Nov 12

Nov 12 ComplexCon 2018 Recap - Turning Passion into an Innovative Culture Movement

Photo Courtesy of ComplexCon 2018/@armenkeleshian

ComplexCon once again kicked off day one running, showcasing an amazing lineup of progressive conversation panels to musical performances and most of all exclusive merchandise. Hundreds of fans lined up around Long Beach convention center on Saturday, November 3rd waiting to get inside to check out what ComplexCon 2018 had to offer. Hip-Hops hottest designers, artists and influencers making appearances such as 1800 Tequila, Four Loko, Puma, Billionaire Boys Club, Champion, BAIT.

1800 Tequila had a kick back atmosphere hosted by legend designers Nicky Diamond and Adam Lucas who were exclusively designed custom embroidered “Tequila Over Tears” denim jackets with abstract patches and pins for lucky guest who attended their event. While premium tequila drinks flowing and music setting the vibe this party was definitely one you didn't want to miss. Many fans and influencers showed up ready to have a good time and support Nicky and Adam.

Nick Cannon showed love to fans as he hosted a pizza party sponsored by Old Spice. In between his meet and greets you could catch him playing his custom designed arcade game called “Nick Cannon.” The inspiration behind his creation was his childhood growing up in Los Angeles. Showing how he made “his dreams into reality by taking advantage of every opportunity in life by leveling up”. Nick was full of positive energy and smiles as he conversed and cracked jokes among guests.

Four Loco’s booth was on and poppin with DJ Flosstradamus putting down the mix while Dillon Francis made an appearance and designed a custom jersey with Flosstradamus patches. ComplexCon curator and host Pharrell williams made a visit at the Billionaire Boys Club booth to sign and show appreciation to fans who purchased his book. G-Eazy stopped by the Puma activation booth to hangout with fans in the 90’s inspired mall. Bringing back retro vibes had fans excited to get their hands on the new puma RS-X sneaker. All eyes were on T-pain as he was lead by a marching band to his T-pain Wisconsin University booth. Ace Hood, Shiggy and Lil Pete are just showstoppers that stopped by to show support.

Hotspot “First We Feast Lagoon” was packed with guest enjoying music, food and drinks by the water. Top foodies faves Sweet Chick and The Burger Show showed up serving the hottest specialty menus just made for ComplexCon. CEO and Chef Alvin Cailan killed the burger competition with his signature Guac Burger which also is available in vegetarian options as well. Sweet Chicks served up their new Hot Cheeto Chicken Sandwich and people were quick to get their hands on one of the best creations, Chicken and Hot Cheetos.

“Make it in America” conversation panel was exceptional with host Chris “Drama” Pfaff and special guest Gary Vagnerchuk, Karen Civil and Kareem Biggs Burke. This panel discussed.. was one of the most influential and empowering conversations clarifying the strengths and struggles that up and coming entrepreneurs face in this day and age. Each guest had an exceptional outlook on how to be an successful entrepreneur in America. Karen stated the key to being successful is putting “passion behind something that is important to you and that you love. The people who really care about it will continue to succeed and you’ll see it in the long run and then the people who are just full of shit, will eventually go back to a job and the norm.” Karen is able to look at the good in social media and within that she is able to use it to her advantage.

Biggs agrees that its a good thing with social networks can be used in a positive light as well especially “ now you can see the day to day lives of some people who have made it successful and you can see exactly what they are doing and how they got there. Social gives a window that some people can peek inside and say oh wow I can do that. Or think about innovative ways to do something different than what is going on.” When asked about defining culture Karen, Biggs and Gary agree that it’s a lifestyle and a movement embracing music, fashion, film, spirits, health and wellness. Gary made a point that when he “hears people speak about “culture” it is used as a slang term for what is popular or whats the mood or where the intention is.” When culture translates into business you look at it as a phenomenon that acts as many things and you can either understand it, embrace it and respect it or you let it kill you. Many business and brands have let culture ruin them by not adapting and accepting it.

Vince Staples Crushed His Set at ComplexCon!! Photo Credit: @armenkeleshian

Hitting the Pigeons & Planes stage was opening act SpaceGodApollo who made his first debut at Complexcon had the crowd hype and ready to take on day one. Ricky Apollo from Houston, Texas was honored to open for such a solid lineup. The vibe stayed strong with other artist that hit the stage Trill Sammy, A-Trak + Friends and Nav. Vince Staples crushed his set while keeping the crowd live with special guest Ty Dolla $ign. Headlining and shutting Complexcon down for the night was Rae Sremmurd. The duo had the crowd going wild with their charismatic energy and swag surfin moves. They came through serving waves of life to fans with surprise guest Tyga and Ozuna Miri Ben Ari.

Stay tuned for more ComplexCon conversations and performances on day two.