The NYC legend behind Redman’s 20-year-old stash of Branson bud

Most budheads are familiar with the Redman and Method Man’s Cheech & Chong style how high comedy franchise. But few remember that Method and Red coined the famous track How High back in 1995.

On this classic track and many others, the Doobie-loving duo served up fun, memorable marijuana-themed boasts to fans. For most ’90s smokers, her lyrics offered a rare taste of the high life at a time when quality strains weren’t readily available.

The stories of how hard it was to find quality weed in New York City back then are endless. In that era, if you weren’t well-connected, “chronic” high-THC strains that West Coast rappers boasted about were almost mythical. But a lot of the best bud that made it to the East Coast back then hit the streets in triangular bags associated with an old market pioneer named Branson.

What Makes Branson’s Buds a Holy Grail of Weed Stories?

Three January ago, Redman took the more seasoned social media puffers for a walk down memory lane. While rummaging through old clothes at his mother’s house, the Newark, NJ native stumbled upon cannabis gold: a 20-year-old original bag of Branson-era weed.

Who is Branson you might be wondering? Let’s just say if the modern weed mogul and Biscuits CEO Berner mapped his business practice and product line to a family tree, Branson would be his grandfather. And Berner would be the first to tell you that his genius genetics stem from Branson’s pre-social media influence. He even made it a priority to connect and collaborate with the OG on a legal cannabis venture.

I’m trying to bring Branson back (what’s up, Legend?)” – Berner “Dope Boy” (2018)

Branson worked in a Harlem candy store and slash juice bar and was a major conductor and distributor of high quality marijuana and hash oils in NYC in the early 1990’s. Operating in the midst of Harlem’s War On Drugs, Branson was one of the rare standalone plugs that celebrity smokers visiting NYC could rely on to deliver good gas. Hence, the chronic name has fallen on songs by East Coast rappers like The Notorious BIG, The LOX, Nas, and Redman himself (read more classic lyrics about Branson below).

How high can you get from 20 year old weed?

The shelf life of cannabis depends on a number of factors. Depending on how it was grown, cured, and stored, potency could last for about 10 years. But if you ever find an old stash, at least check it for mold and other signs of degradation before you light it.

Although Red’s bag of Branson hadn’t been smoked in about 10 years, his video gave some a refreshing and uplifting touch of nostalgia and showed others the important impact this underground trailblazer had on the modern industry.

“Because I’m crazy about this chronicle of my husband Branson / I shoot to kill, puff blunts in Hooterville” – Redman “Da Journee” (1994)

Classic bars via Branson’s bud

Long before hip-hop and legal weed were billionaire corporate leaks, many of Branson’s old clients were cannabis culture’s loudest cannabis advocates, both official and unofficial.

Here are some of the lyrics that cemented his place in history:

“Yo, yo, if I had twenty-four hours to kick that bucket, fuck it/I’d probably eat a fried chicken and drink a Nantucket/Then go get a glass of Branson/And make me tell my mom that.” Money leave take care of the grandson.” – Jadakiss “24 Hours To Live” (1997)

“Get my weed from Branson ’cause his sack is bigger.” – Redman “Whateva Man” (1997)

“I spent half my retainer on Branson glasses/to make it through my circumstances.” – Ma$e “Top of the World” (1998)

“We used to weed at Norven, now we sorted out Bransoned straight.” – NORE “Hed” (1998)

“Bought ten bricks, four pounds of cannabis plants/Von Branson, now we shine, twelve bedroom mansion” – The Notorious BIG “Rap Phenomenon” (1999)

“Smoke Some Branson Next To The Mansion” – LL Cool J “Shut ‘Em Down” (2000)

“One-fo’-fo’ hydro smoke to choke (Okay!) / Branson holds handguns to draw.” Redman “Lick a Shot” (2001)

“To you it’s a Bentley, to me it’s a blue car / So Branson hands me a glass / Because those cats have gone too far” – Puff Daddy and the Family “Diddy” (2001)

“But where’s your money?/You want to start so badly?/You spent it all on Branson.” – Cam’Ron “Stan (Remix)” (2001)

“Uptown Strawberry Dunst, change the blades in my dungarees
Pineapple weed, look what Branson did to me
Hash like government cheese that burns ’til I run out of ink” – Redman “Branson, Branson” (2007)

“In your memory I have the Coogi in my closet/Kangol on the shelf, a fresh pair of Wallies/You know I’m still the booze and weed kid/And still have Branson on speed dial.” – Jadakiss “Letter to BIG (2009)

Dan Reagan

Dan Reagan’s is a veteran journalist now based in Los Angeles. A Harlem native, he has been involved with culture and media for over a decade.

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