ComplexCon is Revolutionizing the Culture through Art, Talent, Fashion, Musical & Brand Curation

by Jamisha R. and Ahshara C.

Just weeks ago, one of the most anticipated creative networking events took place at the Long Beach Convention Center in California. The convention has served as a vehicle of globally known and even local brands to vend, popular artists to perform, industry focused conversation panels, and more. Featuring vendors, art exhibitions, performances, panel discussions, and more ComplexCon is a curative experience where pop culture, music, art, food, sports, innovation, activism, and education all come together.

ComplexCon hosted and created by Complex was created to bring together everything we love: style, music, food and more. Imagine everything Complex is about- but in person.

Complex was founded by Marc Ecko in 2002, it originated as a men's magazine and has since grown to be a successful media and entertainment company.

A little bit down the line, Complex introduced ComplexCon as a way to bring its carefully curated audience together. What better way to do that than hosting an in-person networking event filled with all the vibes we know and love.

Weren't able to attend this year? No worries, we've got you covered this time. Take a journey with us as we give you a recap of what went down at this year's ComplexCon:

1. "What Are You Doing Here?!": Shocking Special Appearances

If there's one thing for sure it's that you can count on ComplexCon to feel like an insane crossover episode. This year's guest attendees included celebrity spottings of Chief Keef, Juelz Santana, Renell Medrano, Don Toliver, Russel Westbrook, Chris Brown, Zack Bia, Kerwin Frost, Lil Yachty, YG, Luh Tyler, Joe La Puma, Jim Jones, India Westbrooks, Bloody Osiris, Iman Shumpert, SoFaygo, Cole Bennett, and so many more!

2. Resisting the Urge to Just Window-Shop: Exclusive Drops

When attending ComplexCon, trust us, it is nearly impossible to leave empty-handed! Especially when having access to some of the most anticipated collaborations and discovering so many new brands. Attendees got a first glance at the opportunity to shop Jae Tips' second collaboration with Saucony as they debuted the Grid Shadow 2 style in 2 shade ranges. Levi's collaboration with Denim Tears was a massive attraction as attendees lined up for hours for their reserved shopping appointment slot. There were also pop-ups that from Gallery Dept with their Asics collab, the Vandy the Pink x Clarks collab, and Nipsey Hussle's The Marathon Clothing collab with Puma Clyde.

ComplexCon curated their "Brands to Watch" booths to highlight some of their top pick emerging designers. The brands included Stolen Arts, Sebastien Amisial, ADW, and Garmette. Whether it is your first time hearing of these brands or you recognize them, we gaurantee these are some brands to keep a close eye on and add to your radar.

3. "Sit Down, We Need To Talk.": ComplexCon(Versations)

This year's ComplexCon featured a variety of panel discussions where attendees Some of the conversations this year included "How T.I. Made An Independent Movie", "Sneaker of the Year", "What's Next For Streetwear", "Future Genesis: How Oakley Evolved While Staying True to Their Brand DNA", and "360 With Speedy and Funny Marco". Whether the panels featured some of your faves, surrounded a topic or industry of your interests, these discussions were guaranteed to enlighten and inspire.

"How T.I. Made An Independent Movie" featured T.I. and some of the cast members from his most recent project ‘Da ‘Partments’! The discussion moderated by Jordan Rose dropped plenty gems for those curious behind not only the importance of independent films but the steps one should take to make it happen. T.I. speaks to the importance of independent films and the identities behind them.

Captured by Jamisha R.

4. "This is my Jam!": DJ Sets and Unreleased Songs

Curated by Zack Bia in collaboration with Field Trip Recordings the CACTUS Buddy! Stage hosted a variety of DJ sets and surprise performances. Performances and DJ sets included artists such as YG, Don Toliver, OhGeesy, SoFaygo, Luka Sabbat, Kerwin Frost

Photo Credits by Complex

Fans got an exclusive preview of tracks on Kid Cudi's upcoming album including the a live performance of a track titled "Suberboy". Cudi wasn't the onl

y one who gave fans an exclusive listen, LilYachty also debuted a new track. He played "Gimme the Light", one of his most anticpated unreleased snippets and a track he had just curated two days ago.

Essentially ComplexCon is an expertly curated festival meant to bring together the world’s most influential brands and artists for an immersive and unforgettable weekend. Featuring a plethora of unique styles, sneakers, art, design, food, music, inspiration, and more it is the ultimate experience for creatives. We hope to see you at the future events!