Brendan Frederick Portrait

Brendan Frederick

Brendan Frederick is a music journalist and historian. He is also the EVP, Content for Complex.

Joined July 2014 | 99 posts
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Latest Stories

BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - MAY 02: Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers and Jaylen Brown #7 of the Boston Celtics embrace after the 76ers defeated the Celtics 109-100 in Game Sev

Jaylen Brown Says NBA Refs Were 'Targeting' Him, Blasts Embiid for ‘Flopping’ After Playoffs Exit

The Celtics star went live one day after Boston's Game 7 elimination to air his grievances about officiating and Joel Embiid's foul-drawing tactics.

Brendan Frederick4 hours ago
French Montana and Rick Ross facing off, with a "V" between them, logos for Complex and Apple Music above.

VERZUZ: French Montana vs. Rick Ross

The biggest party ever. Watch and vote live on May 7th.

Brendan Frederick5 days ago
A collage of Jay-Z in various outfits, showing his style evolution over time. The background is a gradient of orange and red. Each Jay-Z represents a different era, from Reasonable Doubt to Blueprint

Jay-Z's Albums, Ranked From Worst To Best

From 'Reasonable Doubt' to 'The Blueprint', which Jay-Z album is his best? We settle the debate in our ranking of his discography.

Brendan Frederick25 days ago
Split image of Tank and Tyrese with voting percentages; Tank at 63% and Tyrese at 37%. Complex and Apple Music logos are visible.

Tank vs. Tyrese: The Official VERZUZ Setlist

Round by round, who will come out on top? Check out all the songs played during the ultimate R&B Ladies Night event.

Brendan Frederick39 days ago
Jay-Z sitting in an office, wearing a cap and casual attire, with cityscape visible through large windows behind him. This was during the Reasonable Doubt era, which is one of the greatest rap albums of the '90s.

The 90 Best Rap Albums of the '90s

From the golden age to the shiny suit era, we're counting down the best rap albums of the 90s, from classics like Nas''Illmatic' to Jay-Z's 'Reasonable Doubt.'

Brendan Frederick44 days ago
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A drummer wearing glasses and a beanie plays a drum set on stage, with microphones positioned around him.

Questlove Teases Soulquarians Reunion Inspired by D'Angelo's Death

The Roots drummer reveals plans to revive his legendary crew of collaborators.

Brendan Frederick54 days ago
Aaliyah wearing a white bandana and hoop earrings, looking confidently at the camera. Although her career was cut short, she still has an outstanding catalogue, with at least 25 great Aaliyah Songs.

The 25 Best Aaliyah Songs

January 16 marks the birthday of legendary ’90s singer Aaliyah. She would have turned 47. To honor her legacy, here are her 25 best songs of all time, including classics like “Try Again,” “I Care 4 U,” and more.

Brendan Frederick109 days ago
A person with tattoos and glasses, wearing a black beret, sits at a table with seafood, surrounded by greenery and a waterfront view.

10 Takeaways From Yeat's 2025 Complex Cover Story

The 25-year-old rapper opens up about getting in shape, his creative evolution, and what’s in store for his next album ‘ADL.’

Brendan Frederick194 days ago
Master P in camo outfit, wearing sunglasses and a chain, surrounded by people in similar attire on stage.

The 25 Greatest No Limit Songs Of All Time

From classic posse cuts to platinum-selling anthems, these are the essential tracks that defined Master P's No Limit Records.

Brendan Frederick203 days ago
A man with a grill and glasses, smiling through a broken window with red lighting, wearing a suit and tie. Complex logo in the corner.

10 Takeaways From Fanum's Complex Cover Story

The AMP co-founder opens up about his acting ambitions, philanthropic dreams, and why he's helping launch Spanish-language streaming.

Brendan Frederick223 days ago
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A woman in a burgundy fur coat and black lingerie sits on a bed. A large teddy bear is on the floor beside her.

10 Takeaways From Quenlin Blackwell's Complex Cover Story

From cartoon-inspired editing tricks to her honest takes on digital celebrity, here are the most revealing insights from our cover story with the creator who's transitioning from viral moments to mainstream entertainment.

Brendan Frederick250 days ago
A woman in a black outfit poses energetically in a sneaker store, surrounded by various colorful Adidas sneakers displayed on shelves.

Quenlin Blackwell Brings Birkin Bag Energy to Complex's Sneaker Shopping

The internet’s it-girl discusses her journey from Texas outlet malls to luxury sneaker shopping, all while testing shoes with her Birkin bag.

Brendan Frederick251 days ago
Billie Eilish and Quenlin Blackwell smiling in a promotional image for "GOAT Talk."

Billie Eilish & Quenlin Blackwell Get Candid on 'GOAT Talk'

The pop superstar and internet it-girl revealed their fictional crushes, worst purchases, and most meaningful fan encounters in a surprisingly vulnerable episode of GOAT Talk.

Brendan Frederick252 days ago
A man smiling and posing with peace signs in front of a wall displaying various sneakers.

Saquon Barkley on Madden Glory, LeBron Loyalty, and Travis Scott Collaboration

On the latest episode of Sneaker Shopping, the Eagles Super Bowl champ and Madden 2026 cover star opens up about sneaker culture and redefining football style.

Brendan Frederick266 days ago
Two men posing together indoors, with one wearing a denim shirt and the other in a dark tracksuit, surrounded by microphones and chairs.

Eddie Murphy Picks His Best (and Worst) Movies, Reveals an Untold Beyoncé Story

The comedy legend opens up about missed roles, iconic catchphrases, and what Beyoncé once whispered on the Dreamgirls set in the latest '360 with Speedy' episode.

Brendan Frederick270 days ago
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Three members of Babymetal in colorful, futuristic outfits with a dark, abstract background.

BABYMETAL: Everything You Need to Know About the Japanese Metal Phenomenon

From idol group origins to global metal stardom, discover the band that created kawaii metal and revolutionized heavy music with their unique fusion of J-pop and crushing riffs.

Brendan Frederick271 days ago
Screenshots of a shopping app featuring sneakers, apparel, and collectibles. Includes sections for news, drops, and artist exclusives.

Complex Launches New Mobile App, Bringing Two Decades of Cultural Influence to the Palm of Your Hand

Shop exclusive drops, watch original content, and stay ahead of culture with the all-new Complex iOS app.

Brendan Frederick272 days ago
Two people standing with arms crossed, smiling in a studio setting with dark curtains and screens displaying a woman's image.

La La Anthony on Dating Soft Launches, Drake's "In My Feelings" Video, and Prison Reform Work

This exclusive interview with La La Anthony, hosted by Speedy Morman for the "360 With Speedy" series, covers everything from her MTV origins to prison reform work—and reveals the stories behind the headlines.

Brendan Frederick273 days ago

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