Last week, a few of my homies and I were talking about HBO’s “How To Make It In America”, specificly about how we would consult Cam, Ben, and René on their respective business ventures (if the show was real, of course) given the events that have transpired by the end of the first season.

In the real world, their brands- the scrappy, upstart denim line Crisp and brilliantly-named energy drink Rasta Monsta- would both be considered “challengers” (if considered at all) in their respective categories. To add some context, I think it’s fair to say that both the streetwear apparell and functional beverage industries are hyper-competitive, riddled with high barriers to entry, and, for lack of a better word, cluttered.

Nonetheless, below (click to enlarge!) is a very basic, straightforward analysis of both brands that I’d apply to clients during early project phases. Based on the exercise (which was solely based on my individual knowledge of the category’s landscapes along with what I’ve gathered from watching the show) I wouldn’t say one is better than the other, but it IS interesting how both Crisp and Rasta Monsta have unique traits that could benefit them in the long run.

I’ll say this much though: you’ll be surprised at the magic that a wrapped stepvan and free samples can make! (HA!)

HBO get at me!


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Comments ( 3 )

[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by Kenji Summers, ehT.. …… .. ehT.. …… . said: @RichieCruz .. . Yo this is dope Richie! Suits Stay Watching papo! http://tinyurl.com/yac6zo8 [...]

Tweets that mention Rasta Monsta v. Crisp: A Brand Analysis. « Suits Is Watching -- Topsy.com added these pithy words on Apr 12 10 at 3:36 pm

Brilliant and thorough analysis. lol at thursty Puerto Ricans and Dominicans. You are telling me Jamaicans, Trinis, and Bajans wouldn’t drink this magical potion?

One thing, last I checked Crisp ended up starting as a t-shirt line. Just saying.

Kenji Summers added these pithy words on Apr 12 10 at 2:25 pm

You’re absolutely correct that it wound up as a t-shirt line, but brands have an interesting habit in shifting around in their infancy, so I firmly believe they’ll quickly return to producing denim at their first opportunity.

Re: your first line, I don’t know. Most West Indians that I know would rather drink Ting before Rasta Monsta. lol

Suit added these pithy words on Apr 12 10 at 9:36 pm

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