MECHANICSVILLE, Md. — Southern Maryland native Hi Speed Chase has become the first rapper to perform on a Bassmaster Elite Series stage, marking a historic moment for both the fishing world and the unique genre he has spent more than a decade building.
The musician, entertainer and self-proclaimed “Fish Rap King” recently took the stage in Elizabeth City, North Carolina, becoming the first artist of his kind to perform at one of competitive fishing’s premier events.
For more than a decade, Southern Maryland native Hi Speed Chase has been building something most people never thought could exist.
Fishing rap.
Today, that journey has led him to a place no artist has gone before.
For Chase, however, the moment wasn’t about finally arriving. It was about proving a point.
“People act like they don’t know,” Chase said with a laugh. “I’ve been doing this for 12 years. I’m not new to this, I’m true to this.”
The opportunity began with Kenneth Wallace, a local Bassmaster affiliate in Elizabeth City, North Carolina, who passed Chase’s contact information to Angela Sutton, the interim director of events for Elizabeth City.
After reviewing his work, Sutton presented the opportunity to Bassmaster officials for consideration. The organization ultimately approved the performance, making Chase the first rapper to ever perform on a Bassmaster Elite Series stage.
“They reached out and asked me to perform,” Chase said. “Bassmaster approved it, and next thing I know, I’m on the stage.”
The appearance was so well received that Chase was also invited to perform at the upcoming Bassmaster Classic, one of the sport’s largest events, where attendance is expected to exceed 14,000 people and broadcasts reach millions more.
For Chase, fishing and music have always gone hand in hand. What began as a passion for bass fishing evolved into a unique entertainment brand built around outdoor culture, humor and storytelling. Through projects like his “Beer, Bait & Bars” mixtape series, Chase found a loyal audience that connected with his authenticity and perspective.
The first installment generated approximately 15 million streams. The second project, “Catch Fish or Die Trying,” surpassed 50 million streams and featured fan favorites, including “99 Problems Catching Fish Ain’t One.”
Yet despite more than 100 million total streams across his catalog, Chase says the reality of the modern music industry can be frustrating.
“The streaming game is so messed up,” he said. “Nobody buys music anymore. Every stream is worth a fraction of a cent.”
While his content continues to generate millions of views, Chase says creators often face an uphill battle when trying to convert popularity into sustainable income.
“People try to pay you what they think you’re worth versus what you know you’re worth,” he said.
Today, he is focused on securing partnerships with brands that understand the value he brings to both the fishing and outdoor industries. One of those opportunities came through Bass Pro Shops, where Chase sold a song that was later incorporated into company content.
“I got a FaceTime call from Bass Pro Shops founder and CEO Johnny Morris telling me how much he liked the song,” Chase said. “That gave me a boost.”
For an independent artist who built an audience in a niche most people never imagined could exist, the encouragement served as validation that his work was reaching some of the biggest names in the outdoor industry.
The encouragement arrived during a period when Chase was fighting much larger battles. In 2017, he was diagnosed with polycythemia, a rare blood cancer that causes the body to produce too much blood. Complications from the condition ultimately led to a heart attack in 2018, just three days before his 35th birthday.
He underwent emergency open-heart surgery and a double-bypass procedure. The experience changed his outlook forever.
“I was in a dark place,” Chase said. “I felt helpless. I told myself then that there’s nothing I should ever fear again. God gave me a second chance for a reason, and I can’t get in my own way.”
That mindset has carried him through professional setbacks, health challenges and the constantly evolving world of social media. Along the way, Chase has also built a reputation for giving back. He has spent more than a decade volunteering with hospice organizations and hopes to once again organize youth fishing tournaments that introduce children to the outdoors.
He also continues to promote his “Bro Neck” movement, a brand built around the idea that fishing, hunting and outdoor recreation can bring people together regardless of race, background or politics.
The historic Bassmaster performance in Elizabeth City was made even more meaningful by the support of family and friends who helped Chase bring the moment to life. He gave special recognition to Adrian Young, who joined him on stage as his hype man; Darril Brice for assisting with sound; and his longtime friend Tommy Tippett for helping capture video throughout the event.
For Chase, the moment represented far more than another performance.
Years ago, he attended Bassmaster events as a fan.
Today, he’s performing on the stage.
And for someone living with a rare blood cancer, surviving a heart attack, enduring open-heart surgery and overcoming years of industry obstacles, the journey serves as a reminder that perseverance can carry a person farther than they ever imagined.
Sometimes success doesn’t arrive overnight. Sometimes it takes 12 years, unwavering faith and the courage to keep going when every reason says stop.
For Hi Speed Chase, the road to the Bassmaster stage was never just about music. It was about proving that a second chance is only valuable if you use it.
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