Branden Peters Portfolio

Askmen.com Hennessy article

I visited Hennessey’s estate and distillery in Cognac, France, to gain insight into their approach to attracting more American cognac drinkers. Readers got a first-hand look into the legacy of the storied cognac brand.

Askmen.com Macy’s sponsored content

I wrote this advertorial in conjunction with Macy’s. The piece breaks down the different styles of various television hosts past and present.

Men’s Health Zac Brown “Rolling Iron Paradise”

I profiled the intense home and road workouts that keep country music superstar Zac Brown in tip-top shape.

This was the first XXL Freshman cover. The one that set the table for one of the most anticipated annual lists in hip-hop. As a trusted staff member, I was able to give my input into which artists were chosen. Not every artist I wanted on the list made it, but it was great to be a part of such a monumental piece of hip-hop journalism.

Askmen.com Holland Vodka article

I had the opportunity to celebrate the Nolet Distillery’s 325th anniversary and learn about Ketel One’s vodka making process. This experience made for an interesting story on how Holland has made the world’s cleanest vodka for centuries.

ESPN.com E-40 Bay Area Sports

Artist and Entrepreneur Earl “E-40” Stevens is a huge fan of Bay Area sports teams. For this article, I interviewed 40 about his history rooting for the San Francisco Giants, 49ers, and Golden State Warriors.

Askmen.com Audi Q5 review

I tested the Q5 throughout the Cabo region in Mexico for this review. The Audi SUV is still one of my favorites from the automaker.

Remembering the underappreciated genius of Shock G for Mic.com

When Digital Underground founder Gregory “Shock G” Jacobs passed away in 2021, the editors at Mic asked me to write a eulogy for the legendary producer/rapper. This was an honor for someone like me who grew up listening to Digital Underground.

New York Times article of NBA Players Association taking mental health seriously

This article details National Basketball Retired Players Association president and CEO Antonio Davis’ work to develop mental health services for his fellow retired NBA players.

E-40 slang influence in hip-hop for Genius.com

Bay Area rapper and hip-hop legend E-40 is a master of creating and popularizing slang. Although his dictionary of slang book never quite came to fruition. 40 and I were able to give a snapshot on the many words he has used throughout his career for Genius.

Outkast final show article for Askmen.com

This story is special to me because not only was I able to document what could be the last shows that Outkast ever performs in their hometown, Atlanta, but It also featured published photographs that I took at the shows.

RESPECT. #22 Location: Atlanta, GA

RESPECT magazine was a photo journal published by former XXL publisher Jonathan Rheingold. JR and I maintained a great relationship after I left XXL, so it was a pleasure to work with him and then RESPECT EIC Adell Henderson on this cover featuring two of the most talented and eclectic musicians in R&B and Hip-Hop.

Shadow League: Don Barksdale

Of all of the articles I’ve written on NBA pioneer Don Barksdale this is my favorite. As the first Black U.S. basketball Olympian and first Black NBA All-Star, Barksdale’s story is one that is the definition of being under told.

Interview with Anthony “Top Dawg” Tiffith | CEO of Top Dawg Entertainment

TDE label founder Anthony “Top Dawg” Tiffith is notoriously private. At the time that this interview was conducted, there were no pictures of him on the net and he had never done an interview (since then he’s only done one other). The interview took place in the original TDE home studio in Carson, CA. The same spot that Kendrick auditioned for Top. Only about 30% of what we spoke about made it into the story. Classic material!

In 2003 I noticed a shift in rap music. Artists all over the south were making really good music that wasn’t necessarily being noticed by other regions. I wanted this story to be told, so I pitched the editors at Source magazine on the concept. What was supposed to be a feature morphed into one of the most successful covers in the magazine’s storied history. This story helped cement the south as a force in hip-hop and it changed my career forever.

A look into the exhilarating drives in Georgia on Trillist.com

As part of a paid partnership with Toyota, I wrote this story breaking down a few of the most exhilarating roads and routes to drive in the state of Georgia.

East Side Golf Complex Magazine interview

Eastside Golf has helped introduce young people to the game of golf via strategic partnerships with brands like Nike and free golf education programs across the country. This article spotlights their history and their latest collaboration with Complex.

Wrote the cover story recapping the Warriors upset of the Boston Celtics in the 2022 NBA Finals

From being the home of the sideshow to the birthplace of the East Bay Dragons, Oakland has always had a storied history in car and bike culture. Rides editor Adell Henderson and I put together this extensive feature to properly document the Bay Area’s legendary automobile culture.

W Motors is the first supercar company in the UAE

On a visit to Dubai, I sat down with the founders to discuss the inspiration for starting the brand.

Toby Keith Summertime

During my time covering motorsports, I worked as a news editor for Harley-Davidson Forums. This is one of the many news pieces I wrote on Harley-related content.

Complex Magazine Baja 500 article

I shadowed Tech founders Tim Whale and Mark Hoashi as they attempted to complete the 46th annual Baja 500. Due to an axle breaking on their truck, the guys didn’t finish the race but to be rookies, they put on a great showing. This was a fun story to cover and write.

Askmen.com Steph Curry sneaker review

Stephen Curry’s first Under Armour signature shoe revolutionized the brand’s approach to basketball sneakers. I was able to test the shoe out and play a game of knockout with the Golden State Warrior’s superstar.

Complex Magazine FIFA review

This is one of many video game reviews I’ve written during my career. Although the name of the game has changed, Electronic Arts Sports continues to make amazing futbol titles.

Askmen.com Ultimate man cave article

Pretty much every man wants his own space to kick back and do man things. Here, I broke down the essentials to put together the ultimate man cave.

Conducted live interviews with Too $hort, Master P and James Prince in front of audiences ranging from 500-1000 people as part of the A3C music festival

Master P Clip

J Prince Clip

Too $hort Clip

DJ Drama and Don Cannon

As part of SLAM Magazine’s coverage of the 50th anniversary of hip-hop, I put together a detailed list of the top 50 basketball-related lyrics in rap songs. The list ranges from popular to obscure, but every entry is a bar.