Before Terps, It Was Trap
Brandon Zehrer—better known as TwinCityCEO—emerged from Minnesota’s hip-hop trenches, where he built a name directing raw, street-level visuals. His credits include Chief Keef’s “Make It Count” and “April Fools,” and he managed Glo Gang artists such as Tadoe. What separated him early on was a unique blend of A&R instincts, viral marketing acumen, and sharp video direction. The “Twin City” brand became synonymous with hustle in the Midwest music scene before cannabis ever entered the picture.
Los Angeles and the Birth of Global Genetics
By 2019, TwinCityCEO transitioned from music management into the cannabis industry. He relocated to Los Angeles and launched Global Genetics, a boutique cannabis brand designed to merge elite flower, streetwear aesthetics, and hip-hop credibility. On April 20, 2020, he debuted the brand’s flagship product This Shit Is Gross in collaboration with Chief Keef and The Fire Society. The release dropped at Cookies Hollywood and was a major cultural event, with Soulja Boy and Ballout in attendance—an early signal that Global Genetics would build its identity at the intersection of music and marijuana.
Brand Building (2020–2022)
During its formative years, Global Genetics distinguished itself with nitrogen-sealed cans and terpene-forward drops that emphasized freshness and quality. Among the standout strains were Glolato, OG Runts, Lemonchello, Gushers, Ether, and Peach Punch. Each release carried both flavor credibility and cultural weight, blending “candy gas” appeal with hip-hop branding. This unique mix solidified Global Genetics as more than just another flower label—it became a cultural imprint.
Collaborations and Breeding Credibility
TwinCityCEO was not content with simply marketing cannabis—he became deeply involved in creating it. Global Genetics’ catalog reflects that dual role, with collaborations and original breeding projects that include:
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Glo Gang Runtz
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ZRuntz (with Terp Hogz)
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Zuper Runtz (with Weeds the People & Terp Hogz)
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Super Runtz (Runtz × Super Lemon Cherry Gelato)
These projects demonstrated a rare balance between music-driven marketing and hands-on genetic development. Few brands could match that formula, and it gave Global Genetics credibility with both consumers and cultivators.
Global Vision
Expansion quickly followed. Global Genetics established presence in Oklahoma, Washington, Minnesota, Canada, and Germany, proving it was not confined to California’s borders. In California, TwinCityCEO partnered with Hendrx Nursery to release exclusive clones, most notably Blue Nerdz. At Spannabis 2024, Global Genetics took its next step by introducing its first official seed line, a move that emphasized its long-term global ambitions.
Flagship Strain: Blue Nerdz
The strain Blue Nerdz (LCG × Original Z) rose to become the brand’s signature. Known for its sweet flavor, frosty purple appearance, and extremely low yields, it became a favorite despite its cultivation challenges. Its impact was further validated in 2024 when Leafly recognized Blue Nerdz as one of the year’s top candy strains.
Other Notable Strains
Global Genetics continued to expand its library with strains such as Bubblegum Runtz, ZRuntz 2.0, 996, and additional phenotypes teased through online showcases. The release cycle leaned on scarcity and high-demand drops, feeding into an ecosystem of hype that mirrored streetwear and sneaker culture.
The GLODmine
In addition to cannabis, TwinCityCEO established The Glodmine, an invite-only creative hub where Glo Gang artists recorded music, shot visuals, and aligned their art with Global Genetics branding. Its brain-on-vinyl logo represented a fusion of intellect, creativity, and cultural “gold.” The Glodmine became more than a studio—it served as the physical embodiment of the intersection between cannabis and music.
From Hype to Heritage
Today, with seed lines spreading across Europe, elite phenotypes preserved under the brand’s umbrella, and micro-license operations in motion, TwinCityCEO is scaling Global Genetics toward long-term legacy status. From Midwest hustle to Malibu cultivation, he has successfully transformed his career from music management into cannabis heritage.
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- Nugg Notes
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