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!

While the rest of New York City was undergoing a phenomenal blizzard last week, HBO hosted a screening for hyped “How To Make It In America” in Chinatown.

[BTW, I had an opportunity to weigh in my thoughts on the show for AOL's new site, The BVX. Proceed when you have a chance.]

As a true reflection of downtown New York City’s “on to the next one” social scene that serves as the show’s crux (which usually brings you to the most random and obscure of venues and domiciles), the event was executed in an unmarked (there goes that word again) building on Eldridge Street, complete with weird lobby and manual elevator operator. The space was revealed to be a very quaint loft/gallery, adorned with art and a slew of people who look like they could easily been cast for the show.

I had to bounce before the screening began, but I’m sure it was the same show that I saw two weeks ago! HA!

Peace to Cornerstone/FADER for bringing that to life.

They’re no strangers to relying on guerilla tactics, however- remember what they did to promote the latest season of “Entourage”?

I had an opportunity to screen the first few episodes for a review of the show for AOL (look out for that shortly), and I am very impressed as to how authentic and “home grown” the characters are. Victor Rasuk has been, in my opinion, a great actor, most notably in “Raising Victor Vargas”.

“How To Make It In America” debuts this Sunday on HBO.