Sunday, November 3rd, was the third and final day of the 2019 edition of ComplexCon. The lineup featured performances from Anderson .Paak, DaBaby, 21 Savage, YBN Crew, plus there were special guest panelists Rick Ross, Dwayne Wade, Lil Kim, as well as other notable icons from the world of music and fashion.
This being my first ever time attending ComplexCon, I really wasn’t sure what to expect. I knew this convention was a big MFN deal. But, I had no idea it would rival SXSW in regards to cultural impact, educational value, and overall creativity. The only words I can use to describe this event are f*cking incredible.
Walking up to the entrance at 2 pm, there was no line and we breezed right past security. Inside the venue the vibes and energy were electric to say the least. Thousands of people scattered in every direction no matter where I looked. Half of them were capturing video on Instagram. Meanwhile, the other half practically running to one of the many performances or brand activations.
Popular companies like Adidas, Bape, Champion, Def Jam, New Era, PacMan, Reebok, and Puma all provided dope experiences and offered highly sought after custom merchandise and products. Many of the activations were insanely unique and creative, plus most of the brands offered products that were custom created in smaller batches going into this year’s ComplexCon.
ComplexCon 2019
After spending a solid three hours on the convention floor, checking out Death Row Records, Forgiato, and catching a production lesson from A-Trak and the Fools Gold record label group, the team and I went and smoked a few blunts outside. We watched a few rounds of the Diamond Supply Co. skateboard contest before heading back inside to catch the YBN crew and browse the convention floor a bit more.
PacMan had some of the dopest merchandise from the day plus JOYRICH had some super dope pieces that ended up being worn by the legendary Steve Aoki. We snagged a few quick pics with Aoki then bounced back over to the Pigeon & Planes stage for three entirely different performances from 21 Savage, DaBaby, and Anderson .Paak.
21 Savage’s energy was surprisingly low for his performance. I didn’t expect him to come out and jump all over the place but damn. The only thing that kept my attention during his set was the incredibly dark and depressing visuals that endlessly consumed my soul. Those, I could honestly have done without.
In his defense though, the crowd’s energy was equally as whack throughout the night with the exception of Anderson .Paak’s set. I personally enjoyed hearing some of 21 Savage’s hits and thought it was clownin’ when he said “this shit feels like a fu*kin talent show” in-between songs.
DaBaby & Anderson .Paak
For me, the number one and two highlights from the night came from DaBaby and Anderson .Paak.
When it comes to DaBaby, his energy is a force you can feel at all times. Before the show, he was in the ComplexStudios eating super hot wings with Hot Ones. Then, minutes later he was performing in front of 500 people or so. Even when he was down in the actual crowd you could still tell where he was. Pockets of people became dangerously lit around him as he spit bars through the crowd. I definitely couldn’t understand a single word he was yelling on the mic but it didn’t matter. Everything he performed was a banger and the crowd went nuts every time he did or said anything.
Although Baby’s performance was memorable and super lit, Anderson .Paak had the best show of the day and quite possibly the weekend. How many other performers at ComplexCon actually rapped, sang, played a full drum set, and danced throughout their sets? I’d bet money that none of the other artists from this year’s lineup did all of those things and rocked out to a packed out crowd. Dude had us all vibing and dancing along to hits I didn’t even know he had.
Hats off to the entire band and the two wonderful vocalists who performed alongside .Paak. After witnessing all of that greatness all at once, I’ll definitely be a lifelong supporter and fan.
For more coverage of ComplexCon, visit our homies over at SixFigureSneakerhead.com and read their recap or visit the official ComplexCon website here. You can also support Complex on social media on Facebook and Instagram.
