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{{Short description|American record producer (born 1985)}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=October 2015}}
{{Infobox musical artist
{{Infobox musical artist
|name = Yung Berg
| name = Hitmaka
|image = Yung berg.jpg
| image = Hitmaka WBLS interview 2024.png
|caption = Yung Berg in [[Chicago]], 2008.
| caption = Ward in 2024
| birth_name = Christian J. Ward<ref>[http://www.last.fm/music/Hitmaka Hitmaka]. last.fm. Retrieved on October 11, 2015.</ref><ref name=IL>{{cite web |url=https://www.illinois.gov/hfs/ChildSupport/delinquent/SitePages/DelinquentParent.aspx?ItemID=210 |title=Delinquent Parent |website=Illinois.gov |access-date=2020-04-29 |archive-date=June 16, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210616232916/https://www.illinois.gov/hfs/ChildSupport/delinquent/SitePages/DelinquentParent.aspx?ItemID=210 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
|birth_name = Christian Ward <ref>[http://www.last.fm/music/Yung+Berg last.fm: Yung Berg]</ref>
| birth_date = {{Birth date and age|mf=yes|1985|9|9}}
|alias = Iceberg, Hitmaka, Yung Bizzy, Y.B.
| birth_place = [[Chicago]], [[Illinois]], U.S.<ref>{{cite news|author=Donna-Claire Chesman |url=https://djbooth.net/features/2019-09-11-hitmaka-interview-more-than-a-producer |title=Hitmaka Interview: "I Would Never Rap Again" |newspaper=Djbooth |date=2019-09-11 |access-date=2020-04-29}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|author=Ogden Payne |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/ogdenpayne/2019/09/25/behind-the-calculated-rebrand-of-producer-and-atlantic-records-vp-of-ar-hitmaka/#42858155124e |title=Behind The Calculated Rebrand Of Producer And Atlantic Records VP Of A&R, Hitmaka |website=Forbes.com |access-date=2020-04-29}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.eonline.com/news/596258/yung-berg-fired-from-love-hip-hop-hollywood-after-arrest-over-alleged-assault-on-girlfriend |title=Love & Hip Hop Hollywood Star Fired After Assault Arrest &#124; E! News |website=Eonline.com |date=2014-11-07 |access-date=2020-04-29}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bet.com/tag/lcqo9l/yung-berg|title=Yung Berg|website=Bet.com}}</ref>
|background = solo_singer
| alias = {{flatlist|
|birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1986|9|9|mf=yes}}
* Iceberg
|birth_place =[[Chicago]], [[Illinois]], [[United States|U.S.]]
* Yung Berg
|genre = [[Hip hop music|Hip-Hop]]
}}
|occupation = [[Rapper]]
| occupations = {{flatlist|
|years_active = 2001-present
* Record producer
* rapper
* songwriter
* disc jockey
* record executive
}}
| years_active = 2001–2010 {{small|(rapper)}}<br/>2010–present {{small|(producer)}}
| origin =
| genre = {{hlist|[[Hip hop music|Hip hop]]|[[Contemporary R&B|R&B]]}}
| label = {{hlist|Yung Fly Movement|[[Atlantic Records|Atlantic]]|[[Epic Records|Epic]]|[[Bloodline Records|Bloodline]]|[[Poe Boy Entertainment|Poe Boy]]|[[Sony BMG]]|[[MNRK Music Group|E1]]|[[Slip-n-Slide Records|Slip-n-Slide]]|Young Boss}}
{{Infobox person
| child = yes
| children = 3
}}
}}


'''Christian J. Ward''' (born September 9, 1985), known professionally as '''Hitmaka''', is an American record producer and former rapper. Born and raised in [[Chicago]], [[Illinois]],<ref>{{cite web |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=niYEAAAAMBAJ&q=yung+berg+chicago&pg=PA133 |title=Vibe - Google Books |page=133 |website=Books.google.com |date=December 2007 |access-date=2020-04-29 }}{{Dead link|date=August 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref><ref>{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=V-NWAAAAYAAJ&q=yung+berg+chicago |title=Joel Whitburn's Music Stars: Brief Bios of Every Recording Artist who Ever ... - Google Books |date=2011-03-22 |isbn=9780898201765 |access-date=2020-04-29|last1=Whitburn |first1=Joel |publisher=H. Leonard Corporation }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=lyYEAAAAMBAJ&q=yung+berg+chicago&pg=PA70 |title=Vibe - Google Books |page=70 |website=Books.google.com |date=August 2008 |access-date=2020-04-29 }}{{Dead link|date=August 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> Ward was the first artist to sign with American rapper [[DMX]]'s vanity label [[Bloodline Records]] (under the [[stage name]] '''Iceberg''') in 2001, at the age of 14.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://afrotech.com/yung-berg-was-dropped-by-dmxs-label-as-a-teen|title=Before Multi-Hyphenate Hitmaka Became A Music Label Executive, He Was Dropped By DMX's Label As A Teen|date=Nov 22, 2022|website=afrotech.com}}</ref> Six years later, he signed with [[Epic Records]] and adopted the stage name '''Yung Berg'''. His 2007 debut single, "[[Sexy Lady (Yung Berg song)|Sexy Lady]]" peaked at number 18 on the [[Billboard Hot 100|''Billboard'' Hot 100]], while his guest appearance on [[Ray J]]'s single, "[[Sexy Can I]]" and Ward's own follow-up single, "[[The Business (Yung Berg song)|The Business]]" peaked at numbers three and 33 on the chart, respectively, the following year; all three of which preceded the release of his debut studio album, ''[[Look What You Made Me]]'' (2008). Despite generally unfavorable critical reception, it peaked at number 20 on the [[Billboard 200|''Billboard'' 200]]. After releasing a number of follow-up mixtapes and singles that failed to chart, he shifted focus away from recording in favor of a career in [[hip hop production|music production]] by 2014.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/425787-hitmaka-talks-privileged-upbringing-and-not-wanting-to-be-a-rapper-again-news | title=Hitmaka Talks "Privileged" Upbringing & Not Wanting to be a Rapper Again | website=HNHH | date=September 12, 2022 }}</ref>


Ward's production and songwriting work has proved commercially successful. Since the 2010s, he has been credited on the ''Billboard'' Hot 100-top 40 singles "[[Bounce Back (Big Sean song)|Bounce Back]]" by [[Big Sean]], "[[John (Lil Wayne song)|John]]" by [[Lil Wayne]], "[[Party (Chris Brown song)|Party]]" by [[Chris Brown]], "[[Look Back at It]]" by [[A Boogie wit da Hoodie]], "[[Dangerous (Meek Mill song)|Dangerous]]" by [[Meek Mill]], and "[[Plan B (song)|Plan B]]" by [[Megan Thee Stallion]]. In 2020, he was appointed Vice President of [[Artists and repertoire|A&R]] at [[Atlantic Records]].<ref>[https://v103.radio.com/blogs/big-tigger-show/rapper-yung-berg-bka-hitmaka-vp-atlantic-records Yung Berg Is Killing The Producer Game Behind The Scenes, Here's How..., Yung Berg BKA “HITMAKA” Details Reality TV & Becoming A Super-Producer, September 17, 2019].Retrieved March 24, 2020.</ref><ref>[https://swaysuniverse.com/tag/yung-berg/ Yung Berg-Sway's Universe] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200325045423/https://swaysuniverse.com/tag/yung-berg/ |date=March 25, 2020 }}.Retrieved March 24, 2020.</ref>
|label = Yung Boss, [[Epic Records|Epic]], [[Koch Records|Koch]]
|associated_acts = The Dream Team, [[Love & Hip Hop: Hollywood|Hazel E]], [[Teairra Marí]], [[Jhene Aiko]], [[Ray J]], [[Twista]], K-Young, [[Bryant McKinnie]]
|website =
}}
'''Yung Berg''' (born '''Christian Ward'''; September 9, 1986), also known by '''Hitmaka''', is an [[United States|American]] [[rapper]], producer and songwriter from [[Chicago]]. He is of [[African American]] descent. His first single was "[[Sexy Lady (Yung Berg song)|Sexy Lady]]", which features R&B singer Junior released in April 2007. Yung Berg had been previously signed to DMX's [[Bloodline Records]] as '''Iceberg'''. He is featured on the Exit Wounds soundtrack. His debut album ''[[Look What You Made Me]]'' was released on 2008 <ref>http://www.inquisitr.com/1586379/yung-berg-arrested-love-and-hip-hop-girlfriend-beating/</ref><ref name="raps and sings">{{cite news|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1590795/20080711/yung_berg.jhtml?rsspartner=rssColdFusion|title=Yung Berg Raps -- And Sings -- With Eve, Trey Songz, Lloyd On Star-Filled Debut|last=Upmalis|first=Jordan|author2=Reid, Shaheem |date=2008-07-11|publisher=MTV News|accessdate=2009-06-24}}</ref>


==Music career==
==Career==
===2001–2005: Career beginnings===
In 2001, Ward signed to rapper [[DMX]]'s [[Bloodline Records]]. He made his debut on the [[Exit Wounds (soundtrack)|soundtrack]] to ''[[Exit Wounds]]'' on the song "Dog 4 Life" as Iceberg. However, his parents sent him to a military boarding school in [[Montana]] in 2001.<ref name="allmusic">{{cite web|url={{AllMusic|class=artist|id=p915081/biography|pure_url=yes}} |title=Yung Berg > Biography|last=Cordor|first=Cyril|year=2008|publisher=allmusic|access-date=June 24, 2009}}</ref> In 2002, he made a brief appearance in Eve’s Satisfication music video. He moved to [[Los Angeles]], [[California]], after finishing school in 2003.<ref name="allmusic"/><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.yungberg.net/biography |title=Biography |work=YungBerg.net |publisher=Sony Music Entertainment |access-date=June 24, 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090507114722/http://www.yungberg.net/biography |archive-date=May 7, 2009 }}</ref> In 2005, Ward worked as a [[hype man]] and recording assistant for [[Disturbing tha Peace]] member and [[Chicago]] rapper [[Shawnna]].


===Musical beginnings===
===2007–present===
[[File:Yung Berg in 2007 (6904212018).jpg|thumb|left|upright|Ward in 2007]]
In 2001, he was signed to [[DMX (rapper)|DMX]]'s [[Bloodline Records]]. He made his debut on the [[Exit Wounds (soundtrack)|''Exit Wounds'' soundtrack]] on the song "Dog 4 Life" as Iceberg. However, his parents sent him to a military boarding school in Montana in 2001.<ref name="allmusic">{{cite web|url={{Allmusic|class=artist|id=p915081/biography|pure_url=yes}}|title=Yung Berg > Biography|last=Cordor|first=Cyril|year=2008|publisher=allmusic|accessdate=2009-06-24}}</ref> He moved to [[Los Angeles]] after finishing school in 2003.<ref name="allmusic"/><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.yungberg.net/biography|title=Biography|work=YungBerg.net|publisher=Sony Music Entertainment|accessdate=2009-06-24}}</ref> In 2005, Yung Berg worked as a hypeman and recording assistant for [[Disturbing tha Peace]] member and Chicago rapper [[Shawnna]]. Later that year, he founded his Yung Boss imprint and production team Yung Bosses.
Ward's debut single, "[[Sexy Lady (Yung Berg song)|Sexy Lady]]", which featured [[Contemporary R&B|R&B]] singer Junior, became a hit on Los Angeles urban radio, and he signed with [[Epic Records]] among many labels that approached him. Ward's six-track [[Extended play|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]]'s debut single "[[Whine Up]]". "Sexy Lady" peaked at number 18 on the [[Billboard Hot 100|''Billboard'' Hot 100]]. In addition to that single, Ward recorded a song with [[Lil Wayne]] and [[Brisco (rapper)|Brisco]] titled "Bitch Please", which was released in November 2007.


In December 2007, Ward released another single "[[Sexy Can I]]", a collaboration with singer [[Ray J]], then his debut album ''[[Look What You Made Me]]''.<ref name="allmusic"/> The second single was "[[Do That There]]" (featuring [[Dude 'n Nem]]), followed by "[[The Business (Yung Berg song)|The Business]]" (featuring Casha), which peaked at number 33 on the ''Billboard'' Hot 100.<ref>{{cite web|url={{BillboardURLbyName|artist=yung berg|chart=all}}|title=Artist Chart History – Yung Berg – Singles|publisher=Billboard|access-date=June 24, 2009}}</ref> ''Look What You Made Me'' would chart at number 20 on the [[Billboard 200|''Billboard'' 200]] and at number 2 on the [[Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums#Top Rap Albums|Top Rap Albums]] chart.
===2007-08: ''Almost Famous EP'' & ''Look What You Made Me''===
Berg's debut single "[[Sexy Lady (Yung Berg song)|Sexy Lady]], which featured R&B singer Junior, became a hit on [[Los Angeles]] urban radio, and he signed with [[Epic Records]] among many labels that approached him. Berg's six-track [[Extended play|EP]] ''[[Almost Famous: The Sexy Lady EP]]'' was released in July 2007. Also in 2007 he made a cameo in the music video of singer [[Kat DeLuna]]'s debut single "[[Whine Up]]."
"Sexy Lady" peaked at #18 on the Billboard 100. In 2008, Berg released another single "[[Sexy Can I]]", a collaboration with singer [[Ray J]], then his debut album ''[[Look What You Made Me]]''.<ref name="allmusic"/> The second single was "[[Do That There]]", featuring [[Dude 'n' Nem]], followed by "[[The Business (song)|The Business]]", featuring Casha, which peaked at #33 on the Hot 100.<ref>{{cite web|url={{BillboardURLbyName|artist=yung berg|chart=all}}|title=Artist Chart History - Yung Berg - Singles|publisher=Billboard|accessdate=2009-06-24}}</ref> In September 2009, Yung Berg released his song "Baby I'm Back" featuring [[Jhené Aiko]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://allhiphop.com/stories/rumors/archive/2010/01/11/22091960.aspx |title=Rumors : Hip-Hop Rumors: Lil Wayne's Rebirth Deaded? Nicki Minaj's Past! Yung Berg's New Beef! |publisher=Allhiphop.com |accessdate=2010-11-06}}</ref>


On March 25, 2008, Ward released his single entitled "Do That There", which was a direct diss towards fellow rapper [[Bow Wow (rapper)|Bow Wow]]. However, during an interview in early 2009, Ward stated that the two had settled their differences.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.worldstarhiphop.com/videos/video.php?v=wshh0a4oNn17Z04psVs8|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120919043355/http://www.worldstarhiphop.com/videos/video800.php?v=wshh0a4oNn17Z04psVs8&set_size=1|url-status=dead|title=Yung Berg Interview: Responds Back To Brisco's Comments I Was Just Jokin LOL [AUDIO ONLY]|archive-date=September 19, 2012|website=WORLDSTARHIPHOP}}</ref>
===2009-present: ''TBA''===
Since 2009, Yung Berg has focused on writing, producing and arranging songs for a variety of well-known and up-and-coming artists. Under the name HIT MAKA, Berg has written and produced a string of chart topping records including Tamar Braxton's hit single, "The One." He also defunct his old label Yung Boss Records & started his new label Yung Fly Movement or YFM with upcoming singer Mia Rey & upcoming [[Chicago]] rapper Jordan Hollywood.<ref>http://www.datpiff.com/Yung-Berg-Genesis-mixtape.451716.html</ref>


[[File:Yung berg.jpg|thumb|Hitmaka in 2008]]
==Other ventures==


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.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.bet.com/Music/News/yungbergrealityshow_musicnews_12.1.htm?mb=1 |title=Yung Berg Casting Dark-Skinned Women For His Reality Show |last=Osorio |first=Kim |date=December 1, 2008 |website=Bet.com|access-date=June 24, 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081205045643/http://www.bet.com/Music/News/yungbergrealityshow_musicnews_12.1.htm?mb=1 |archive-date=December 5, 2008 }}</ref>
===Co-writing and producing===
However, as evidenced by the trailer for his new television series, titled ''Back to Business'', it will not be a dating show,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.worldstarhiphop.com/videos/video.php?v=wshhoGrkiCYz42YESXLf |title=Video: Yung Berg Back To Business [Reality Show Trailer&#93; |date=June 25, 2009 |publisher=Worldstarhiphop.com |access-date=November 6, 2010}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ydPt1YO88ro |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211215/ydPt1YO88ro |archive-date=2021-12-15 |url-status=live|title=Young Berg and his Bitchassness (black girl diss)|date=July 11, 2008 |publisher=YouTube|access-date=November 6, 2010}}{{cbignore}}</ref> 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]]'s album ''[[The Pinkprint]]'' on the tracks "Want Some More", "Buy a Heart", and "Shanghai".
In 2009 Berg's producer Rob Holladay, along with singer K-Young, formed the production group The Dream Team.
Yung Berg announced in an interview on [[Playboy Radio]] July 1, 2010 that the ''[[Last Train to Paris]]'' album by [[Sean Combs|Diddy]] would feature songs they co-wrote and produced.<ref>{{cite web|last=Langhorne |first=Cyrus |url=http://www.sohh.com/2010/07/yung_berg_books_ticket_for_diddys_last_t.html |title=Yung Berg Books Ticket For Diddy's "Last Train To Paris" |publisher=Sohh.Com |date=2010-07-06 |accessdate=2010-11-06}}</ref>


In 2014, Ward appeared in the first season of the [[VH1]] series ''[[Love & Hip Hop: Hollywood]]''. The series loosely follows events in his and fellow castmate, Hazel E's personal lives.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20140912061138/http://www.vh1.com/celebrities/yung-berg#cast=love-and-hip-hop-hollywood Yung Berg on Love & Hip Hop Hollywood]. Vh1.com. Retrieved on October 11, 2015.</ref> 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]].<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20141111213231/http://www.mtv.com/news/1991924/yung-berg-love-hip-hop-hollywood-fired/ Yung Berg Fired From 'Love & Hip Hop Hollywood' Following Assault Arrest]. MTV (November 9, 2014). Retrieved on 2015-10-11.</ref><ref>[http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/6312145/yung-berg-fired-from-vh1-love-hip-hop-hollywood-after-assault-arrest Yung Berg Fired From VH1's 'Love & Hip-Hop: Hollywood' After Assault Arrest]. Billboard (November 7, 2014). Retrieved on 2015-10-11.</ref>


In 2020, Ward helmed the executive producer duties for rapper [[T.I.]]'s eleventh album ''[[The L.I.B.R.A.]]''.
==Discography==
{{Main|Yung Berg discography}}<!-- This should be only a simple list. Details on the discography. -->


==Personal life==
*2008: ''[[Look What You Made Me]]''


==Filmography==
===Legal issues===
In October 2015, Ward was ordered to pay $100,000 in back child support for his child with Brandy Flint. The ruling was part of a [[default judgement]] after he failed to appear in an Illinois court to respond to charges.<ref>[https://www.bet.com/article/kpjgzg/yung-berg-hit-with-title00-000-child-support-bill Yung Berg Hit With $100,000 Child Support Bill, October 22, 2015]. Bet.com, Retrieved March 24, 2020.</ref> In December 2017, Ward was considered a delinquent parent by the [[Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services]], which has published information on Ward's failure to pay child support. At the time, Ward's amount owed in past-due child support is $104,962 for one child.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.illinois.gov/hfs/ChildSupport/delinquent/SitePages/DelinquentParent.aspx?ItemID=210|title=Delinquent Parent|website=Illinois.gov|access-date=2017-12-25|archive-date=June 16, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210616232916/https://www.illinois.gov/hfs/ChildSupport/delinquent/SitePages/DelinquentParent.aspx?ItemID=210|url-status=dead}}</ref>


===Robbery victim===
On August 23, 2008, it was reported and confirmed{{By whom|date=November 2015}} that Ward had been ambushed by [[Detroit]] rapper [[Trick Trick]] and his entourage in his club and had his signature "''[[Transformers]]'' 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.<ref>[http://vibesource.wordpress.com/2008/08/26/trick-trick-speaks-on-yung-berg-beatdowni-saved-that-niggas-life/ Trick Trick Speaks On Yung Berg Beatdown, ’I Saved That Nigga’s Life’ | The Vibe Source]. Vibesource.wordpress.com. Retrieved on October 11, 2015.</ref> 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!"<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.17989/title.yung-berg-explains-trick-trick-maino-altercations | title=Yung Berg Explains Trick Trick & Maino Altercations &#124; Get The Latest Hip Hop News, Rap News & Hip Hop Album Sales | website=HipHopDX | date=December 16, 2011 | access-date=2015-10-11}}</ref>
On October 5, 2010, British rapper Rowdy T announced that he had taken Ward's "[[Batman]] chain" and called him a snitch for reporting it to police,<ref>[http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.12443/title.yung-berg-robbed-of-another-chain Yung Berg Robbed Of Another Chain | Get The Latest Hip Hop News, Rap News & Hip Hop Album Sales]. HipHopDX (October 5, 2010). Retrieved on 2015-10-11.</ref> but during an interview, Ward announced that he had done no such thing, and the chain wasn't anything important to him.<ref>Langhorne, Cyrus (October 4, 2010) [https://web.archive.org/web/20140130005107/http://www.sohh.com/2010/10/yung_berg_addresses_getting_robbed_for_b.html Yung Berg Breaks Silence On Batman Chain Jacking]. sohh.com</ref>

On March 20, 2011, during an interview, Ward announced that he was done with wearing flashy jewelry stating,
{{Blockquote|text=On some real shit back in the day when I was buying those big ass chains and shit, I felt like that was a part of me being Yung Berg. But me growing up and being Christian, being Mr. Ward, and who I really I am, I toned down. I'm not going to be with the big gaudy chains because people would look and they would say 'Well, this nigga still ain't learn his lesson.' I learned my lesson. I'm going to have jewelry but it's going to be more upscale and common. It's not going to be catching just the nigga eye.<ref>[http://www.sohh.com/2011/03/yung_berg_abandons_flashy_jewelry_i_lear.html Yung Berg Abandons Flashy Jewelry, "I Learned My Lesson" – For The Best In Hip-Hop News]. SOHH.com (2011-03-20). Retrieved on 2015-10-11.</ref>|author=|title=|source=}}

==Controversy==

On February 21, 2012, during an interview, singer [[Teairra Marí]] 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.<ref>Langhorne, Cyrus (February 21, 2012) [https://web.archive.org/web/20120326071555/http://www.sohh.com/2012/02/ill_get_his_a_jumped_again_i_dont_like_y.html "I'll Get His A** Jumped Again. I Don't Like Yung Berg. I'm Sorry"]. sohh.com</ref>

==Discography==
{{Main|Hitmaka discography}}
* ''[[Look What You Made Me]]'' (2008)
* ''1-800-HIT-EAZY'' <small>(with [[Eric Bellinger]])</small> (2021)
* ''Big Tuh'' (2026)

==Filmography==
===Television===
===Television===
{|class="wikitable" style="font-size:90%;"
{|class="wikitable" style="font-size:90%;"
Line 51: Line 83:
! style="background:#B0C4DE;" | Film
! style="background:#B0C4DE;" | Film
! style="background:#B0C4DE;" | Role
! style="background:#B0C4DE;" | Role
! style="background:#B0C4DE;" | Notes
|-
|-
|2014
|2014
|''[[Love & Hip Hop: Hollywood]]''
| ''[[Love & Hip Hop: Hollywood]]''
| Himself
| Recurring Cast
|
|}
|}



==References==
==References==
{{reflist}}
{{reflist|colwidth=30em}}


==External links==
==External links==
*{{YouTube user|therealyungberg|Yung Berg & YFM}}
*{{YouTube|u=therealyungberg|Yung Berg}}
*[https://myspace.com/YungBerg Yung Berg] on [[Myspace]]
*{{Myspace|YungBerg}}

{{Yung Berg}}
{{Yung Berg}}
{{Def Jam South}}
{{Authority control}}
{{Authority control|VIAF=41628712}}


{{DEFAULTSORT:Hitmaka}}
{{Persondata <!-- Metadata: see [[Wikipedia:Persondata]]. -->
[[Category:1985 births]]
| NAME =Yung Berg
[[Category:Living people]]
| ALTERNATIVE NAMES =
| SHORT DESCRIPTION = American rapper
| DATE OF BIRTH =1986-09-09| PLACE OF BIRTH = [[Chicago]], [[Illinois]], [[United States]]
| DATE OF DEATH =
| PLACE OF DEATH =
}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Yung Berg}}
[[Category:1986 births]]
[[Category:African-American male rappers]]
[[Category:African-American male rappers]]
[[Category:American male rappers]]
[[Category:African-American record producers]]
[[Category:African-American record producers]]
[[Category:American hip hop record producers]]
[[Category:American hip hop record producers]]
[[Category:Chicago Vocational High School alumni]]
[[Category:Chicago Vocational High School alumni]]
[[Category:E1 Music artists]]
[[Category:MNRK Music Group artists]]
[[Category:Epic Records artists]]
[[Category:Epic Records artists]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:Pop rappers]]
[[Category:Rappers from Chicago, Illinois]]
[[Category:Rappers from Chicago]]
[[Category:Songwriters from Illinois]]
[[Category:Songwriters from Illinois]]
[[Category:American dance musicians]]
[[Category:Participants in American reality television series]]
[[Category:21st-century American rappers]]
[[Category:Record producers from Illinois]]
[[Category:21st-century American male musicians]]
[[Category:American music industry executives]]
[[Category:Trap musicians]]
[[Category:African-American songwriters]]
[[Category:21st-century African-American musicians]]
[[Category:20th-century African-American people]]
[[Category:American male songwriters]]

Latest revision as of 07:42, 27 November 2024

Hitmaka
Ward in 2024
Ward in 2024
Background information
Birth nameChristian J. Ward[1][2]
Also known as
  • Iceberg
  • Yung Berg
Born (1985-09-09) September 9, 1985 (age 39)
Chicago, Illinois, U.S.[3][4][5][6]
Genres
Occupations
  • Record producer
  • rapper
  • songwriter
  • disc jockey
  • record executive
Years active2001–2010 (rapper)
2010–present (producer)
Labels
Children3

Christian J. Ward (born September 9, 1985), known professionally as Hitmaka, is an American record producer and former rapper. Born and raised in Chicago, Illinois,[7][8][9] Ward was the first artist to sign with American rapper DMX's vanity label Bloodline Records (under the stage name Iceberg) in 2001, at the age of 14.[10] Six years later, he signed with Epic Records and adopted the stage name Yung Berg. His 2007 debut single, "Sexy Lady" peaked at number 18 on the Billboard Hot 100, while his guest appearance on Ray J's single, "Sexy Can I" and Ward's own follow-up single, "The Business" peaked at numbers three and 33 on the chart, respectively, the following year; all three of which preceded the release of his debut studio album, Look What You Made Me (2008). Despite generally unfavorable critical reception, it peaked at number 20 on the Billboard 200. After releasing a number of follow-up mixtapes and singles that failed to chart, he shifted focus away from recording in favor of a career in music production by 2014.[11]

Ward's production and songwriting work has proved commercially successful. Since the 2010s, he has been credited on the Billboard Hot 100-top 40 singles "Bounce Back" by Big Sean, "John" by Lil Wayne, "Party" by Chris Brown, "Look Back at It" by A Boogie wit da Hoodie, "Dangerous" by Meek Mill, and "Plan B" by Megan Thee Stallion. In 2020, he was appointed Vice President of A&R at Atlantic Records.[12][13]

Career

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2001–2005: Career beginnings

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In 2001, Ward signed to rapper DMX's Bloodline Records. He made his debut on the soundtrack to Exit Wounds on the song "Dog 4 Life" as Iceberg. However, his parents sent him to a military boarding school in Montana in 2001.[14] In 2002, he made a brief appearance in Eve’s Satisfication music video. He moved to Los Angeles, California, after finishing school in 2003.[14][15] In 2005, Ward worked as a hype man and recording assistant for Disturbing tha Peace member and Chicago rapper Shawnna.

2007–present

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Ward in 2007

Ward's debut single, "Sexy Lady", which featured R&B singer Junior, became a hit on Los Angeles urban radio, and he signed with Epic Records 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's debut single "Whine Up". "Sexy Lady" peaked at number 18 on the Billboard Hot 100. In addition to that single, Ward recorded a song with Lil Wayne and Brisco titled "Bitch Please", which was released in November 2007.

In December 2007, Ward released another single "Sexy Can I", a collaboration with singer Ray J, then his debut album Look What You Made Me.[14] The second single was "Do That There" (featuring Dude 'n Nem), followed by "The Business" (featuring Casha), which peaked at number 33 on the Billboard Hot 100.[16] Look What You Made Me would chart at number 20 on the Billboard 200 and at number 2 on the Top Rap Albums chart.

On March 25, 2008, Ward released his single entitled "Do That There", 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.[17]

Hitmaka in 2008

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.[18] However, as evidenced by the trailer for his new television series, titled Back to Business, it will not be a dating show,[19][20] 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's album The Pinkprint on the tracks "Want Some More", "Buy a Heart", and "Shanghai".

In 2014, Ward appeared in the first season of the VH1 series Love & Hip Hop: Hollywood. The series loosely follows events in his and fellow castmate, Hazel E's personal lives.[21] 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.[22][23]

In 2020, Ward helmed the executive producer duties for rapper T.I.'s eleventh album The L.I.B.R.A..

Personal life

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In October 2015, Ward was ordered to pay $100,000 in back child support for his child with Brandy Flint. The ruling was part of a default judgement after he failed to appear in an Illinois court to respond to charges.[24] In December 2017, Ward was considered a delinquent parent by the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services, which has published information on Ward's failure to pay child support. At the time, Ward's amount owed in past-due child support is $104,962 for one child.[25]

Robbery victim

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On August 23, 2008, it was reported and confirmed[by whom?] that Ward had been ambushed by Detroit rapper Trick Trick and his entourage in his club and had his signature "Transformers 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.[26] 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!"[27] On October 5, 2010, British rapper Rowdy T announced that he had taken Ward's "Batman chain" and called him a snitch for reporting it to police,[28] but during an interview, Ward announced that he had done no such thing, and the chain wasn't anything important to him.[29]

On March 20, 2011, during an interview, Ward announced that he was done with wearing flashy jewelry stating,

On some real shit back in the day when I was buying those big ass chains and shit, I felt like that was a part of me being Yung Berg. But me growing up and being Christian, being Mr. Ward, and who I really I am, I toned down. I'm not going to be with the big gaudy chains because people would look and they would say 'Well, this nigga still ain't learn his lesson.' I learned my lesson. I'm going to have jewelry but it's going to be more upscale and common. It's not going to be catching just the nigga eye.[30]

Controversy

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On February 21, 2012, during an interview, singer Teairra Marí 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.[31]

Discography

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Main article: Hitmaka discography

Filmography

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Television

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Year Film Role Notes
2014 Love & Hip Hop: Hollywood Himself

References

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  1. ^ Hitmaka. last.fm. Retrieved on October 11, 2015.
  2. ^ "Delinquent Parent". Illinois.gov. Archived from the original on June 16, 2021. Retrieved April 29, 2020.
  3. ^ Donna-Claire Chesman (September 11, 2019). "Hitmaka Interview: "I Would Never Rap Again"". Djbooth. Retrieved April 29, 2020.
  4. ^ Ogden Payne. "Behind The Calculated Rebrand Of Producer And Atlantic Records VP Of A&R, Hitmaka". Forbes.com. Retrieved April 29, 2020.
  5. ^ "Love & Hip Hop Hollywood Star Fired After Assault Arrest | E! News". Eonline.com. November 7, 2014. Retrieved April 29, 2020.
  6. ^ "Yung Berg". Bet.com.
  7. ^ "Vibe - Google Books". Books.google.com. December 2007. p. 133. Retrieved April 29, 2020.[permanent dead link‍]
  8. ^ Whitburn, Joel (March 22, 2011). Joel Whitburn's Music Stars: Brief Bios of Every Recording Artist who Ever ... - Google Books. H. Leonard Corporation. ISBN 9780898201765. Retrieved April 29, 2020.
  9. ^ "Vibe - Google Books". Books.google.com. August 2008. p. 70. Retrieved April 29, 2020.[permanent dead link‍]
  10. ^ "Before Multi-Hyphenate Hitmaka Became A Music Label Executive, He Was Dropped By DMX's Label As A Teen". afrotech.com. November 22, 2022.
  11. ^ "Hitmaka Talks "Privileged" Upbringing & Not Wanting to be a Rapper Again". HNHH. September 12, 2022.
  12. ^ Yung Berg Is Killing The Producer Game Behind The Scenes, Here's How..., Yung Berg BKA “HITMAKA” Details Reality TV & Becoming A Super-Producer, September 17, 2019.Retrieved March 24, 2020.
  13. ^ Yung Berg-Sway's Universe Archived March 25, 2020, at the Wayback Machine.Retrieved March 24, 2020.
  14. ^ a b c Cordor, Cyril (2008). "Yung Berg > Biography". allmusic. Retrieved June 24, 2009.
  15. ^ "Biography". YungBerg.net. Sony Music Entertainment. Archived from the original on May 7, 2009. Retrieved June 24, 2009.
  16. ^ "Artist Chart History – Yung Berg – Singles". Billboard. Retrieved June 24, 2009.
  17. ^ "Yung Berg Interview: Responds Back To Brisco's Comments I Was Just Jokin LOL [AUDIO ONLY]". WORLDSTARHIPHOP. Archived from the original on September 19, 2012.
  18. ^ Osorio, Kim (December 1, 2008). "Yung Berg Casting Dark-Skinned Women For His Reality Show". Bet.com. Archived from the original on December 5, 2008. Retrieved June 24, 2009.
  19. ^ "Video: Yung Berg Back To Business [Reality Show Trailer]". Worldstarhiphop.com. June 25, 2009. Retrieved November 6, 2010.
  20. ^ "Young Berg and his Bitchassness (black girl diss)". YouTube. July 11, 2008. Archived from the original on December 15, 2021. Retrieved November 6, 2010.
  21. ^ Yung Berg on Love & Hip Hop Hollywood. Vh1.com. Retrieved on October 11, 2015.
  22. ^ Yung Berg Fired From 'Love & Hip Hop Hollywood' Following Assault Arrest. MTV (November 9, 2014). Retrieved on 2015-10-11.
  23. ^ Yung Berg Fired From VH1's 'Love & Hip-Hop: Hollywood' After Assault Arrest. Billboard (November 7, 2014). Retrieved on 2015-10-11.
  24. ^ Yung Berg Hit With $100,000 Child Support Bill, October 22, 2015. Bet.com, Retrieved March 24, 2020.
  25. ^ "Delinquent Parent". Illinois.gov. Archived from the original on June 16, 2021. Retrieved December 25, 2017.
  26. ^ Trick Trick Speaks On Yung Berg Beatdown, ’I Saved That Nigga’s Life’ | The Vibe Source. Vibesource.wordpress.com. Retrieved on October 11, 2015.
  27. ^ "Yung Berg Explains Trick Trick & Maino Altercations | Get The Latest Hip Hop News, Rap News & Hip Hop Album Sales". HipHopDX. December 16, 2011. Retrieved October 11, 2015.
  28. ^ Yung Berg Robbed Of Another Chain | Get The Latest Hip Hop News, Rap News & Hip Hop Album Sales. HipHopDX (October 5, 2010). Retrieved on 2015-10-11.
  29. ^ Langhorne, Cyrus (October 4, 2010) Yung Berg Breaks Silence On Batman Chain Jacking. sohh.com
  30. ^ Yung Berg Abandons Flashy Jewelry, "I Learned My Lesson" – For The Best In Hip-Hop News. SOHH.com (2011-03-20). Retrieved on 2015-10-11.
  31. ^ Langhorne, Cyrus (February 21, 2012) "I'll Get His A** Jumped Again. I Don't Like Yung Berg. I'm Sorry". sohh.com
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