As a rapper and producer, Hitmaka is connected to records that have cumulatively sold more than 74 million copies worldwide. Andrew Barber surveys the highlights with this annotated playlist.
Yung Berg Featuring Junior, “Sexy Lady”:
Now known as Hitmaka, Yung Berg kicked off 2007 with this breakout single, which seemingly came out of nowhere and hit #18 on the Billboard Hot 100.
Ray J Featuring Yung Berg, “Sexy Can I”:
At the same moment “Sexy Lady” was exploding, Hitmaka doubled down on the sexy and joined forces with Ray J for the inescapable “Sexy Can I.” It climbed to #3 on the Billboard Hot 100 and had a music video complete with a Shaq cameo.
Yung Berg Featuring Casha, “The Business”:
After the success of the back-to-back “sexy” singles, Hitmaka collaborated with his understudy, Casha, and crashed the Top 40 again with “The Business.”
Hitmaka Featuring Meek Mill, 2 Chainz, YBN Nahmir, Tyga and A Boogie Wit da Hoodie, “Thot Box”:
Hitmaka says his days as a rapper are over, but that won’t stop him from assembling Avenger-like friends for producer-driven tracks like this monster.
Lil Durk and King Von, “Still Trappin’”:
King Von passed away in November 2020 when his star was on the rise — and just as his longtime friend and collaborator, Lil Durk, was experiencing a breakthrough moment of his own. This smash is one of their final pairings.
Eric Bellinger and Hitmaka, “Only You”:
Hitmaka and Eric Bellinger have made magic numerous times. Their 2021 album, “1-800-HIT-EAZY,” continues the streak and includes this standout.
DJ Pharris Featuring Chief Keef and Jeremih, “JUUG”:
Hitmaka will never forget his hometown of Chicago. It’s only fitting that he hooks up with a legendary Chicago DJ on a single that also features fellow hometown heroes Chief Keef and Jeremih.
Jeremih, “Cards Right”:
Having Jeremih rap over a sample flip of Bobby Brown’s timeless “Rock Wit’cha” is a can’t-miss move, particularly when the production slays.
Big Sean, “Bounce Back”:
Hitmaka gave Big Sean the rebound he needed with the 2016 smash “Bounce Back,” which became a Top 40 hit, attained five-times platinum status and earned a Grammy nomination for Best Rap Performance.
Jeremih and Ty Dolla $ign, “The Light”:
Hitmaka snagged the first single from Jeremih and Ty Dolla $ign’s highly anticipated joint album, “MIH-TY.”
King Von, “Mine Too”:
King Von was on his way to being one of the biggest rappers in the biz when he was struck down in Atlanta in 2020. He and Hitmaka had serious chemistry, evidenced on tracks like “Still Trappin” and this cut.
Teyana Taylor Featuring King Combs, “How You Want It?”:
Hitmaka takes Ma$e’s classic “Tell Me What You Want” and flips it for a new generation on Teyana Taylor’s “How You Want It?” She brings Diddy’s son, King Combs, along for the ride.
Nicki Minaj, “Want Some More”:
In our interview, Hitmaka tells us people started taking him seriously as a producer when Nicki Minaj embraced him and gave him two spots on her “The Pinkprint” LP. “Want Some More” is the record that set things in motion.
T.I. Featuring Snoop Dogg and Jeremih, “Moon Juice”:
Hitmaka has an ear for taking classics from different eras and repurposing them. On “Moon Juice,” he borrows from the Eastsidaz’ 1999 hit, “G’d Up.” Since the Eastsidaz were a Snoop Dogg side project, it makes sense that T.I. recruited Snoop for his revamp.
G-Eazy Featuring Yo Gotti and YBN Nahmir, “1942”:
Hitmaka can seemingly make hits with his eyes closed. G-Eazy has connected with him several times, including on this personal favorite. Drink up.