The high alcohol content, large serving size, and low price made them popular in urban black neighborhoods- which wasn't lost on the marketing/sales types, who started using black actors and singers to advertise their products. Ridiculous really. I buy Colt 45 every once in awhile. I like the taste and the higher alcohol content. There are much more expensive European types of malted beers, which I buy from time to time. They taste better for sure, but at a much much higher price.