Chase B: Inside the Houston DJ’s ‘Be Very Afraid’ & Cactus Jack Renaissance
Chase B, the Houston-born DJ and producer closely associated with Travis Scott, is releasing his debut mixtape, Be Very Afraid, a project he describes as a definitive statement of his artistic identity. The release marks a pivotal moment for the artist, who has spent years curating sounds for some of music’s biggest stages, and signals a broader resurgence of Houston’s hip-hop scene.
Growing up in Missouri City, Texas, Chase B’s upbringing was steeped in Houston culture, a blend of influences ranging from the city’s famed “slab” parades to the legacy of NASA, according to a recent interview with VIBE magazine. He broadened his musical horizons with frequent family visits to New York City and his time as a student at Howard University. This diverse background informs Be Very Afraid, a mixtape that draws on a wide array of genres.
“It’s some joints on there for everybody,” Chase B told VIBE. “Some shit is like five years aged, some shit is five days old… It’s amazing music.” The mixtape, he explained, is a culmination of years of work, relationships, and creative instincts. He signed with Columbia Records in 2018, initially working on a different project that evolved over time as songs appeared on other artists’ albums, including tracks with Young Thug and Kendrick Lamar during the COVID-19 pandemic. He ultimately signed with APG to release the current iteration of the mixtape.
The project is highlighted by the single “Satellite,” a collaboration with Don Toliver and SoFaygo, accompanied by a self-directed visual that showcases a modern Houston often overlooked in mainstream portrayals. “We really directed it ourselves,” Chase B said. “Just us hanging out for real… just rolled around… going crazy.” He aims to reframe the city’s image, moving beyond the stereotypes of “rodeos and cows” and spotlighting a new generation of artists building on the foundations laid by pioneers like Bun B and Paul Wall.
Chase B believes Cactus Jack, the collective spearheaded by Travis Scott, is at the forefront of a new wave of Houston rap. He cited artists like Maxo Kream, Monaleo, and Ken the Man as part of a vibrant and expanding talent pool. “As much as we love what they did for us growing up, it’s kind of like you haven’t seen Houston in the way we’re about to show it,” he stated in the VIBE interview.
The artist’s career has progressed from DJing at Howard University to becoming a trusted collaborator with Travis Scott, a journey that began with shared experiences in high school. He would play Scott’s early music at parties, gaining traction and recognition within the local scene. This organic growth led to opportunities to tour with Scott and eventually become a key creative force within the Cactus Jack ecosystem.
Beyond music, Chase B has expanded into branding and partnerships, including a recent collaboration with Nike to launch the OG Chase B Jordan. He has been a Jordan brand ambassador for the past four to five years, and the new sneaker design incorporates references to his personal influences, including DJ culture icons Clark Kent and MF Doom. He also hosts the “Aux Money” podcast with Boardroom, providing a platform for conversations with artists, athletes, and other creatives about their journeys, and influences.
Chase B’s plans for the future include expanding his visual presence with large-scale concert productions and continuing to push Houston culture onto the global stage. He envisions bringing a unique energy to events like Coachella, emphasizing visuals and immersive experiences. He also intends to continue developing his Lids hat designs and exploring new creative ventures. “Y’all haven’t even seen what Houston has to offer yet,” he said.