Hit-Boy has officially entered a new chapter. After nearly two decades tied to a restrictive publishing deal, the Grammy-winning producer and rapper marked his long-awaited freedom with a million-dollar celebration in Beverly Hills and the release of two new music videos, “What’s the Deal?”, and “Start Dissin’” featuring BabyTron, Spank Nitti James, and AZ Chike.
The story of Hit-Boy’s publishing contract has become almost as infamous as his hit records. Signed as a teenager to Universal Music Publishing Group, the deal included outdated terms that failed to evolve with the industry, including clauses that only recognized beats if released on CD. With no set end date, it became a professional and personal weight, which Hit-Boy has described as “the worst deal my lawyers had ever seen.” The contract’s limitations caused years of frustration, even as he produced career-defining records for artists like Kanye West, JAY-Z, Nas, and Beyoncé.
In July 2025, with the support of JAY-Z and Roc Nation CEO Desiree Perez, Hit-Boy finally secured his release. The producer likened the moment to being freed from prison, calling it life-changing and the beginning of a new era of independence. Kendrick Lamar even texted congratulations on the same day his own record “Not Like Us” dropped, a gesture that underscored the respect Hit-Boy holds across the industry.
To celebrate, he hosted the “Hit Free” party at a sprawling mansion in Beverly Hills, put on by Hit Boy’s own production company, Surf Club Inc. The guest list, curated by Melissa Harvey, Insidr, and StormX, reflected his reach and reputation, with appearances by 03 Greedo, Dave East, Mario, DJ Hed, and streamers PlaqueBoy Max and N3on. Hit Boy also used the party as the setting for his “Start Dissin’” music video featuring BabyTron, Spank Nitti James, and AZ Chike, all of whom were also in attendance, alongside a heavy roster of DJs. D’usse provided the open bar, and the night quickly became one of the summer’s most talked-about parties.
In addition to the “Start Dissin’” music video, Hit Boy recently also released a music video for a solo song, entitled “What’s The Deal?”. Doubling as both a flex and a mission statement, “What’s the Deal?” represents Hit Boy’s first independent release in nearly 20 years, a symbolic reset and a sign that Hit-Boy is now steering his own future. Both tracks showcase an artist fully in control, with no contracts standing in the way.
For Hit-Boy, the freedom to create without restriction is the real prize. The million-dollar party, the star-studded crowd, and the new music are just the first taste of what he plans to build now that he’s independent. As he put it, this moment isn’t just about breaking free from a deal—it’s about finally being able to decide what comes next.
