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ComplexCon Long Beach 2019 is back November 2-3 at the Long Beach Convention & Entertainment Center in Long Beach, California. With everything from Kid Cudi's highly anticipated headlining set to the array of food options that First We Feast has lined up, this will be another can't-miss event. There's a lot going on, and for those of you looking to get your calendars in order, we're proud to put you onto 2019's collection of panels. Welcome to ComplexConversations.
Like previous years, we're bringing you a collection of discussions around some of the biggest topics in the culture, ranging from how the NBA turned into a 24/7/365 newsmaker to highlighting the YouTube creators who have made that leap into bigger arenas to AfroPop's rise to the hotly debated Sneaker of the Year panel. There's so much more to cover, so we took the time to give you some key points about each panel. Grab that ComplexCon app and be ready to star the convos you just can't miss. Here's your guide to 2019's ComplexConversations.
Our fourth annual ComplexCon in Long Beach takes place Nov. 2-3 at the Long Beach Convention & Entertainment Center. For more info and tickets, click here.
'Disruption: How Gen Z Is Taking Control'
Moderator: Elaine Welteroth
Panelists: Yara Shahidi, Storm Reid, Isra Hirsi
Generation Z is on a truly progressive streak, putting actions to the words on the timeline. With the 2020 elections coming sooner than you might think, we asked New York Times best-selling author Elaine Welteroth to lead a discussion with three of Gen Z's brightest leaders: Yara Shahidi, Storm Reid, and Isra Hirsi.
'All Hail the Queens: The Women Changing the Face of Rap'
Moderator: Angie Martinez
Panelists: Rico Nasty, Kamaiyah, Eve, Trina
Who better than acclaimed radio host Angie Martinez to moderate this panel on one of the biggest stories in hip-hop and popular music in general: the continued dominance of the Billboard charts by today's fearless crew of women on the mic? We asked some of the more prominent women in the game right now (Rico Nasty and Kamaiyah) to chat with a couple of legends in the field (Eve and Trina) to examine the changing face of hip-hop.
'Sneaker of the Year'
Moderator: Joe La Puma
Panelists: Lil Yachty, Sean Wotherspoon, Clark Kent, Aleali May
Get in on this panel early; the Sneaker of the Year conversation, led once again by Sneaker Shopping host Joe La Puma, is always one of ComplexCon's most memorable. Joining Joe will be Complex Closets alum Lil Yachty, legendary sneaker enthusiast DJ Clark Kent, the one and only Sean Wotherspoon, and Get It Together's Aleali May. Everyone will be on hand to run down the top 10 sneakers of the year. There's sure to be some controversy and hot takes in this one.
'The Naked Truth: How Lil' Kim Changed Hip-Hop Fashion'
Moderator: Aria Hughes
Panelists: Lil' Kim and Misa Hylton
Throughout her career, Lil' Kim's unique style was more than what you remembered her for: It truly changed the way fashion and hip-hop interacted. Alongside moderator Aria Hughes, Complex's deputy editor of style, Kim will discuss her impact with stylist Misa Hylton, who recently completed a documentary on this very topic, The Remix: Hip Hop X Fashion.
'What Comes After Streetwear?'
Panelists: Ev Bravado, Matthew Henson, Don C, Guillermo Andrade, Chris Gibbs
Now that streetwear has become mainstream, many designers have been taking the power back, redefining the very meaning of the term and the hype that surrounds it. This panel of designers and experts will explore the issues today's designers face, how the word "streetwear" itself has become taboo, and what's next.
'From YouTube to Major Moves'
Moderator: Sean Evans
Panelists: Timothy DeLaGhetto, DDG, Casey Neistat
For many, it was hard to imagine that there would be a world where you could get paid (very well) for posting videos on YouTube. Creators like Casey Neistat, Timothy DeLaGhetto, and DDG have all done that, but have also pushed outside of being only known as "a YouTube personality." Here's how YouTubers are finding success outside of the platform.
'The Rise of AfroPop'
Moderator: Pierce Simpson
Panelists: Davido, Afro B, Jillionare, P2J, Wale
AfroPop's been riding an interesting wave for the past decade, but the sound is more than the people Drake is collaborating with. Complex's Pierce Simpson is set to chart the progress of one of today's hottest sounds with some of the folks who have seen (and been involved in) the rise of AfroPop, including Major Lazer's Jillionaire and artists like Davido, Afro B, P2J, and Wale.
'How the NBA Turned Into a 365-Day Empire'
Moderators: Rachel Nichols
Panelists: Paul Pierce, Matt Barnes, Richard Jefferson, Gilbert Arenas
Today, the world of the NBA doesn't stop when the NBA Finals end. Athletes really harnessing the power of social media to express themselves has made the NBA hands down the most entertaining league going today. Sports journalist and TV host Rachel Nichols will be joined by four prominent names in basketball, Paul Pierce, Gilbert Arenas, Matt Barnes, and Richard Jefferson, to examine everything from those rampant trade and free agent rumors to their real thoughts on NBA Twitter.
'How to Make a Modern Day Rap Hit'
Moderator: Speedy Morman
Panelists: Zaytoven, Murda Beatz, Hitmaka, Tainy, Lil CC
With so many songs hitting streaming services on a regular basis, it's hard to break through the clutter and really top the charts. To help us understand the process behind the bangers, Complex's own Speedy Morman will be joined by some of the names behind today's biggest hits, including Zaytoven, Murda Beatz, Hitmaka, Lil CC, and Tainy.
'Boss Level: Long Lives at High Stakes'
Moderator: Pierce Simpson
Panelists: Rick Ross, Dwyane Wade
For this conversation, two of Miami's biggest names—Rick Ross and Dwyane Wade—break down the life of a boss in today's world, taking a look at everything from collaboration to legacy, and what the title "boss" really means.