With cannabis being illegal for so long, its not shocking that many former smugglers and dealers are not only getting their chance to shine on the legal side of the market, but are getting the recognition that they deserve for the trail the blazed.
One figure who operated in the shadows and created an industry where there wasn’t one was Branson.
Harlem’s own made name for himself in the 90’s for his discreet weed business. Only for those in the know, Branson catered to only the elite in the city.
His product was so good, his name made it The Source without rapping. Redman, The Notorious B.I.G., Jadakiss and more would show love to Branson in their rhymes. Even Lil Wayne had a chance to sample work from his famous stash.
As big as he was underground, his real time to shine should be now!
I don’t know if Branson will ever be reviered in mainstream cannabis culture as others who one-time operated in the dark. What I do know is that Black people in cannabis should be ready to lift him up!
As we move forward in this industry, embracing all paths of success is needed. Someone like Branson is a bridge between two different worlds. He’s seen music and street legends come and go. He’s seen changes in laws and sentiments towards a plant that at one-time would’ve had him staring at double-digit numbers in jail.
His knowledge of the plant and the business of cannabis is something that all Black cannapreneurs should want to learn from.
I had the chance to spend sometime with Branson 4-years ago. We met in Harlem at a basketball court to discuss his life in weed, his feelings on the new industry and whether or not he could see himself in the legal cannabis industry.
That short time with him gave me a new perspective on not just him but the cannabis industry overall. I knew that there could be no world where someone like him isn’t benefitting from what he helped create.
As we celebrate Black History Month, lets shine a light on an underground cannapreneur who should receive all his flowers now.