Formerly known as Yung Berg, Chicago rapper-turned-producer Hitmaka is proof that hip-hop careers can have second acts. • In 2001, at just 15 years old, Christian Ward signed with DMX’s Bloodline Records. His first song, “Dog 4 Life” (released under the name Iceberg), appeared on the soundtrack of the 2001 film Exit Wounds. • In 2008, Ward (then known as Yung Berg) and Ray J teamed up for “Sexy Can I”, which became the biggest hit of both of their careers. The single reached No. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100 and went double platinum. • “Sexy Can I” appears on both Yung Berg’s 2008 debut album, Look What You Made Me, and Ray J’s All I Feel, released that same year. • In 2011, following a series of controversies that sullied the name Yung Berg, Ward coproduced the track “John” for Lil Wayne’s Tha Carter IV album. This marked the beginning of a new chapter for the artist. • Having changed his name to Hitmaka, he went on to produce songs for artists such as Nicki Minaj, Big Sean, Wiz Khalifa, Tinashe, Ty Dolla $ign, G-Eazy, Gucci Mane and Meek Mill. • In 2017, Hitmaka was named vice president of A&R at Atlantic Records, and in 2019, he dropped the track “Thot Box”, featuring Meek Mill, A. Boogie Wit da Hoodie, Tyga, 2 Chainz and YBN Nahmir.