Show notes
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Hitmaka joins Club Shay Shay for a wide-ranging conversation that traces his journey from Chicago prodigy to Grammy Award–winning super producer. With over 100 million records sold, billions of streams, platinum plaques, and diamond records as both an artist and producer, Hitmaka reflects on becoming one of the most influential hitmakers shaping today’s sound.
The Chicago native breaks down why the city continues to produce superstars and shares his thoughts on longevity in the music industry. He reacts to recent headlines surrounding G Herbo, reflects on collaborating with King Von and Lil Durk, and opens up about Durk’s current prison situation. He also discusses working with Kanye Wesxt early in his career and what he sees as the biggest difference between the Kanye of the 2000s and today.
Hitmaka shares personal stories about growing up with well off parents and how their divorce shifted his path toward the streets. He details being signed away and mistreated at a young age, eventually landing a deal with DMX at just 14 years old, and later being sent to a controversial military boarding school. From there, he recounts moving to Los Angeles as a teenager, starting as Young Berg—and launching his rap career.
He revisits the success of “Sexy Can I” with Ray J, being bailed out of jail by Shaquille O’Neal, and the pressures of being a teen star. Hitmaka opens up about financial mistakes, getting robbed for his chain, Soulja Boy ending up with it, and the tragic death of PnB Rock. He explains why he stopped rapping, issues with record deals, and lessons learned from public moments involving Jeezy, Gucci Mane, and T-Pain.
The conversation dives deep into his rebrand from Young Berg to Hitmaka and how he rebuilt his career into one of the most in-demand producers in hip-hop and R&B. He shares studio stories and insights. He discusses winning a Grammy, ghostwriting, producer percentages, clearing samples, charging for beats, cease-and-desist letters, and which records made him the most money.
Hitmaka also speaks candidly about Love & Hip Hop, dating in the industry, past beef with Bow Wow, and the dangers of mixing business with relationships. He addresses being set up and robbed, why therapy changed his life, and what he’s learned about accountability and growth.
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