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THE BIG PODCAST - Wiz Khalifa Talks Kush & OJ 2, Lessons In Fatherhood & Martial Arts, Him & Snoop Not At First Liking "Young Wild & Free" Big Boy's Neighborhood
Today’s guest needs no introduction in the music world. Known for his sharp industry knowledge, Yung Berg—also called Hitmaka—joins us for an unfiltered conversation. With years of experience as a producer and artist, he’s ready to share stories most would keep hidden.
This episode dives deep into the untold truths of hip-hop. From ghostwriting controversies to label politics, nothing is off-limits. Expect shocking tales about industry giants and the realities of fleeting fame.
What makes this talk special? Berg speaks openly about the highs and lows of his career. He doesn’t shy away from naming names or exposing systemic issues. Whether you’re a fan or just curious, this is a rare look behind the scenes.
Behind every hitmaker lies a story of reinvention—this one’s no exception. From topping charts as a rapper to crafting beats for superstars, our guest rebuilt his career brick by brick. This episode uncovers the raw journey behind the alias Hitmaka.
Remember 2008’s viral anthem? That was just the start. By 2015, he traded mic checks for mixing boards. His pivot wasn’t luck—it was survival. Early financial pressures forced him to sell verses anonymously. Yet, those ghostwriting gigs became his golden ticket.
The turning point? Producing “Big Bank” for YG in 2018. It debuted top 20 on Billboard, proving his ear for hits. Suddenly, Hitmaka wasn’t just a name—it was a brand.
Behind closed doors, anxiety haunted him. “I felt like a one-hit wonder,” he admits in this episode. A failed record deal in 2012 left him couch-surfing. But pain fueled his reinvention. He studied producers like Timberland, dissecting their techniques.
By 2020, he’d earned platinum plaques and mentored newcomers. His secret? “Treat every track like it’s your last.” From sleepless nights to Grammy nods, this is the blueprint they don’t teach.
Ghostwriting isn’t just a rumor—it’s a billion-dollar industry secret. Most fans never hear about reference tracks, the demo versions sung by unknowns that become megahits. This episode pulls back the curtain on who really writes your favorite songs.
Top artists often buy pre-written lyrics or melodies. A single reference track can sell for $10K–$50K, with writers getting no royalties. One Grammy winner’s signature hit? Originally recorded by a studio vocalist.
Labels enforce silence with NDAs. “They’ll shelve your career if you talk,” our guest admits. Nearly 40% of Billboard’s Top 100 uses ghostwriters—but you’d never know.
Remember the viral chain snatching drama? Diddy orchestrated it to distract from a lawsuit. “He’d toss jewelry into crowds just to watch chaos unfold,” the episode reveals. It wasn’t ego—it was PR genius.
Even media like Record Akademiks played along. Scripted beefs kept clicks high and scandals hotter.
New artists sign contracts with 360 clauses, giving labels cuts of everything—even birthday party appearances. One loophole? “Advance” money is really a loan, trapping artists in debt.
Streaming made it worse. Writers earn $0.003 per play, while labels pocket 80%. Indies now lure talent with better splits—but breaking free takes guts.
One day you’re the hottest guest on every episode, the next you’re fighting for relevance. The music industry’s whiplash is brutal—our guest lived it firsthand. Here’s how fleeting fame reshaped his career.
In 2008, Berg’s hits dominated radio. By 2012, calls stopped. “Labels treat artists like expired milk,” he admits. Former collaborators ghosted him, including a Grammy winner who once begged for features.
TikTok changed the game. Viral fame now lasts weeks, not years. Compare that to the 2000s, where hits had staying power. Below, streaming drops after controversies:
| Artist | Pre-Scandal Streams (Monthly) | Post-Scandal Streams (Monthly) |
|---|---|---|
| Berg (2010) | 12M | 2.5M |
| Modern Artist X (2023) | 20M | 5M |
“You’re only as good as your last hit. I learned to hustle in silence.”
The 2019 feud with Record Akademiks exposed media manipulation. Berg’s team leaked fake texts to fuel buzz—a common PR tactic. The timeline:
Mental health tolls are real. Berg’s anxiety peaked during cancellations. Yet, he rebuilt by producing for others—a lesson in adaptability.
The music industry’s landscape keeps shifting, but Hitmaka stays ahead. With new collaborations dropping in 2024, he’s mentoring the next wave of talent. His episode insights prove experience speaks louder than trends.
From ghostwriting to Grammy nods, his journey inspires. Now, he’s launching educational programs for indie artists. The goal? Share industry secrets most won’t.
Streaming numbers tell the story—his catalog surged 40% last year. Peer testimonials call him a bridge between eras. What’s next? A tell-all book and music rights fund are in the works.
The record business thrives on change. But legends adapt. As guest today, Berg’s wisdom reminds us: real impact outlasts fame.
I decided to rebrand as Hitmaka to reflect my growth as a producer and songwriter. The name represents my evolution in the music industry.
One wild moment involved a famous rapper losing his chain at a party. The drama that followed showed just how unpredictable the industry can be.
Reference tracks are everywhere. Many artists use them to shape their sound, but few admit it publicly. It’s an open secret in the game.
Some stories were blown out of proportion, but it comes with fame. I’ve learned to focus on my craft rather than the noise.
Always read contracts carefully. Labels prioritize profits, so protect your creative control and publishing rights from the start.
MIxes
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