What does it take to be a brand?
Lessons from 50 Cent and Supreme
So many people talk about wanting to build, or be, a brand. And as a seasoned brand marketer for over three decades, I want to support your ambitions by letting you know that you don’t have to look hard, or do too much to create your brand.
Do you know why? Think about it. My friend, YOU are the brand.
As the saying goes, you are uniquely and wonderfully made, and there is no one on earth like you. So, if you bring yourself (highly recommend the book Bring Yourself by Mori Taheripour), your whole self — the things that make you special, the things that you others appreciate and dislike — you see the brand proposition in and of itself.
Let’s look at the popular apparel brand Supreme. They are a street-style fashion brand regarded for setting trends and the barometer of cool.
People look to them globally to create for clues on what cool is. Supreme Founder James Jebbia has remained committed to creating clothes for his audience of predominantly 18–25 year olds who show their affinity by loyalty — even amidst pricey threads. “Young people — and skaters — are very, very open-minded . . . to music, to art, to many things, and that allowed us to make things with an open mind,” says Jebbia in Vogue Magazine article. Supreme begs me to ask, are you creating with yourself, or your audience in mind.
Let’s look at another brand. Curtis Jackson, also known as 50 Cent. Formatively, Jackson was a rapper, who with grit and determination turned businessman, TV series producer, filmmaker and community builder.
After many successful ventures including investments in Vitamin Water and Effen Vodka, inventing and growing G-Unit Records and Clothing, creating his own spirit, Branson Cognac, and building the Power franchise, in 2024 he invested $2.3MM (and counting) in Shreveport, Louisiana to develop this city into Hollywood South, bringing with it jobs, opportunities and affordable housing. Talk about operating in your power.
But, why would a city and its citizens believe in 50 Cent? I believe it’s because his brand speaks for itself. Jackson’s success has proven that he has the talent, resilience, fearlessness and keen business acumen to succeed. And there’s one more thing he has.
In December 2025, Sean Combs: The Reckoning was released on Netflix. Jackson is the Executive Producer. This 4-part series is masterfully done, production and storytelling wise. And only a few have spoken publicly rebutting claims purported in the narrative. When Tyler Perry did so, 50 Cent confidently responded with what he would do next. Jackson has confidence my friends. He is taking himself, his accomplishments, his vision and his dreams to a place where little entertainment business existed prior to him going there. He is a pioneer, and that takes confidence.
Jackson’s brand reflects creativity, drive, resilience, intelligence and confidence. What makes up your brand ?
In closing, remember your brand is you. If you don’t like you, discover what you don’t like about you, fix it, reinvent yourself and present a new offering to the world. Find an audience population that needs what you offer, and take it to them. Confidently.
Sidenote: Your logo is not your brand.
Olivia is a C-Suite Marketing Exec, Author of 51 Brand Marketing Tips for Creators & Founder of Omerge Alliances & Freedom at The Mat. An NYU & Loyola Professor, she has led marketing at influential organizations such as Carol’s Daughter, VIBE, Live Nation, Ogilvy & more for 25+ years. A Native Memphian, now based in New Orleans, is a forever Harlemite (NYC) who travels extensively and blooms where she is planted.
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