Chase B: Inside Travis Scott’s DJ’s ‘Be Very Afraid’ & Houston Renaissance

Long before he was soundtracking stadium tours as the trusted DJ and creative confidant to Travis Scott, Chase B was immersed in the unique culture of Houston, Texas – a place where slab parades and the legacy of NASA coexist. That upbringing, a blend of Southern traditions and broader influences gleaned from family visits to New York City and his time at Howard University, now anchors his debut mixtape, Be Very Afraid, a project he describes as an open invitation into his sonic world.

The mixtape, years in the making, isn’t simply a collection of tracks, but a “time capsule” of sessions, instincts, and relationships, according to Chase B. He explains, “Some shit is like five years old, some shit is five days old… It’s amazing music.” The project’s ethos is particularly evident in “Satellite,” a collaboration with Don Toliver and SoFaygo, accompanied by a visual that intentionally reframes perceptions of Houston, moving beyond the clichés of “rodeos and cows” to spotlight a new generation of artists.

Chase B sees Cactus Jack, the label and collective spearheaded by Travis Scott, as central to a modern renaissance in Houston’s rap scene. “It’s me, Trav, Don Toliver, Maxo Kream, just everybody,” he says, also name-checking Monaleo and Ken the Man as part of a vibrant new wave. “It’s a whole different resurgence of Houston artists right now. 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.”

Be Very Afraid represents a pivotal moment in Chase B’s career, marked by platinum plaques, festival performances, and a deepening partnership with Travis Scott. Despite his growing success, he remains grounded in his roots. “Everything is always kind of centered around NASA… that’s our unique culture,” he reflects, a sentiment that informs his artistic vision.

The mixtape’s title itself, Be Very Afraid, is a statement of intent. Chase B describes it as “foreshadowing,” a declaration of his artistic identity and a promise of more music to come. He aims to deliver a diverse sonic experience, encompassing elements of dance, electronic music, trap, and R&B. “It’s some joints on there for everybody,” he asserts.

The journey to Be Very Afraid wasn’t straightforward. Originally signed to Columbia Records in 2018, the project evolved significantly over time, with tracks appearing on other artists’ releases and a shift in focus under his new deal with APG. He credits the process with teaching him valuable lessons about navigating the music industry and staying true to his artistic vision.

Beyond the music itself, Chase B highlights three tracks he’s particularly excited for fans to hear: a collaboration featuring a Cleo Soul sample with Travis Scott and Sean, a track called “Off at 7” with Sheck Wes, and the previously released “Satellite.” He emphasizes the importance of the Cleo Soul sample, noting her selectivity in clearing her work, and the sentimental nature of the verses from Scott and Sean.

Chase B’s connection with Travis Scott dates back to their school days, fostered by shared experiences and a mutual appreciation for music. “We were always just involved with each other and what we were doing,” he recalls. Their relationship, he stresses, extends far beyond their professional collaboration, rooted in a deep personal bond and family ties.

He also speaks to the strong sense of community within the Cactus Jack collective, emphasizing the mutual support and respect among artists like Don Toliver, SoFaygo, and Wallie the Sensei. “Everybody’s on their own in different capacities, and we always pull up on each other,” he explains. “It’s always been super tight-knit family vibes.”

Chase B’s creative endeavors extend beyond music production. He’s also made significant strides in branding and partnerships, including a recent collaboration with Nike on his own signature Jordan colorway. He describes the opportunity as a culmination of years of being a sneaker enthusiast and an ambassador for the brand.

He’s also ventured into the media space with Aux Money, a podcast under the Boardroom umbrella. The podcast, he explains, provides a platform for artists, producers, and athletes to share their stories and perspectives, focusing on their journeys through music, fashion, and life. Guests have included Kevin Durant, CJ Stroud, and Babyface Ray.

Looking ahead, Chase B is focused on continuing to push boundaries and showcase Houston’s vibrant culture on a global scale. He envisions bringing the energy of Cactus Jack to major festivals and creating immersive visual experiences to accompany his music. “Y’all haven’t even seen what Houston has to offer yet,” he concludes, signaling a new chapter in his career and a bold vision for the future of H-Town’s music scene.