Trace William Cowen Portrait

Trace William Cowen

Trace William Cowen is a writer whose work has also appeared in Alternative Press, Uproxx, and elsewhere. As Complex's Senior News Writer, Trace pens everything from quick news hits to expansive features covering music, film, memes, politics, fashion, and the unique places where all these things intersect.

Joined March 2015 | 18192 posts
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Kim Kardashian in a yellow dress waves; North West with long blue hair, wearing a Balenciaga top, covering her mouth with her hand.

Kim Kardashian Makes Special Appearance at North West's 'N0rth4evr' Complex LA Pop-Up

The Complex LA pop-up commemorated the release of North's debut EP, which opens with a Meg & Dia sample.

Trace William Cowen4 hours ago
Drake on stage with pyrotechnics in the background, singing passionately into a microphone.

Cavaliers Poke Fun at Drake's 'Iceman' Hype After Knocking Raptors Out of Playoffs: 'Defrosted'

"Turned the 6 upside down," the team's official socials boasted in another post.

Trace William Cowen5 hours ago
Finesse2tymes wearing a patterned jacket and jewelry poses in front of a SiriusXM backdrop, smiling and showing off a grill.

Finesse2Tymes Says 'Y'all Got Me Good' After Using ChatGPT to Break Down His 'One-Sided' Record Deal

"Can somebody please help buy me out this situation before I crash out?" the artist pleaded.

Trace William Cowen7 hours ago
Rapper Meek Mill wearing a red Philadelphia Phillies cap and a gray jacket, standing on stage with a colorful background.

Meek Mill on Social Media Bots, Lack of Engagement: 'It's All Fluff'

"If you look at all the social platforms, they have no engagement," Meek argued.

Trace William Cowen8 hours ago
Brady Ebert playing a bright pink electric guitar on stage, wearing a beanie and graphic t-shirt, with purple lighting in the background.

Turnstile's Former Guitarist Now Facing First-Degree Attempted Murder Charge, Possible Life Sentence

Brady Ebert, former Turnstile guitarist, is accused of striking the father of lead vocalist Brendan Yates with his car.

Trace William Cowen3 days ago
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Travis Scott with braided hair and sunglasses, wearing a pinstripe suit and leather shirt, posing against a neutral background.

Texas Man Whose Death Penalty Case's Use of Rap Lyrics Was Criticized by Travis Scott Is Executed

Scott’s legal team previously filed a brief arguing that the use of lyrics in the case was unconstitutional and “particularly egregious.”

Trace William Cowen3 days ago
Alabama Barker pictured on the left in black, N3on pictured on the right in a hoodie

Alabama Barker Tells N3on 'I'm Gonna Have a F*cking Panic Attack' After Streamer Gifts Birkin Bag

"I'm gonna throw up," the 20-year-old daughter of Travis Barker and Shanna Moakler said.

Trace William Cowen3 days ago
On the left, North West with long blue hair covers their mouth. On the right, Meg and Dia Frampton in black dresses pose together at an event.

North West Samples This MySpace-Era Underground Hit From Meg & Dia on Opening Track of Debut EP

The eldest child of Kim Kardashian and the artist formerly known as Kanye West takes it back to 2006 on the opening track to her debut EP.

Trace William Cowen3 days ago
French Montana and Rick Ross face off with a large "VERZUZ" between them. Logos for Complex and Apple Music are above.

French Montana and Rick Ross Set for 'VERZUZ' Event: Everything You Need to Know

Here's what you need to know ahead of the latest 'VERZUZ.'

Trace William Cowen4 days ago
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Justin Bieber on stage wearing a red beanie and sleeveless top, holding a microphone, with a pink and red abstract background.

Justin Bieber's SKYLRK Compound at Coachella Featured Custom Dune Sofas From Paulin, Paulin, Paulin

Bieber's backstage compound featured custom, SKYLRK-inspired versions of the iconic Dune sofa.

Trace William Cowen4 days ago
Ronnie Fieg with a beard and glasses is holding a microphone, performing on stage with a red background.

Kith's Ronnie Fieg Teases Launch of West Hollywood Restaurant: 'A Very Special Experience'

“Ronnie’s Pronto will be your new favorite breakfast, coffee, matcha, and sandwich joint in LA,” Fieg said.

Trace William Cowen4 days ago
Druski with glasses and a beard smiles, posing in front of a "Fanatics" backdrop.
Trace William Cowen4 days ago
Olivia Rodrigo performing on stage with a red electric guitar, wearing a sparkly outfit, with a microphone stand in the background.

Olivia Rodrigo Announces The Unraveled Tour: Everything You Need to Know

Openers include Die Spitz, Wolf Alice, and more.

Trace William Cowen4 days ago
Kid Cudi with a beard and short hair, wearing a studded leather jacket, smiling in front of a dark background.

Kid Cudi on What to Expect From Rebel Ragers Tour Setlist: 'No Way I Can Do Every Banger I Have'

"I have 13 albums and only a certain amount of time in the show," Cudi told fans.

Trace William Cowen5 days ago
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Bianca Censori with dark hair pulled back, wearing a black fur coat, stands in front of a dark background.

Bianca Censori Taps Into Her Architecture Background With Visit to Columbia University

Later this year, Censori is slated to unveil two new performance art pieces.

Trace William Cowen5 days ago
Drake performing on stage, wearing a light blue vest with a rooster emblem and holding a microphone, against a dark background.
Trace William Cowen5 days ago
A person walks past a Chanel store with a modern glass facade in a shopping mall.

Chanel Is the Hottest Brand Right Now, Per Latest Lyst Index Report: What to Know

Saint Laurent, Dior, Miu Miu, and Gucci round out the top five for the first quarter of 2026.

Trace William Cowen5 days ago

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