Raw Flava Bboy Battle w/ Hip Hop performances Recap

Last night an American culture was alive and well and by that I mean Hip Hop. The Bboy competition Raw Flava, sponsored by Gravity Skills & Black Flag Shoppe brought out Bboys and Bgirls from New York, Jersey, and Philly. It was great to see everyone killin it and I would've loved to show everyone my skills and collect the $500 prize, but I won't battle for anything less than a mill.....or maybe it's because I suck and can barely do anything from the 6step. There were cyphers everywhere, so everywhere you turned all you saw was somebody breakin. Since I felt awkward for even just nodding my head, I was stuck in my Bboy pose filming and taking pictures of everything around me. I caught only a decent amount of pictures and took a bunch of clips of video that my camera died before the semi-finals. I know I missed capturing some good footage of the battles, but sometimes you need to step back and watch the talent.

I was chillin by Black Flag's area wearing the "Stunningly Fresh" longsleeve(Click here to buy) while rocking the Astrohop hoodie(click here to buy), chillin, and chatting it up. New Branded Baron sponsored artist Daniel Joseph came through rocking the Carpe Diem sweatshirt(click here to buy) and he was performing. Jay Wise & Chaos the O.G. of the Corp Cartel came through to rock as well. One of the bboys Dmize lived on the same block as them in Washington Heights in the City, so they were rooting for him all the way. Unfortunately he ended up getting knocked out in the Semi-finals to finalist Atlas, but he did his damn thing. One disappointment that I had at the event was that there were Mcs there that came to rock, but those to did perform like Daniel Joseph, Jay Wise & Chaos, and Rasheed Chappelle, performed either 2 or 3 songs. Granted the main focus was the bboy battle, but I think there could've been a bit more love for the mcs. Hell they were performing and people were dancing to the songs, they might as well had the battle while they performed. Just a thought. So you had the DJ playing the music, you had the mcs performing, the bboys breaking, but where was the graffiti element? Well there were no writers tagging up the venue, but Black Flag was selling some spray cans, caps, and markers for those who bomb.

Overall it was a cool event, I'll make sure Branded Baron has a table to sell at the next event. Oh, Phantom beat Atlas in the finals of the battle. I personally disagree with the outcome and I'm not saying Phantom didn't win or wasn't good, but just in my eyes I saw differently. It was definitely a hot final to watch. Shout out to everyone who came through and I look forward to seeing more cool events.

Below I have some footage of bboy cyphers, battles, performances, and pictures of the event. I'll add more footage tomorrow.

Stay No Less Than Stunningly Fresh,
Joe

BBOY Battle, MC Battle, & Performances FEB 27th!

Click on the picture to enlarge

Yes, yes y'all! There's a bboy competition and mc competition in Clifton, NJ sponsored by Black Flag Shoppe(You can shop there in person to buy some Branded Baron apparel). I'm a fan of bboying or breaking or breakdancing as well as a good emcee battle. Hopefully there will be some strong competition to entertain everyone and I know there will be some good performances by a bunch of artists like Daniel Joseph and possibly Jay Wise. Branded Baron will probably not be selling at this event, just hanging out and supporting the Hip Hop culture. I know, I know, but if you want to buy something there and in person, I'll have some items on me. This is definitely a great place to rock any of our shirts or hoodies. Maybe you want an Astrohop hoodie or tee. Check this event out.

Stay No Less Than Stunningly Fresh,
Joe

20% off with code "Knockout" due to success of UFC 110 Poll

Hello Everyone! Due to the success from the poll we had, here is a discount code for everyone! Since the majority of people predicted the correct fights, the prize for everyone is 20% off. Andrew from California was our exclusive winner who like me predicted all the correct fights. He got to choose one of our apparel for free and gets to share the 20% as well.

The code I chose was "knockout" due to Cain Velasquez knocking out Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira. So, enjoy this 20% off your entire order. This code will end March 2nd. Thanks to everyone who participated. Until our next contest.....

Stay No Less Than Stunningly Fresh,
Joe

UFC 110 Predictions so far from Branded Baron fans

So here are the predictions so far for this fight card. One lucky winner will get a prize if they get all or the majority of the fights correct and if the majority of Branded Baron fans predict the correct outcome, there will be a nice discount code.

Here is what we have so far and if you want to be a part of this, e-mail info@brandedbaron.com

55% Nogueira 44% Velasquez
55% Bisping 44% Silva
55% Sotiropoulos 44% Steveneson
55% Bader 44% Jardine
100% Cro Cop 0% Ben Rothwell
55% Soszyrnski 44% Bonnar

It's amazing how all the people who e-mailed their predictions believe Cro Cop will win. Remember you can e-mail predictions until the first fight. One lucky winner and a possible collective discount win.

Stay No Less Than Stunningly Fresh,
Joe

Music Download: Daniel Joseph-Gone Fishin Mixtape

New Branded Baron sponsored artist, Daniel Joseph has released a new mixtape called "Gone Fishin'". The exclusive song that he released through Branded Baron first has a name change. It went from "Lebron 2010" to "Candy Man". In the hip hop market well in music in general, where the whole industry is flooded with tons of artists, singers, and bands, it's good to see that we can try to help bring some to the forefront. If Daniel Joseph wasn't a talented artist with the ability to make some good music, Branded Baron would not be interested. So if you're into hip hop and like some good gritty music, I highly recommend Daniel Joseph. If you haven't checked out his debut album "Pretty/Ugly" check it out. Oh, did I mention that the mixtape is FREE to download.

Here's the link to go download the entire mixtape or selected tracks. You can preview the songs by itself, before you download or if you're at work and not allowed to download anything onto the company computer.
http://danieljoseph.bandcamp.com/album/gone-fishin

Or listen here


Stay No Less Than Stunningly Fresh,
Joe

Predict Winners Of UFC 110 For Everyone TO Earn Discount

Who do you predict is going to be the winners on the UFC 110 event this Saturday, February 20th, 2010?
 Minotauro Nogueira VS Cain Velasquez (PICK THE WINNER)
 Wanderlei Silva VS Michael Bisping (PICK THE WINNER
 Joe Stevenson VS. George Sotiropoulos (PICK THE WINNER)
 Keith Jardine VS. Ryan Bader (PICK THE WINNER)
 Mirko Cro Cop  VS. Ben Rothwell (PICK THE WINNER)
 Stephan Bonnar  VS. Krzysztof Soszynski (PICK THE WINNER)

 Let us know who you think the winners of these matches will be. Send your picks (votes) via email at info@brandedbaron.com , twitter, facebook, and/or myspace. We want to hear what the Branded Baron community thinks. Potential Prize or special discount code for the people that pick every match winner correctly. You have until the first fight of the night.

We are not a sponsor of the UFC or Zuffa, LLC company. We are fans and want to see the sport of mixed martial art grow.

Anthony's(Branded Baron's V.P.) Pick's
Minotauro Nogueira
Michael Bisping
George Sotiropoulos
Keith Jardine
Mirko Cro Cop
Krzysztof Soszynski

Joe's(Branded Baron President) Picks
Cain Velasquez
Wanderlei Silva
George Sotiropoulos
Ryan Bader
Mirko Cro Cop
Krzysztof Soszynski


Stay No Less Than Stunningly Fresh,
Anthony

P.S. Branded Baron's MMA inspired shirt to be released soon.

UFC Fighters Frankie Edgar & Ricardo Almeida teach seminar for Haiti Relief Fundraiser

For those that do not know, I'm a martial artist, a black belt in Kenpo Karate & currently a blue belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. I started training at TCMA in Orangeburg, NY, before I decided to train at Renzo Gracies' academy in Manhattan. It was pretty cool to see every once in awhile to see Professor Ricardo Almeida come by and teach a seminar. But this time it was different, because it was for a better cause than enhancing our training, but trying to be a better person by helping out those who really need it, the people of Haiti. The amount raised was about $8,000 so woohoo for everyone who donated, whether they trained that night or not. So Professor Almeida and Frankie Edgar came up to teach. They taught 2 classes, which I think both were about a hour and a half each, but you could tell everyone was extremely interested in learning. How can you not take your training serious when you have lightweight contender(may I add Jersey native) Frankie Edgar & one of Renzo Gracie's top black belts teaching? Both of these guys have a fight in the next month and the one after, so they should be training, but they decided to teach us some techniques on a silver platter. Plus they had an autograph session, which didn't hurt.
Frankie Edgar is definitely a down to earth guy and I already knew Ricardo Almeida was, so I'm glad they did what they did. I asked Frankie what the worst part of training, while Professor Almeida was teaching the first class during his segment, and he said it was the travelling. Well, he said he had to do some UFC promo at Abu Dhabi and it was 13 hour flight there and 15 hour flight back, so I will agree that does suck. I tried to chat it up with him a bit while he was waiting to sign some autographs and he's a cool guy, I couldn't help it if I was in "fanboy" mode. Whatever. One thing that he mentioned when I asked that it must feel good to sign autographs and take pictures with the fans is that "if it wasn't for the fans, we(the fighters) wouldn't have jobs".
Frankie Edgar taught everyone some takedowns at least for the seminar session I trained at and Ricardo Almeida taught us some nice techniques from the ground. One thing that stood out from the seminar that Professor Almeida said was that every submission position was first a control position. Sometimes we may overlook that, so for those that train don't forget it. Overall the event was a success with people from various dojos on the mat and people donating to the Haiti Relief Fund. It's just great that these two great fighters, took the time out of their busy schedule for a good cause.


Frankie Edgar & I, you could see Ricardo Almeida showing a move in the background. Frankie is a cool guy, I tried busting his chops after the session because there was food and he was persuaded by a little kid to try a piece brownie. I realized that guy could kick my ass easily, luckily he was a good sport. A little piece is okay.


After the seminar. I never took a picture with Professor, so I figure let's get one. He donated a pair of tickets for UFC 111 for a raffle, I didn't win, but I have my tickets for it. He definitely a good guy and I try to learn as much as possible from him whenever he comes by to teach.


Stay No Less Than Stunningly Fresh,
Joe

FreshSocietys.com featuring Branded Baron

I'd like to thank the latest Independent Fashion & Culture Online Magazine, FreshSocietys(http://freshsocietys.com/) for featuring Branded Baron. They didn't feature our winter season series, but our whole collection. It's great to be featured on their site, because their goal is " The website is a web-based lifestyle magazine with an emphasis on fashion. The goal of the website is to keep readers informed of new trends, retailers, and events based around the world." Be sure to check the site out, because it's very professional looking and the features posted are interesting.

Click Here For Branded Baron feature

Stay No Less Than Stunningly Fresh,
Joe

Feeling like a BOSS- 40% off with coupon code "President"

It seems like we're crazy for giving you coupon codes back to back day, especially from 25% to now 40%. Well I'm feeling like a BOSS and I think hooking everyone up isn't wrong. It was a spur of the moment decision, but I think you'll like it. Type "President" at checkout and you'll get 40% off your entire order.

http://www.brandedbaron.com

Stay No Less Than Stunningly Fresh,
Joe


P.S. I chose the picture above, because I wanted a "cool" looking president picture and that came up when I typed "cool president photos" on google. So if you're a Republican, don't get mad, I choose it for aesthetics.

VALENTINE'S DAY SALE 25% OFF-TODAY ONLY

That's right...Today only, get 25% off your entire Branded Baron purchase with the code "Valentine". This coupon code will expire after today. Today is about love, whether you love clothes, music, guys, girls or what have you, this discount is for you! Enjoy!

Stay No Less Than Stunningly Fresh,
Joe

Branded Baron Versus Anjelah Johnson? Listen To Your Heart design!!

Pretty comic Anjelah Johnson performed her stand up, which the special was shown on Comedy Central wearing a t-shirt that looked exactly like Branded Baron's "Listen To Your Heart" design. I must say I was fuming when I saw that, there was a difference with it having multiple colors and words written on the heart, but still this had me mad. I guess a great concept will be taken and spun by others. Anyways, I honestly believe Branded Baron's design is so much better. You can see the comparison with her shirt and our design on the hoodie. I like to thank all the people that contacted me immediately when they saw that. I was selling this shirt locally before I even put this shirt up on the internet. So Anjelah Johnson if you see this, I'm not angry at you, we just have to get the CORRECT shirt for you, that's all. Branded Baron has a bunch of options. :) You can tell the all female dance crew Beat Freaks too!

Here are the links to go directly to options:

Unisex Hoodie in Black
http://www.brandedbaron.com/product/listen-to-your-heart-hoodie

Female Shirt in Black
http://www.brandedbaron.com/product/listen-to-your-heart-black-female

Male Shirt in Black
http://www.brandedbaron.com/product/listen-to-your-heart-black

Female Shirt in Aqua & Sky Blue
http://www.brandedbaron.com/product/listen-to-your-heart-female

Male Shirt in Aqua
http://www.brandedbaron.com/product/test-3


Stay No Less Than Stunningly Fresh,
Joe

15% off your entire order with the discount code "SAINTS"

Since the Saints are the Superbowl champions and it seemed like everyone I knew was rooting for them, I figured it'd be a nice little treat for everyone to get a discount on their next Branded Baron purchase. Type in "saints" at the checkout and you will receive 15% off your order. This will only last until Friday, but maybe there are other Branded Baron discount codes out there...who knows :) Enjoy, Everyone.

Stay No Less Than Stunningly Fresh,
Joe

MUSIC: Jay Wise's Tribute To Big Pun

Here is a track by Jay Wise that honors the great Big Pun. As you may read from the SoJones interview(Click here to read) I choose Big Pun over Biggie, Big L, and Tupac, so it's only right that I would post this tribute. This song was produced by producer Seven and Jay Wise does his part and lets it known how Pun had an influence on his music. Listen and Bump this during the Superbowl.



Download here
http://usershare.net/p1nqhb0lfr3v



Stay No Less Than Stunningly Fresh,
Joe

Corp Cartel's "Do You Want Me" Behind The Scenes Part 2-PIctures

Here are a couple pictures from the shoot. It ranged from the obligatory posse shot to solo shots, group shots, and people chillin.

Stay No Less Than Stunningly Fresh,
Joe

Corp Cartel's "Do You Want Me" Behind The Scenes Part 1-Videos

Yesterday, I posted the song that Corp Cartel shot their music video for. Check these behind the scenes footage ranging from the video being shot to after the video was wrapped up with a little verse by Chaos. I would've had the crazy cypher, but the camera decided to die on me. I didn't want to film so much of the video, but it'll give you a little bit of an idea. The background needs to be added, so just wait until you see the video. It should be hot. I'll post some pictures from the shoot later.


Stay No Less Than Stunningly Fresh,
Joe