Complex is known for curating one of the most sought out conventions each year – ComplexCon – further exposing the world to pivotal brands and entities within music and entertainment that transcend the culture we’ve come to love.
This year the Windy City housed the first ever ComplexCon Chicago and did not disappoint in the slightest fashion.
The range of exhibitions, guest speakers and performances at this years inaugural event further emphasized the “Making Culture Pop” narrative Complex so proudly advocates.
Over the span of two-days, artists from the likes of Ella Mai, Juice WRLD, Tobi Lou, Lucki, Young Guru, King Marie, Smoko Ono, Big Once and DJ Cut-Cuz delivered charismatic illustrations of musical grandeur that captivated the attention of attendees in the most fulfilling manner.
However, that was just day one of the festive jollity.
Day two encompassed performances from the likes of Schoolboy Q, Rick Ross, Taylor Bennett, Saweetie, Austin Mills, Vic Lloyd, Siobhan Bell, Boi Jeanius, Joe Freshgoods and Rae Chardonnay, all being sure to maintain that same vitality that galvanized thousands of participants the day before.
The culmination of matching digital trends with some of the most prominent cultural influences within mainstream media today served as the prototypical paradigm of exclusivity catered to an inclusive audience.
So exclusive to the point that brands were premiering unreleased content to the masses, while simultaneously presenting the opportunity for real-time engagement by way of interactive activation’s.
The audio lifestyle brand known as Skullcandy went all out with their display, highlighting the launch of their 12 moods program. Among their exclusive product drops featured at this years ComplexCon, including the limited-edition Crusher Wireless headphones, the renowned brand also presented the first five moods of their innovative program: Bold Tangerine, Elevated Olive, Fresh Mint, Empowered Pink and Independent Purple. One interesting dynamic surrounding the 12 moods initiative is that SkullCandy spotlights an artist each month, hence 12 moods for the 12 months of the year. With this month’s ambassador being Canada’s promising underground songstress Tommy Genesis, SkullCandy also provided attendees with a showing of exclusive content from Tommy’s musical catalog.
A few of my personal favorite exhibitions included the Lyrical Lemonade stand, which featured an assorted collection of merch from Cole Bennett’s coveted entertainment empire. Interestingly enough, Waka Flocka also made a special guest appearance to greet fans while in support of the festivities.
Faze Clan, one of esports most popular organizations, paid homage to the streets of Tokyo with their Faze Town activation. Faze Town was virtually a Japanese-themed arcade that presented fans with the opportunity to cop some exclusive merch or even compete against some of their favorite Faze players. Not a battle that participants were winning in per se, but the inclusive factor of just being present and interacting to that degree speaks volumes.
On the fashion tip, the Air Max 1 “Animal 3.0” literally sold-out within hours of the general admission doors opening, to no one’s surprise. Lena Waithe, creator of “The Chi” also made an appearance, showcasing her recent collaboration with Los Angeles-based streetwear label The Hundreds.
Famed trailblazer for the cultural influence in sports, Allen Iverson, held a meet-and-greet with fans at the Reebok activation, which also featured exclusive versions of Iverson’s signature shoe.
T.I, Killer Mike and David Banner, delivered their Take Over The Block panel, providing further context and insight surrounding the subjects of gentrification, urban community advancement and collective black empowerment. Each keynote speaker provided their own personal experiences that allude to a heightened level of understanding deriving from past trauma. Echoing a visceral sensation of change that caterwauls a “be the influence” narrative.
This past weekend amassed 30,000 attendants that flooded McCormick Place at ComplexCon Chicago.
The range of diversity, fashion and technological advances that blend together for a cohesive festive occurrence such as this takes much ingenuity and planning. Enabling local Chicago-based brands to intertwine with some of the most well-known vices of streetwear and lifestyle gives further context to pushing the culture forward. A warranted energy that shifts the understanding behind implementing culture at the forefront of influence and what benefits resonate within surrounding communities.
This wasn’t just another year at ComplexCon, this year marked the beginning of something special.
