Chris Lake and Ragie Ban Score a Beatport #1 with "Toxic"

Congrats to you both on “Toxic” reaching #1 on Beatport! Chris, how does it feel to be heading into the summer season with another smash hit record under your belt?

Chris Lake: It feels amazing, honestly. Every time a track connects like this, it’s a reminder of why I love doing what I do. Working with Ragie on this has been an absolute pleasure and you can’t ask for better timing going into the summer with this momentum.  

Ragie Ban: It honestly feels crazy, I'm very thrilled to have reached this milestone in my career and even more so together with an artist whom I admire a lot, Chris.

How do you both feel about the current growth of the Brazilian scene? Not only are events within the country expanding to host iconic festivals, but the music of Brazilian artists is reaching all four corners of the globe.

Chris Lake: It’s always exciting to see the scene expanding like this. I love how the Brazilian producers are pushing sounds and mixing genres - there’s this raw rhythm that’s so embedded in the culture and now breaking through on a global scale. Working with Ragie gave me a deeper appreciation and understanding of this.

Ragie Ban: I am incredibly proud of the Brazilian scene and everything happening right now. We're reaching new heights and consistently surprising the crowds. It’s a priceless experience to represent my country, especially as so many talented producers emerge from Brazil, gaining recognition on the global stage.

How did this collaboration come about? What was it like working with one another?

Chris Lake: It actually started in a very modern way, Ragie shot me a message with a demo, and I remember listening and immediately thinking, “There’s something here.” We got into it, started tweaking things back and forth, and suddenly the track started to evolve into what became "Toxic." Working with Ragie has been special, he’s got this infectious excitement that reminds me why I started producing in the first place. 

Ragie Ban: It started as an ordinary day when I sent Chris a direct message on Instagram and submitted my song to Black Book's Trackstack. To my surprise, he responded, expressing his appreciation for the song and his interest in collaborating to refine some elements. From that moment, the track gained recognition throughout the scene. 

I never imagined I would have the chance to work with Chris — honestly, it felt like a dream! I half expected to ask everyone where the hidden cameras were, as it seemed so surreal haha. Today, being by his side — not just as a collaborator but also as someone who has had the privilege to know him — has been incredibly fulfilling. I'm learning so much from him, and it’s inspiring to see how he has become a reference point for me. He’s not only talented but also a genuinely funny and kind-hearted person.

This single was built on “Poison,” by Bell Biv DeVoe, an incredibly iconic hip-hop track. How do you approach integrating such a recognizable song into your music in a way that honors the original while letting your artistry shine?

Chris Lake: Sampling something as iconic as "Poison" is always a tightrope. You want to respect the material — it’s legendary — but also not just rehash it. It’s about finding the balance between nostalgia and innovation.

Ragie Ban: I've always been a fan of hip-hop, and appreciated its grooves. When I set out to sample it, my goal was to maintain the original brilliance while adding a catchy hook that resonates with listeners. I envisioned infusing a more intimate and energetic vibe into the track, creating a powerful experience. The idea was for the bass to embrace the audience amidst the intensity of an aggressive drop, making it something people would truly connect with.

You guys have already had a huge 2025 with “Toxic.” What can we look forward to from you both for the rest of the year?

Chris Lake: It’s going to be a special year for me because I’ve just announced my debut album Chemistry, which drops July 11th. I made the announcement during the week I did my Coachella campgrounds set, which felt like the perfect place to let it out into the world. This album has been a long time in the making, and it features some really special artists I’ve been lucky enough to work with.

At the same time, I finally released "In My Head" with Amber Mark — probably one of the most requested tracks from my sets. People can finally stop asking me when it’s coming out! It just felt like the right sound to introduce the album with, and there’s a lot more music coming up. 

Ragie Ban: Kicking off the year strong for sure. There’s still more to come, and I’m keeping it a mystery for now — just to keep the excitement brewing! I promise you won’t be disappointed. Stay tuned!