Inside the Playbook: Hitmaka on The Truth About Songwriters vs Producers

The Manager's Playbook · Apr 23, 2026 · 19m

In this clip of The Manager’s Playbook, Hitmaka breaks down how producers really get paid in the music business.

He reflects on his time during Atlantic’s high-powered A&R era, how he helped shape the sound of modern R&B and hip-hop, and why songwriters have historically been undervalued. From the making of A Boogie’s “Look Back At It” to the strategy behind producer credits, advances, and building leverage, Hitmaka gives a real look at the business behind hit records.

A must-listen for producers, songwriters, artists, managers, and music executives trying to better understand how the music…