Bryson Tiller’s debut album, released in 2015. It was produced by Hitmaka, who has been proven versatile enough to create R&B hits. The beat of this song is smooth and sultry, and it goes well with Tiller’s unique blend of trap music and soul. What stands out about Hitmaka’s work on this track is that he always polishes it up until everything sounds exemplary, then adds an emotional layer through lush production, adding depth to Bryson’s voice.
This became a fan favorite and contributed greatly towards critical acclaim and commercial success for the album, establishing him as one notable figure in contemporary R&B. Through “Sorry Not Sorry,” Hitmaka showed us just how good at making such different types of music sound great together, thus cementing himself as being not only adaptable but influential across various areas within the industry, too.
Hitmaka has had quite the career. He rose to fame under the rap name Yung Berg, before making a shift to producing in the 2010s. His rebranding has resulted in high-profile collaborations with the likes of Big Sean, Chris Brown, and Lil Wayne among countless others. One artist Hitmaka placed high on his collab list, however, was DMX. He idolized the New York icon, and was fortunate enough to produce sessions for X shortly before his death in 2021. Will we ever get to hear them? Well, according to Hitmaka, we’ll get them sooner rather than later.
Hitmaka shed light on the DMX situation during a recent interview with AllHipHop. He revealed that he’s in possession of multiple X songs, and is simply waiting for the right time to release them. “[It’s] out of respect for the family,” he explained. “I’m just waiting for the right opportunity. I don’t want any money from ‘em but whatever the proceeds [are] should go to [them].” Hitmaka assured fans that he’s been communicating with DMX’s estate to make sure these songs see the light of day. “So whenever they handled that then I’m sure his estate—we’ll hear them soon,” he added.
Hitmaka and DMX go way back. The former actually signed with DMX when he was only 14 years old, and received a placement on the soundtrack to the DMX film Exit Wounds (2001). The two eventually parted ways, but reconnected shortly before X’s death. It’s during this brief window that they churned out new music together. “We actually have a couple records that we did in a full circle moment after I became Hitmaka,” he noted. “In the position I’m in, I was able to tap back in with X in Atlanta. He hit me randomly like, ‘Shorty! Shorty! I need a studio.” Hitmaka considered the night to be a full circle moment for both him and X.
Hitmaka has reached a point in his career where he wants to make business strides and not just hits. He proved that he could deliver the goods as a producer, but he told Flaunt that he wanted to move beyond that and challenge himself. “I aspire to be super out of here,” he announced. “I really want to run one of these companies and be at the head of it, to open up doors for people like me. I’m just getting started forreal.” Fans will be in for a treat with whatever Hitmaka does next, especially if it involves the rapper who gave him his big break.
Hitamakarecently sat down with Superstar Jay onSiriusXM’s Shade 45 and during the interview, Hitmaka revealed that Diddy denied Conway The Machine a Notorious B.I.G. sample and later cleared it for his son King Combs. He also shared that King Combs’ song “Naughty” was initially Boosie Badazz’s record.
Hitmaka on Diddy, Conway The Machine & Boosie Badazz controversy
Superstar Jay: Would you do a record for Boosie?
Hitmaka: Of course. I’ve done records for Boosie. Christian Combs had a record called “Naughty” with Jeremih and I had just started working with Atlantic Records at that time and actually Boosie had that record first and no disrespect respectfully to Christian because we got a bunch of other records that went crazy too. I love Boosie’s version more and Puff called Craig Calvin and was like, “No, I need that record,” and this was when I first started working at Atlantic and Craig called me like, “What did you do to Diddy?”
Superstar Jay: Why do you always get controversy with Christian because the record that I love with A Boogie, Jeremih was Conway’s record. I remember Conway telling me even when I told you about it, he was like, “Man.” Puff was like, “F that.”
Hitmaka: No, no, no, but Puff will do that though. You know what I’m saying? Look, Boosie had that record first. Christian wanted that record. Jeremih gave it to Christian. We recorded the record with Boosie first at Jeremih’s house. I was excited about it. I’m like, “This is a hit.” Boosie was going crazy, snapped on it. Me and Jeremih ended up seeing Christian. He gave him the record. I was standing on it like, “Nah.” I just started working for Atlantic. This Boosie record, Boosie was on Atlantic, so I’m like, “Yo, this Boosie record.” Puff called Craig Calvin. Craig Calvin called me like, “Christian, what is going on? Why is Sean Combs calling me?” I’m like, “I don’t know what’s going on.” It ended up being Christian’s record. The Conway situation, in that record with Conway, I ended up sampling a Diddy song and he wouldn’t clear the record for us. He wouldn’t clear the record for nobody except his son and that’s why Christian Combs got that record too. Salute to Christian and Diddy though.
DJ Superstar Jay: VIP Saturdays airs on SiriusXM’s Shade 45 on Saturdays at 8:00pm ET and is available anytime on the SiriusXM app.
While speaking on publishing issues in music, Hitmaka revealed that he has an issue with DJ Mustard.
Appearing on Way Up with Angela Yee, Hitmaka revealed he was working under Mustard on a song, that ended up being “Whatever You Need.”
“I was working under DJ Mustard early in my career and did a record and I gave it to Mustard,” Hitmaka said. “We ended up not working together anymore and he went and reproduced the record and hook because it was a sample. That turned into ‘Whatever You Need,’ Meek Mill, Chris Brown, and Ty Dolla $ign.”
Hitmaka revealed he was able to recover his publishing once he got leverage and advised everyone to have a lawyer on retainer.
During the mid-2000s, when urban beats dictated radio waves, a charismatic, fresh-faced rapper named Yung Berg leaped onto the music scene. He made quite the entrance with hits like “Sexy Lady,” affirming that he had the mojo to make heads nod. But, as the unpredictable tides of music fame often reveal, the spotlight isn’t permanent. Yung Berg, sensing the shift, did the unthinkable. He dove deeper into the industry, emerging as the sensational Hitmaka.
It wasn’t just a rebrand. It was a metamorphosis from a performer to a maestro. He sculpted beats and melodies that became the lifeblood of chartbusters, even if his name wasn’t the one broadcasted. And as 2024 rolls in, Hitmaka’s not just flaunting musical accolades. There’s a hefty bank statement to gloat about, too. With a net worth edging around the $2 million mark, according to Net Worth Post, Hitmaka has ensured that his beats not only dominate the airwaves but also mint some serious green.
The Maestro Behind The Melodies
The transition from Yung Berg to Hitmaka wasn’t merely a name change—it symbolized a maturation of talent and a shift in professional trajectory. As Hitmaka, he’s been the unseen hand guiding the music industry’s puppet strings. He crafted chart-topping tracks for the likes of Chris Brown, Ty Dolla $ign, and Big Sean. With every beat and note, Hitmaka proved that while he might not be in the forefront, he was undoubtedly one of the powerhouses behind the scenes. The accolades and platinum plaques adorning his studio walls aren’t just symbols of his musical genius but also markers of an evolving legacy.
More Than Beats: Personal Life & Highlights
The journey from Yung Berg to Hitmaka wasn’t without its trials. From facing controversies to navigating the tumultuous waters of fame, his resilience has been commendable. He has spoken openly about his struggles, sharing his story with an openness that’s both refreshing and relatable. His evolution mirrors his professional one – a constant endeavor toward growth, learning, and transformation.
Beyond The Booth: Business Ventures & Philanthropy
Hitmaka’s insight isn’t limited to just the recording booth. With a net worth hovering around $2 million, it’s evident that his ventures stretch far beyond music. Whether dabbling in entrepreneurial projects or aligning with brands that resonate with his ethos, Hitmaka ensures that his fingers are on the pulse of multiple industries. Additionally, he’s shown that success isn’t merely about amassing wealth but also giving back. While he may not wear his philanthropic endeavors on his sleeve, those in the know can vouch for his silent contributions to causes close to his heart.
Conclusion
In a world where stardom can be fleeting, Hitmaka’s journey from a young rapper to an industry titan is a testament to adaptability, perseverance, and unfailing passion. While the figures denote his financial achievements, the real story lies in the beats he’s crafted, the artists he’s uplifted, and the legacy he continues to build.
Tink and Hitmaka have been making incredible R&B music together for years. Along the way, the creative duo also forged a romantic relationship. They’ve mostly kept their love life out of the public eye. However, this past weekend the Chicago native decided it was time to speak her truth. The “I’m The Catch” hitmaker told her Instagram followers on Sunday (September 10) that she put her hands on Hitmaka after a run-in in Cancun. Before long, the producer responded to the drama with more information, noting that he and Tink had broken up and that she was seemingly upset after spotting him out with another woman.
“Me and Tink. Me and Trinity. I’ma be honest with you. I love Trinity. We love each other. We’re going through a breakup,” Hitmaka explained. While he’s doing his best to keep the situation positive, his frequent collaborator clearly doesn’t view things the same way as him. “The same ni**a that y’all going to war over, he eats my a**. From the root up to the toot up,” Tink told viewers tuning in to yesterday’s Live.
“I been silent about our relationship, I been silent about us f**king,” she continued. “What happened last night, it wasn’t just about that, it’s a bunch of other things too,” Tink noted before breaking down the beef. According to her, Hitmaka has been moving differently with her for some time now due to her desire to work on a project by herself.
Seeing as her ex is her A&R, he has a lot of say over what she’s able to share creatively, causing major contention. Along with the musical drama, the 28-year-old said that the sound engineer is in his feelings over an alleged $2 million that she owes him.
Keep scrolling to read what IG users in the loop with all the drama have been saying about the situation. Do you think Tink would’ve been better off privately feuding with Hitmaka, or is she justified in speaking her truth? Let us know in the comments, and check back later for more hip-hop/pop culture news updates.
During the mid-2000s, when urban beats dictated radio waves, a charismatic, fresh-faced rapper named Yung Berg leaped onto the music scene. He made quite the entrance with hits like “Sexy Lady,” affirming that he had the mojo to make heads nod. But, as the unpredictable tides of music fame often reveal, the spotlight isn’t permanent. Yung Berg, sensing the shift, did the unthinkable. He dove deeper into the industry, emerging as the sensational Hitmaka.
It wasn’t just a rebrand. It was a metamorphosis from a performer to a maestro. He sculpted beats and melodies that became the lifeblood of chartbusters, even if his name wasn’t the one broadcasted. And as 2023 rolls in, Hitmaka’s not just flaunting musical accolades. There’s a hefty bank statement to gloat about, too. With a net worth edging around the $2 million mark, according to Net Worth Post, Hitmaka has ensured that his beats not only dominate the airwaves but also mint some serious green.
The Maestro Behind The Melodies
The transition from Yung Berg to Hitmaka wasn’t merely a name change—it symbolized a maturation of talent and a shift in professional trajectory. As Hitmaka, he’s been the unseen hand guiding the music industry’s puppet strings. He crafted chart-topping tracks for the likes of Chris Brown, Ty Dolla $ign, and Big Sean. With every beat and note, Hitmaka proved that while he might not be in the forefront, he was undoubtedly one of the powerhouses behind the scenes. The accolades and platinum plaques adorning his studio walls aren’t just symbols of his musical genius but also markers of an evolving legacy.
More Than Beats: Personal Life & Highlights
The journey from Yung Berg to Hitmaka wasn’t without its trials. From facing controversies to navigating the tumultuous waters of fame, his resilience has been commendable. He has spoken openly about his struggles, sharing his story with an openness that’s both refreshing and relatable. His evolution mirrors his professional one – a constant endeavor toward growth, learning, and transformation.
Beyond The Booth: Business Ventures & Philanthropy
Hitmaka’s insight isn’t limited to just the recording booth. With a net worth hovering around $2 million, it’s evident that his ventures stretch far beyond music. Whether dabbling in entrepreneurial projects or aligning with brands that resonate with his ethos, Hitmaka ensures that his fingers are on the pulse of multiple industries. Additionally, he’s shown that success isn’t merely about amassing wealth but also giving back. While he may not wear his philanthropic endeavors on his sleeve, those in the know can vouch for his silent contributions to causes close to his heart.
Conclusion
In a world where stardom can be fleeting, Hitmaka’s journey from a young rapper to an industry titan is a testament to adaptability, perseverance, and unfailing passion. While the figures denote his financial achievements, the real story lies in the beats he’s crafted, the artists he’s uplifted, and the legacy he continues to build.
Hitmaka, formally known as Yung Berg, has a music career that dates back to 2008. With over 15 years in the rap game, Hitmaka’s career now boasts over 75 million records sold. From Rap heavyweights to Pop and R&B superstars, Hitmaka’s production credits are full of hits. Combining familiar samples with updated flare, as well as hard-hitting 808s and cool synths, has made the megaproducer’s signature style one that keeps you moving. Here are five best-selling, hardest-hitting Hitmaka songs.
The first single from the Trey Songz album of the same name, “Back Home,” set the tone for it. The song made it to No. 1 on the Adult R&B Songs chart. This was Trey Songz’s third No. 1 record on the chart and the first for newcomer Summer Walker. The instrumental for “Back Home” showcases the main attractions of Hitmaka’s catchy signature style. The use of Rose Royce’s “I’m Going Down” was reminiscent of Cameron’s “Oh Boy.”
His modern uniqueness and familiarity with the sample give this song a groovy yet laid-back vibe. The hard-hitting drums combine perfectly with the mellow tone of the sample, meshing with the hypnotic vocals of Trey Songz and Summer Walker. One of the bigger R&B hits of 2020, this song shows off the producer’s versatility.
The smash summer hit of 2018 made waves on the radio and charts, marking a big year for Meek Mill. “Dangerous,” which features Jeremih and the late PnB Rock, is an RIAA-certified platinum-selling record. This Hitmaka song peaked at No. 18 on the US Billboard Hot R&B/ Hip Hop Songs chart.
Sampling Jodeci’s “Come and Talk To Me,” the instrumental’s meshes well with Meek Mill’s toned-down flow. A far cry from Meek’s other high-energy singles, the subtle 808s complement the change of pace in the song’s slow tempo. The steady rate of the drums keeps a strong balance of bounce and sexiness on the R&B-influenced rap hit.
3. “Bounce Back” – Big Sean (2017)
One of Big Sean’s biggest singles to date, “Bounce Back,” eventually became a certified 6x platinum-selling record. The song is also one of many Hitmaka songs to receive a Grammy nomination. “Bounce Back” received a nomination for Best Rap Performance at the 60th Annual Grammy Awards. It peaked at No. 6 on the Billboard Hot 100.
Co-produced with Metro Boomin and Smash David, the “Bounce Back” instrumental is full of swagger. The low-toned synths and chorus combined with the heavy drums make this Hitmaka song one that keeps your head nodding for the entire play-through.
Hitmaka’s first hit record as a co-producer, “John, ” became one of his biggest hits. The second official single from Lil Wayne’s Tha Carter IV, “John” peaked at No. 22 on the Billboard Hot 100. A product of the mixtape era, the instrumental also saw freestyles from Ace Hood, Jim Jones, and more.
Co-produced alongside Polo Da Don, Ayo The Producer, and others, Hitmaka combined his skills with veterans of the production game. Though still technically billed as Yung Berg in those days, this song was the beginning of a long and successful production career. The certified 2x platinum-selling record is one of many hits from Hitmaka’s production catalog.
1.”Rule The World” – 2 Chainz feat. Ariana Grande (2019)
This hit single from Rap or Go To The League was a definite highlight of 2 Chainz’s album. A big part of the gold-selling record’s success is the captivating catchy instrumental by Hitmaka. Sampling “Why Don’t We Fall in Love” by Amerie, the beat captures the same vibe as Hitmaka’s other R&B productions. The already smooth beat, updated with sparkly pianos and synths, creates a smooth and mellow sound that is perfect for Ariana Grande’s soft vocals.
Certified gold by the RIAA, the track peaked at No. 37 on the US Billboard Hot R&B/ Hip Hop Songs. While Hitmaka has higher selling and charting records to his credit, this song was a sleeper hit. The track caught the fanbases of 2 Chainz and Ariana Grande off guard. Fans were pleased with a hot collab and the instrumental that does it justice.
The stories about DMX are endless and always entertaining. Whether it’s Murda Mook detailing how X would use his dogs in rap battles or NORE’s attempt to land a verse, DMX was a character that moved to the beat of his own drum. Unfortunately for Hitmaka, this also meant that he took a backseat when it came to getting laid. The Back In My Prime producer recently sat down with Swaggy Sie on SiriusXMs where he shared a hilarious story about DMX stealing a girl from him when he was about to lose his virginity.
“[DMX] took my first piece of pussy that I ever was gonna get in my life,” he explained “That story is always a great one. I’ll never forget, we were at this pool hall because he loved to play pool. We all there and then from the pool hall we went to a club in Toronto.” From there, they went to the club where X brought all of the women into his section. “We’re like, alright, bet, it’s time to go, so I grabbed a girl,” Hitmaka continued. “I’m a virgin, I ain’t never had nothing in my life. I grabbed a girl, she got in the car with me.”
DMX Moves On Hitmaka’s Girl
Hitmaka explained that they got to a hotel in Toronto where they apparently had a protocol for entering their rooms. X went to the penthouse suite with his crew but the rest of the artists and entourage had to wait until the rapper got to his room. “I go upstairs to the girl. I swear to God, I was putting the key into the hotel room, his door swang open. I’m like, ‘Yo, wassup dog?’ He’s like, ‘Wassup, shawty? Hey, yo ma, I think you left your purse inside my room!’ I’m like, wait, we ain’t ever even been here,” Hitmaka recalled.
Hitmaka knew what the play was, especially as the woman left with DMX. “Like, we just met these girls, how she leave her purse inside your room? She left me and went, you know, I guess the dog handled his business. I went out, and shit, I was high and dry, but it is what it is,” he said. If you’re gonna lose some good quality energy from a good woman, you might as well lose it to DMX. It is what it is.” Check out the clip above.