Hitmaka’s ethos is in the name. The Chicago rapper-turned-producer born Christian J. Ward has had a lengthy career spanning all the way back to the early 2000s when he got his start as a suave, hip-hop and R&B club banger-making Yung Berg.

With production and songwriting credits with artists ranging from Big Sean, A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie, Lil Wayne, 2 Chainz, and Tinashe, Hitmaka is known for making beloved tunes with hip-hop and R&B's biggest stars.

For the latest episode of Audiomack’s Beyond the Beat series, hosted by Billboard Hip-Hop Editor Carl Lamarre, Hitmaka breaks down the behind-the-scenes process of working as a VP of A&R for Atlantic Records, highlighting upcoming women in the game with his “Thot Box” remix, the difference between a producer and a beatmaker, and much more.

For more Beyond the Beat with Audiomack, including our last interview with multi-Platinum producer Murda Beatz, subscribe to our YouTube channel here.

Hitmaka Talks Advice for Rising Producers, Spotlighting Women & More for ‘Beyond the Beat’