{{Short description|American media and entertainment company}} {{About-distinguish|an American media and entertainment company|Complex networks|Complex network zeta function|Complexly}} {{Use mdy dates|date=December 2022}} {{Infobox company | name = Complex Networks | image = [[File:Complex networks.jpg|frameless|class=skin-invert]] | type = [[Subsidiary]] | former_name = Complex | predecessor = ''Complex'' (magazine) (last issue: December 2016/January 2017) | founded = {{start date and age|2002}} | hq_location = | hq_location_city = [[New York City]] | hq_location_country = U.S. | num_locations = | area_served = Worldwide | key_people = {{ubl |Aaron Levant ([[Chief executive officer|CEO]])<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/business/digital/buzzfeed-complex-ntwrk-1235831424/ |title=BuzzFeed Sells Complex to Live Stream Shopping Platform NTWRK in $109M Deal |website=[[The Hollywood Reporter]] |date=February 21, 2024 }}</ref> |Noah Callahan-Bever (Chief Content Officer) <ref name="variety.com">{{cite web|url=https://variety.com/2024/digital/news/complex-aria-hughes-noah-callahan-bever-1236002582/ |title=After BuzzFeed Sale, Complex Names Aria Hughes Editor in Chief and Noah Callahan-Bever Returns as Chief Content Officer |date=May 14, 2024 }}</ref> |Aria Hughes (Editor-in-Chief) <ref name="variety.com">{{cite web|url=https://variety.com/2024/digital/news/complex-aria-hughes-noah-callahan-bever-1236002582/ |title=After BuzzFeed Sale, Complex Names Aria Hughes Editor in Chief and Noah Callahan-Bever Returns as Chief Content Officer |date=May 14, 2024 }}</ref> |Donnie Kwak (GM)<ref>{{Cite web|title=Complex Networks Taps GMs To Align Creative, Business Efforts|url=https://www.mediapost.com/publications/article/349407/complex-networks-taps-gms-to-align-creative-busin.html|access-date=2021-04-10|website=mediapost.com|language=en}}</ref>| |Joe LaPuma ([[Senior vice-president|SVP]] content strategy) Aleksey Baksheyev (CTO, Head of Product)<ref>{{Cite web|last=Tartaglione|first=Nancy|date=2020-03-12|title=Complex Networks Names Nick Wang Head Of International Business Development|url=https://deadline.com/2020/03/complex-networks-nick-wang-hired-head-of-international-business-development-1202880954/|access-date=2021-04-10|website=Deadline|language=en-US}}</ref> }} | industry = {{ubl|Media|[[Entertainment]]}} | products = | revenue = | net_income = | assets = | equity = | owner = | num_employees = | parent = NTWRK | divisions = | subsid = | logo_caption = | founders = [[Marc Eckō]] | website = {{URL|complex.com}} }}

'''Complex Networks''' is an American media and entertainment company for [[youth culture]], based in New York City.<ref name="STV">{{cite web|url=https://variety.com/2016/digital/news/verizon-hearst-complex-networks-rich-antoniello-1201860433/|title=Verizon, Hearst Form 'Complex Networks' Digital-Video Business, Headed by Rich Antoniello|first=Todd|last=Spangler|date=14 September 2016|access-date=17 March 2020}}</ref> It was founded as a bi-monthly magazine, '''''Complex''''', by fashion designer [[Marc Ecko|Marc Eckō]].<ref name="BB">{{Cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/complex-media-shutters-print-magazine-14-years-7604456/|title=Complex Media Shutters Print Magazine After 14 Years|first=Dan|last=Rys|magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]] |date=December 7, 2016}}</ref><ref name="dool">{{Cite web |title= |url=https://www.eddie-ozzie.com/complex-shuts-print-magazine/ |access-date=April 17, 2026 |website=Eddie & Ozzie Awards}}</ref><ref name="Sternberg">{{cite web|last=Sternberg|first=Josh|title=How Complex Straddles The Ad Network Publisher Divide|url=http://digiday.com/publishers/how-complex-straddles-the-ad-network-publisher-divide/|work=[[Digiday]]|date=30 April 2012|access-date=February 9, 2014}}</ref> Complex Networks reports on popular and emerging trends in style, sneakers, food, music, sports and [[pop culture]].<ref>{{Cite press release|url=https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/complex-networks-partners-with-bonsai-to-launch-the-complex-shop-a-curated-marketplace-that-seamlessly-blends-content-and-commerce-300970987.html|title=Complex Networks Partners With Bonsai To Launch The Complex SHOP, A Curated Marketplace That Seamlessly Blends Content And Commerce|website=prnewswire.com}}</ref> Complex Networks reached over 90 million unique users per month in 2013<ref name="Spangler">{{cite web|last=Spangler|first=Todd|title=Complex Expands to Give Dudes Their Due|url=https://variety.com/2013/biz/news/complex-media-expands-to-give-dudes-their-due-1200923355|work=Variety|date=6 December 2013|access-date=February 9, 2014}}</ref> across its owned and operated and partner sites, socials and [[YouTube]] channels.<ref name=pluto>{{cite magazine|last1=Robbins|first1=Roni|title=Pluto.TV Expands Its Lineup of Web Channels, Including Complex Boosts programming as it takes on traditional TV|url=http://www.adweek.com/news/technology/plutotv-expands-its-lineup-web-channels-including-complex-media-159760|magazine=AdWeek}}</ref><ref name=daily>{{cite web|title=Premium Content Creators AOL, Network A, Complex, Deca, Maker Studio & Whalerock Bring Original Series & Video Libraries to Dailymotion|url=http://press.dailymotion.com/us/?p=605|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140921000134/http://press.dailymotion.com/us/?p=605|url-status=dead|archive-date=2014-09-21|publisher=Daily Motion}}</ref> The print magazine ceased publication with the December 2016/January 2017 issue.<ref>{{cite news|author1=Tyler McCall|title=Complex to end print publication|url=http://fashionista.com/2016/12/complex-ends-print|access-date=January 15, 2017|work=Fashionista|date=December 8, 2016}}</ref> Complex currently has 6.02 million subscribers and 1.8 billion total views on YouTube.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCE_--R1P5-kfBzHTca0dsnw|title=Complex|website=YouTube|language=en|access-date=2020-01-21}}</ref> {{As of|2019|post=,}} the company's yearly revenue was estimated to be US$200 million, 15% of which came from commerce.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.axios.com/sole-collector-complex-sneaker-marketplace-30f3d258-ec21-4547-8ac8-34958cf09c6e.html|title=Complex launching new sneaker marketplace called Sole Collector|date=November 26, 2019 }}</ref>

Complex Networks has been named by ''[[Business Insider]]'' as one of the Most Valuable Startups in New York,<ref name="Business Insider">{{cite web|title=The 30 Most Valuable Internet Startups in New York|url=http://www.businessinsider.com/most-valuable-new-york-startups-2011-10#22-complex-media-9|work=Business Insider|access-date=February 9, 2014}}</ref> and Most Valuable Private Companies in the World.<ref name="Shontell">{{cite web|last=Shontell|first=Alyson|title=DIGITAL 100 REVISED: The Most Valuable, Private Companies In The World|url=http://www.businessinsider.com/digital-100-revised-the-most-valuable-private-companies-in-the-world-2012-11|work=Business Insider|access-date=February 9, 2014}}</ref> In 2012, the company launched Complex TV, an online broadcasting platform.

In 2016, it became a [[joint-venture]] of [[Verizon Communications|Verizon]] and [[Hearst Corporation|Hearst]].<ref name="hearst.com">{{cite web|url=https://www.hearst.com/entertainment-syndication/verizon-hearst-media-partners|title=Verizon Hearst Media Partners - Hearst|access-date=21 November 2016}}</ref> Subsequently in 2021, [[BuzzFeed|BuzzFeed, Inc.]] announced the acquisition of the company.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210624005669/en/BuzzFeed-Announces-Acquisition-of-Complex-Networks-Joining-BuzzFeed-BuzzFeed-News-HuffPost-and-Tasty|title=BuzzFeed Announces Acquisition of Complex Networks, Joining BuzzFeed, BuzzFeed News, HuffPost, and Tasty|website=Business Wire|date=June 24, 2021}}</ref> In 2024, NTWRK acquired Complex Networks from BuzzFeed for $108 million.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Spangler |first=Todd |date=2024-02-21 |title=BuzzFeed Sells Complex to Ntwrk for $108.6 Million, Will Lay Off 16% of Remaining Workforce |url=https://variety.com/2024/digital/news/buzzfeed-sells-complex-ntwrk-layoffs-1235918498/ |access-date=2024-02-25 |website=Variety |language=en-US}}</ref>

==History== ''Complex'' was established in 2002<ref>{{cite news|first=Greg|last=Allard|title=The Top 20 Selling Fashion Magazines|url=http://tunegroover.com/the-top-20-selling-fashion-magazines/|access-date=September 18, 2016|work=Tune Groover|date=October 3, 2015|archive-date=September 19, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160919034831/http://tunegroover.com/the-top-20-selling-fashion-magazines/|url-status=dead}}</ref> by the founder of the [[Ecko Unltd.]] brand, [[Marc Eckō]], as a print magazine aimed at providing young men a report of the latest in [[hip hop]], [[fashion]] and [[popular culture|pop culture]] without regard to race.<ref name="Sternberg"/> The name ''Complex'' evolved from a slogan developed to promote the Eckō Unltd. website: "Ecko.complex".<ref>{{cite web|last=Kenner|first=Rob|title=The Oral History of Complex|url=http://www.complex.com/pop-culture/2012/03/the-oral-history-of-complex/2000|work=Complex|publisher=Complex Media|access-date=February 9, 2014}}</ref> The idea was to create a men's magazine that combined Eckō's [[streetwear]] and hip hop attitude along with the style of Japanese men's magazines by providing [[consumer]] guides. This was achieved by creating a magazine in two sections: one traditional magazine, and the other a shopping guide.

In 2005, ''Complex'' was joined by senior publishing executive turned future CEO, Rich Antoniello<ref name="Dumenco"/> and the former senior editor of [[Vibe (magazine)|''Vibe'' magazine]], Noah Callahan-Bever, who became [[editor-in-chief]] and [[chief content officer]] a year later.<ref>{{cite web|author=Staff|title=Complex Names New Editor-in-Chief|url=http://observer.com/2006/09/complex-names-new-editorinchief/|work=New York Observer|date=26 September 2006|access-date=February 9, 2014}}</ref> By 2006, ''Complex'' had begun to turn a profit which allowed the magazine to consider an expansion of their online presence. In April 2007, ''Complex'' soft-launched a media network with four websites: NahRight, Nice Kicks, SlamxHype and MoeJackson.<ref name="Dumenco">{{cite web|last=Dumenco|first=Simon|title=The Print Guy Who's Going 45% Digital|url=http://adage.com/article/the-media-guy/magazines-print-guy-45-digital/138039/|work=Ad Age|date=21 July 2009|access-date=February 9, 2014}}</ref>

===Complex=== In September 2007, Complex launched Complex Media in order to fully [[wikt:capitalize|capitalize]] on the trend toward digital content.<ref>{{cite web|last=Chowdry|first=Amit|title=Accel Partners and Austin Ventures Invest $12.8 Million in Marc Ecko's Complex Media|url=http://pulse2.com/2009/12/04/accel-partners-and-austin-ventures-invest-12-8-million-in-marc-eckos-complex-media/|work=Pulse 2.0|access-date=February 9, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160919205152/http://pulse2.com/2009/12/04/accel-partners-and-austin-ventures-invest-12-8-million-in-marc-eckos-complex-media/|archive-date=2016-09-19|url-status=dead}}</ref> In 2010, ad sales grew 154%.<ref>{{cite web|last=Flamm|first=Matthew|title=Web network boosts Complex Media|url=http://www.crainsnewyork.com/article/20110102/SUB/301029998|work=Crain's|date=30 December 2010|access-date=February 9, 2014}}</ref> According to [[comScore]], ''Complex'' got 12 million unique hits in March 2012. This encouraged large brands such as [[Coors Brewing Company|Coors]], [[AT&T]], [[Ford Motor Company|Ford]], [[McDonald's]], [[Nike, Inc.|Nike]], [[Adidas]] and [[Apple Inc.|Apple]] to advertise within the collective. ''Complex'' now includes over 100 sites.<ref name="Sternberg"/>

In 2011, Complex acquired ''Pigeons & Planes'', an indie music and rap [[blog]], and brought their total sites to 51 with monthly traffic of 25 million uniques.<ref name=adweek>{{cite magazine|last1=Moses|first1=Lucia|title=Complex Media Network Relaunches Flagship Site|url=http://www.adweek.com/news/technology/complex-media-network-relaunches-flagship-site-125347|magazine=AdWeek}}</ref> In 2012, Complex launched Four Pins, a humorous menswear site, edited by Fuck Yeah Menswear author Lawrence Schlossman;<ref>{{cite news|last=Caramanica|first=Jon|title=Hip-Hop Comes to Men's Wear|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2012/11/15/fashion/hip-hop-as-bravado-and-legacy-for-mens-fashion.html|work=[[The New York Times]]|date=14 November 2012|access-date=February 9, 2014}}</ref> Sneaker Report, a performance footwear site;<ref>{{cite web|last=Bengston|first=Russ|title=Introducing Sneaker Report|url=http://www.complex.com/sneakers/2012/07/introducing-sneaker-report|work=Complex|publisher=Complex Media|access-date=February 9, 2014}}</ref> and [[First We Feast]], a food culture site edited by former ''[[Time Out (magazine)|Time Out New York]]'' food editor Chris Schonberger.<ref>{{cite web|last=Merwin|first=Hugh|title=Complex Launches Food Section, 'First We Feast'|url=http://www.grubstreet.com/2012/10/complex-launches-food-vertical.html|work=Grub Street|date=October 10, 2012 |access-date=February 9, 2014}}</ref> In 2013, Complex launched the dance music site Do Androids Dance<ref>{{cite web|author=Confusion|title=Complex Launches Do Androids Dance, a New EDM Site|url=http://pigeonsandplanes.com/2013/01/complex-launches-do-androids-dance-a-new-edm-site/|work=Pigeons & Planes|date=January 7, 2013|access-date=February 9, 2014}}</ref> and Green Label, a branded content site presented by [[Mountain Dew]].<ref>{{cite news|last=Elliott|first=Stuart|title=Brought to You by Mountain Dew|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2013/04/26/business/media/mountain-dew-to-introduce-a-sponsored-web-site.html|work=[[The New York Times]]|date=26 April 2013|access-date=February 9, 2014}}</ref> That year, Complex also acquired the [[sneaker collecting|sneakerhead culture]] magazine and website ''[[Sole Collector]]''.<ref>{{cite web|last=Rose Dickey|first=Megan|title=How This Guy Turned His Shoe Obsession Into A Prime Acquisition Target|url=http://www.businessinsider.com/complex-media-acquires-sole-collector-2013-3|work=Business Insider|access-date=February 9, 2014|date=March 14, 2013}}</ref>

On November 4, 2013, ''Complex'' premiered a new logo and cover design on [[Instagram]] that would appear online, as well as on the December 2013 [[Eminem]] cover issue.<ref>{{cite web|last=Bhuiyan|first=Johana|title=Complex Media gets a new logo and identity|url=http://www.capitalnewyork.com/article/media/2013/11/8535579/complex-media-gets-new-logo-and-identity|work=Capital New York|access-date=February 9, 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Noah Callahan-Bever on Eminem's Limited 1992 Edition Cover|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BGRyabhdfbc| archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211107/BGRyabhdfbc| archive-date=2021-11-07 | url-status=live|work=Youtube|access-date=February 9, 2014|date=2013}}{{cbignore}}</ref>

In 2013, Complex partnered with Mountain Dew to launch "[[Green Label]]" an entertainment and culture website.<ref name=dew>{{cite web|last1=Elliott|first1=Stuart|title=Brought to You by Mountain Dew|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2013/04/26/business/media/mountain-dew-to-introduce-a-sponsored-web-site.html|work=[[The New York Times]]|date=April 23, 2013}}</ref> In 2014, Complex launched an [[National Basketball Association|NBA]]-themed website called "Triangle Offense" in a partnership with [[Bacardi]] rum.<ref>{{cite web|title=Bacardi Signs As Exclusive Sponsor Of New NBA Lifestyle Website From ''Complex''Media|date=April 18, 2014 |url=http://www.sportsbusinessdaily.com/Daily/Issues/2014/04/18/Marketing-and-Sponsorship/Bacardi.aspx|publisher=Sports Business Daily}}</ref>

In August 2014, Complex ranked #3 in the United States in a [[ComScore]] survey of unique visitors between the ages of 18 and 34 with 20.3 million in that [[demographic]] per month.<ref name=mil>{{cite magazine|last1=McDermott|first1=John|title=Turns out traditional publishers do just fine with millennials|url=http://digiday.com/publishers/traditional-publishers-millennials/|magazine=[[Digiday]]}}</ref> In January 2015, it announced its acquisition of [[Collider (website)|Collider]], the online source for movies, television, breaking news, incisive content, and imminent trends. Collider.com reaches over 3 million monthly unique readers (comScore, December 2014) powered by a team of ten writers, including founder and Editor in Chief Steve Weintraub. In February 2018, ''Complex'' sold Collider.com to former head-of-video Marc Fernandez.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://adage.com/article/digital/complex-buys-fanboy-site-collider-growing-media-network/296757/|title=Complex Buys Fanboy Site Collider for Growing Media Network Reorienting Toward Video|date=January 23, 2015|work=Ad Age|publisher=[[Advertising Age]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/heat-vision/collider-sold-by-complex-media-1089335|title=Complex Media Sells Entertainment Site Collider (Exclusive)|work=The Hollywood Reporter|access-date=2018-03-01}}</ref>

In 2015, Do Androids Dance was merged into Complex.<ref>{{Cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/pro/complex-media-ceo-do-androids-dance-merge/|title=Dance Site Do Androids Dance to Merge with Complex|first=Megan|last=Buerger|magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]] |date=February 12, 2015}}</ref> In 2016, Four Pins was closed.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.racked.com/2015/12/18/10597326/four-pins-shutdown|title=Menswear Blog Four Pins Is Shutting Down|first=Cameron|last=Wolf|date=December 18, 2015|website=Racked}}</ref>

===Funding=== In 2009, Complex raised $12.8 million from Accel Partners and Austin Ventures.<ref name=gigaom>{{cite web|last1=Kee|first1=Tameka|title=Updated: Marc Ecko's Complex Media Gets $12.8 Million, Spins Off Into Standalone Company|date=4 December 2009|url=https://gigaom.com/2009/12/03/419-marc-eckos-complex-media-adds-12-8-million-in-funding/|publisher=Gigaom|access-date=November 12, 2014|archive-date=September 25, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200925010020/https://gigaom.com/2009/12/03/419-marc-eckos-complex-media-adds-12-8-million-in-funding/|url-status=dead}}</ref> In September 2013, it secured $25 million in a second round of funding from [[Iconix Brand Group]], who own [[Rocawear]], [[Starter (clothing line)|Starter]], [[Ecko Unltd.|Eckō Unltd.]] and [[Umbro]], among others.<ref>{{cite web|last=Shontell|first=Alyson|title=Complex Media Raises $25 Million From The Powerhouse Behind Umbro And Rocawear, Iconix Brand Group|url=http://www.businessinsider.com/complex-media-raises-25-million-from-iconix-brand-group-2013-9|work=Business Insider|access-date=February 9, 2014}}</ref>

===Verizon Hearst Media Partners subsidiary=== On April 18, 2016, Complex was acquired by a joint venture of [[Hearst Communications]] and [[Verizon Communications]], Verizon Hearst Media Partners. The venture emphasized a goal of building "a portfolio of the emerging digital brands of the future for the [[Millennials|millennial]] and [[Generation Z|Gen-Z]] audience", and proposed that Complex would develop content for Verizon-owned [[AOL]] and [[go90]].<ref name="variety-complexacquire">{{cite web|title=Verizon, Hearst to Acquire Complex Media|url=https://variety.com/2016/digital/news/verizon-hearst-acquire-complex-media-1201755876/|website=Variety|date=18 April 2016|access-date=21 March 2017}}</ref>

After a failure to reach expectations, on June 29, 2018, Verizon announced that go90 would shut down.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Spangler|first=Todd|date=2018-06-28|title=Verizon Is Shutting Down Go90, Its Ill-Fated Mobile Video Service|language=en-US|work=Variety|url=https://variety.com/2018/digital/news/go90-shutting-down-verizon-1202860864/|access-date=2018-06-29}}</ref>

==Covers== ''Complex'' became known early on for its double-sided covers and split format.<ref name="Hirschman">{{cite web|last=Hirschman|first=David|title=So what do you do, Noah Callaghan-Bever, EIC, Complex?|url=http://www.mediabistro.com/So-What-Do-You-Do-Noah-Callahan-Bever-EIC-Complex-a10243.html|work=mediabistro|access-date=February 9, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140224002445/http://www.mediabistro.com/So-What-Do-You-Do-Noah-Callahan-Bever-EIC-Complex-a10243.html|archive-date=February 24, 2014|url-status=dead|df=mdy-all}}</ref> ''Complex'' covers often combined celebrities from across music, film and sports. Some of ''Complex''{{'s}} early covers included [[Nas]] (May 2002), [[Tony Hawk]] and [[Xzibit]] (June/July 2002), [[Ludacris]] and [[Dale Earnhardt Jr.]] (April/May 2003), and [[Mos Def]] and [[David Bowie]] (August/September 2003). In 2007, ''Complex'' gave [[Kim Kardashian]] her first-ever magazine shoot and cover.<ref>{{cite web|last=Denver|first=Nate|title=Kim Kardashian: Almost Famous (2007 Cover Story & Gallery)|url=http://www.complex.com/girls/2011/05/kim-kardashian-2007-cover-story-gallery|work=Complex|publisher=Complex Media|access-date=February 13, 2014|archive-date=July 1, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140701002415/http://www.complex.com/girls/2011/05/kim-kardashian-2007-cover-story-gallery|url-status=dead}}</ref>

''Complex'' has since expanded to interactive digital covers.<ref>{{cite magazine|title=Digital Covers|url=http://www.complexmediainc.com/About-Us/Digital-Covers/2014|magazine=Complex}}</ref> In September 2019, the American rapper [[Kid Cudi]] and the Japanese designer [[Nigo]] were interviewed by ''Complex'' and also appeared jointly on a digital cover and told the stories of their careers and rise in the entertainment and streetwear industries.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://dailyrapfacts.com/5626/kid-cudi-has-more-complex-magazine-covers-than-any-other-artist/|title=DailyRapFacts: Kid Cudi has more Complex Magazine covers than any other artist|date=September 17, 2019 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.complexcon.com/news/kid-cudi-nigo-talk-streetwear-new-music-kids-see-ghosts-2-complex-cover-long-beach-ca-2019|title=COMPLEX COVER|access-date=April 14, 2020|archive-date=December 4, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201204182050/https://www.complexcon.com/news/kid-cudi-nigo-talk-streetwear-new-music-kids-see-ghosts-2-complex-cover-long-beach-ca-2019|url-status=dead}}</ref>

In 2024, ''Complex'' paired [[Eminem]] with his alter-ego Slim Shady on its cover.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.eminem.com/news/eminem-x-complex-print-magazine/ |title=EMINEM X COMPLEX PRINT MAGAZINE |publisher=Eminem.com}}</ref> As part of the cover rollout ''Complex'' published a digital short, The Face-Off, which utilized artificial intelligence to feature a conversation between Eminem and Slim Shady.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.freep.com/story/entertainment/music/brian-mccollum/2024/07/30/eminem-slim-shady-face-off-video/74607923007/?gnt-cfr=1&gca-cat=p&gca-uir=false&gca-epti=z113534u115034d00----v113534&gca-ft=211&gca-ds=sophi |title=Eminem beefs with his young Slim Shady alter ego in new AI-generated video |publisher=Webby Awards}}</ref> The short was written by ''Complex'' CCO Callahan-Bever and Marshall Mathers,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.complex.com/v/complex-cover/X8cZjrCT |title=Slim Shady vs. Marshall Mathers: THE FACE-OFF {{!}} Complex Cover |publisher=Complex}}</ref> and won two Webby Awards.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://winners.webbyawards.com/2025/social/features/experimental-innovation-viral/332658/slim-shady-vs-marshall-mathers-the-faceoff--complex-cover |title=Slim Shady vs. Marshall Mathers: THE FACE-OFF {{!}} Complex Cover |publisher=Webby Awards}}</ref>

==Complex shows== '''Complex TV''' launched in 2012 as an online broadcaster of original content. Nathan Brown, a long-time video development and production executive, serves as [[general manager]] of Complex TV and Video.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thevideoink.com/news/complex-media-expands-video-team-including-nathan-brown-as-gm-qa/#.U5hyOpRdXR0|title=Complex Media Expands Video Team, Including Nathan Brown as GM (Q&A)|last=VideoInk|date=4 December 2013|access-date=21 November 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160818133418/http://www.thevideoink.com/news/complex-media-expands-video-team-including-nathan-brown-as-gm-qa/#.U5hyOpRdXR0|archive-date=18 August 2016|url-status=dead}}</ref> In December 2013, a subsidiary of Complex TV, Complex News, was launched, focusing on day-to-day news.<ref name="Spangler"/><ref>{{cite web|last=Patel|first=Sahil|title=Complex Bolsters Originals Slate with Riff Raff-Hosted Variety Show|url=http://www.thevideoink.com/news/complex-tv-adds-two-originals-including-one-hosted-by-rapper-riff-raff/#.UtPsK55_v8k|work=Video Ink|access-date=February 9, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140222004439/http://www.thevideoink.com/news/complex-tv-adds-two-originals-including-one-hosted-by-rapper-riff-raff/#.UtPsK55_v8k|archive-date=February 22, 2014|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Hunte|first=Justin|title="RiFF RAFF REALM" Debuts on Complex TV|url=http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.26350/title.-riff-raff-realm-debuts-on-complex-tv|work=HipHopDX|date=21 November 2013|access-date=February 9, 2014}}</ref> In 2014, [[Pluto TV|Pluto.tv]] added Complex Media as a content partner.<ref name=pluto/> Complex Content Studio is supported by an 18-person [[editorial]] team.<ref name=dig>{{cite web|last1=Bilton|first1=Ricardo|title=A look inside publishers' content studios|date=2 April 2014|url=http://digiday.com/publishers/a-look-inside-publishers-content-studios/}}</ref> According to WNIP source, "by 2016, Complex Networks had shifted 80% of its content budget to video and was launching dozens of individual shows under Complex's YouTube channel and a number of spin-off properties".<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://mediamakersmeet.com/how-complex-media-became-one-of-the-most-innovative-digital-publishers/|title=How Complex Media became one of the most innovative digital publishers|work=Media Makers Meet &#124; What's new in media |date=January 20, 2020}}</ref> On November 10, 2017, a block of Complex TV series began airing on the U.S. cable network [[Fuse (TV channel)|Fuse]] under the ''Complex x Fuse'' banner.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.complex.com/pop-culture/2017/11/complex-fuse-programming-block-partnership|title=Complex and Fuse Partner for Special TV Programming Block|website=Complex Networks|date=November 1, 2017|access-date=2018-12-19}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.tubefilter.com/2017/11/20/complex-x-fuse-hot-ones-sneaker-shopping/|title=Complex Brings 'Hot Ones' And 'Sneaker Shopping' To TV|date=November 20, 2017|access-date=2018-12-19}}</ref>

Complex Networks has produced more than two dozen original shows,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.complex.com/tv/|title=Complex - Making Culture Pop|website=Complex Networks|access-date=21 November 2016|archive-date=October 13, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161013110159/http://www.complex.com/tv/|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thevideoink.com/news/complex-tv-adds-two-originals-including-one-hosted-by-rapper-riff-raff/#.U5h4CJRdVy9|title=Complex Bolsters Originals Slate with Riff Raff-Hosted Variety Show|last=VideoInk|date=21 November 2013|access-date=21 November 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160818153340/http://www.thevideoink.com/news/complex-tv-adds-two-originals-including-one-hosted-by-rapper-riff-raff/#.U5h4CJRdVy9|archive-date=18 August 2016|url-status=dead}}</ref> which include ''[[Hot Ones]]'' and ''[[Desus vs. Mero]]''.

==Podcasts== Complex Networks launched three original podcasts at the end of 2019 in collaboration with a Swedish podcast firm Acast. ''Watch Less'', covering such topics as movies and pop culture, hosted by Khris 'Khal' Davenport and Frazier Tharpe. ''The Complex Sports Podcast'' (formerly Load Management), hosted by Zach 'Chopz' Frydenlund, Zion Olojede, and Adam Caparell discusses sports and sports culture.<ref name="deadline">{{Cite web|url=https://deadline.com/2019/10/verizon-hearst-backed-youth-culture-brand-complex-networks-to-launch-first-full-slate-of-original-podcasts-1202771512/|title=Verizon Hearst-Backed Youth-Culture Brand Complex Networks To Launch First Full Slate Of Original Podcasts|first=Peter|last=White|date=October 29, 2019}}</ref> ''The Complex Sneakers Podcast'' covers the history and present day of sneaker culture and is hosted by Joe La Puma, Matthew Welty, and Brendan Dunne.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.tubefilter.com/2019/10/29/complex-podcast-slate-sneakers-joe-la-puma/|title=Complex Unveils Latest Podcast Slate, Including 'Sneakers' Series With Joe La Puma|date=October 29, 2019}}</ref>

==ComplexCon== Launch and Development (2015–2016): ComplexCon, an annual cultural festival and exhibition, was launched in 2016 by Complex Networks in partnership with ReedPop.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.shop-eat-surf.com |title=ComplexCon Launch |publisher=Shop Eat Surf}}</ref> It was co-created by Marc Eckō and Aaron Levant, combining Complex’s influence in youth culture with Reed Exhibitions’ event expertise.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.apparelnews.net |title=The Rise of ComplexCon |publisher=Apparel News}}</ref> Designed as a "cultural World’s Fair", ComplexCon merges music, art, fashion, food, and technology into an interactive experience.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.lbbusinessjournal.com |title=ComplexCon's Impact |publisher=Long Beach Business Journal}}</ref> Eckō provided creative direction and industry connections, while Levant focused on execution and logistics.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.shop-eat-surf.com |title=Inside ComplexCon |publisher=Shop Eat Surf}}</ref>

Inaugural Event (2016): The first ComplexCon took place on November 5–6, 2016, at the Long Beach Convention Center, attracting 35,000 attendees.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.shop-eat-surf.com |title=ComplexCon 2016 Recap |publisher=Shop Eat Surf}}</ref> Eckō recruited Takashi Murakami to design the event’s visual identity and Pharrell Williams as Cultural Director.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.apparelnews.net |title=ComplexCon 2016 Review |publisher=Apparel News}}</ref> The event featured concerts, brand exhibitions, streetwear pop-ups, art installations, and panels, with Eckō moderating discussions and shaping content.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.lbbusinessjournal.com |title=ComplexCon Programming |publisher=Long Beach Business Journal}}</ref>

In Spring 2016, the first two-day event took place at the [[Long Beach Convention and Entertainment Center]] in [[Long Beach, California|Long Beach, CA]] in November 2016 and featured performances by Snoop Dogg, Skrillex, Kid Cudi, and more.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/shawnsetaro/2016/05/19/marc-ecko-on-complexcon/|title=Marc Ecko On ComplexCon: 'This Has Never Been Done Since The World's Fair'|first=Shawn|last=Setaro|website=Forbes}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/general-news/marc-ecko-talks-complexcon-two-day-festival-942122/|title=Marc Ecko Talks ComplexCon Ahead of Two-Day Festival|first=Stephanie|last=Chan|website=[[The Hollywood Reporter]] |date=November 2, 2016}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.latimes.com/fashion/la-ig-fashion-style-complex-con-2016-story.html|title=ComplexCon: Fashion, pop culture and activism come together in Long Beach this weekend|first=Khanh T. L.|last=Tran|date=November 5, 2016|website=Los Angeles Times}}</ref> In 2019 the festival was held twice. The first event took place at [[McCormick Place]] in [[Chicago]], IL in collaboration with a focus on local artists, designers, and musicians.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/entertainment/ct-ent-complexcon-debuts-in-chicago-saturday-0721-20190721-oxnq65d73jhwjm2l7hykqgowvu-story.html|title=ComplexCon debuts in Chicago, and it's a hypebeast's world at McCormick Place|date=July 21, 2019|website=Chicago Tribune}}</ref> The second festival occurred in the traditional Long Beach, CA location and included appearances by [[Selena Gomez]], [[LL Cool J]], [[Lil Kim]], [[Offset (rapper)|Offset]], [[Kid Cudi]], [[Lil Yachty]], [[Timothée Chalamet]], [[Yara Shahidi]] and [[Tyga]]. These virtual and in-person events have drawn in large crowds of young adults who relate and connect with the growing streetwear and rising hip-hop artists.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.latimes.com/lifestyle/story/2019-11-15/complexcon-fashion-sneakers-streetwear-festival-long-beach|title=How ComplexCon wrapped allure, streetwear and 'something new' into one festival|first=Max|last=Berlinger|date=November 15, 2019|website=Los Angeles Times}}</ref>

In 2024, Complex Networks was acquired by NTWRK, led by Aaron Levant, with plans for continued experiential marketing initiatives.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.shop-eat-surf.com |title=NTWRK Acquires Complex |publisher=Shop Eat Surf}}</ref> Levant reinstated Noah Callahan-Bever as Chief Content Officer and promoted Aria Hughes to Editor-In-Chief.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://variety.com/2024/digital/news/complex-aria-hughes-noah-callahan-bever-1236002582/ |title=After BuzzFeed Sale, Complex Names Aria Hughes Editor in Chief and Noah Callahan-Bever Returns as Chief Content Officer |publisher=Variety}}</ref> That same year, ComplexCon launched its first international edition in Hong Kong, followed by an announced return in 2025.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.timeout.com/hong-kong |title=ComplexCon Hong Kong 2024 |publisher=TimeOut}}</ref>

ComplexCon remains a flagship event for Complex Networks, recognized for influencing global street culture through its blend of commerce, entertainment, and community engagement.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.apparelnews.net |title=ComplexCon's Cultural Influence |publisher=Apparel News}}</ref>

In late 2025, ComplexCon hosted the return of the renowned and celebrated music streaming series ''[[Verzuz]]'' in [[Las Vegas]], featuring [[Cash Money Records]] vs [[No Limit Records]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=MSN |url=https://www.msn.com/en-us/entertainment/music/complex-relaunches-verzuz-at-complexcon-2025-with-cash-money-and-no-limit-how-to-stream/ar-AA1P7AMt?ocid=BingNewsSerp |access-date=2025-10-25 |website=www.msn.com}}</ref>

==ComplexLand== In lieu of ComplexCon during the [[COVID-19 pandemic]], Complex Networks launched a five-day virtual festival named "ComplexLand" in December 2020. The game took place in a video game format where users could visit virtual shops and order products that would be shipped to them in real life. Players could also access video content such as panels and performances. The event included virtual appearances by [[T-Pain]], [[Fat Joe]], [[Lil Yachty]], [[Jack Harlow]], and [[Donatella Versace]]. The interactive experience was accessible through web browser and was developed by Jam3 in WebGl.<ref name="complexland">{{Cite web|last=Anyanwu|first=Obi|date=2020-12-21|title=ComplexLand Made Virtual Shopping a Reality|url=https://wwd.com/business-news/business-features/complexland-virtual-shopping-1234682939/|access-date=2021-04-01|website=WWD|language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Webster|first=Andrew|date=2020-12-03|title=Complex turned its fashion and music festival into a futuristic video game|url=https://www.theverge.com/2020/12/3/22150152/complexcon-virtual-music-streetwear-complex-food-festival|access-date=2021-04-01|website=The Verge|language=en}}</ref>

==The Complex Shop== In December 2019, Complex Networks launched an online store called the Complex Shop. At launch, the store included items from 70 different clothing brands, including some exclusive collaborations.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2019-12-09|title=Complex is opening an online store to sell sneakers, hoodies and more|url=https://digiday.com/media/complex-opening-online-store-sell-sneakers-hoodies/|access-date=2021-04-01|website=Digiday|language=en-US}}</ref>

The store also carries merchandise from Complex's various brands and content.<ref name="google">{{Cite web|date=2021-01-26|title=Complex Shop's journey to prevent cart abandonment|url=http://digiday.com/media/complex-shops-journey-to-prevent-cart-abandonment/|access-date=2021-04-01|website=Digiday|language=en-US}}</ref>

The Complex Shop has partnered with the Google News Initiative to measure audience engagement and consumer behavior.<ref name="google"/> They also partnered with Neighborhood Spot<ref>{{Cite news|date=2020-12-11|title=Designer T-Shirts Have Become the Pandemic Fundraising Catch-all|language=en|work=Bloomberg.com|url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2020-12-11/designer-t-shirts-have-become-the-pandemic-fundraising-catch-all|access-date=2021-04-01}}</ref> and UNION x Dodgers to sell branded products.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2019-11-15|title=How ComplexCon wrapped allure, streetwear and 'something new' into one festival|url=https://www.latimes.com/lifestyle/story/2019-11-15/complexcon-fashion-sneakers-streetwear-festival-long-beach|access-date=2021-04-01|website=Los Angeles Times|language=en-US}}</ref>

==Brand partnerships== In 2013, Digiday stated Complex was one of the publishers that "acts like an agency" based on their branded content and brand partnerships.<ref name=agency>{{cite magazine|last1=Marshall|first1=Jack|title=The Publisher of The Future Acts Like An Agency|url=http://digiday.com/agencies/the-publisher-of-the-future-looks-like-an-agency-too/|magazine=[[Digiday]]}}</ref> In 2013 alone, Complex created an average of 47 pieces of content a month on behalf of major brands, including [[McDonald's]], [[Gillette]], [[Levi Strauss & Co.|Levi's]], [[Toyota]], [[Adidas]] and others.<ref name=agency/> It also partnered with [[PepsiCo]] to launch GreenLabel.com, a [[Mountain Dew]]-branded lifestyle site that's staffed by Complex's editorial employees. Green Label currently attracts over twice as much traffic as MountainDew.com.<ref name=agency/> Later in 2013, Complex worked with Dr. Pepper to a series of videos aimed at young males featuring producer/songwriter [[The-Dream]].<ref name=clickz>{{cite web|last1=D'Amico|first1=Mary Lisbeth|title=Dr Pepper Reaches Out to Younger Hipper Audience|date=August 2013|url=http://www.clickz.com/clickz/news/2286471/dr-pepper-reaches-out-to-younger-hipper-audience|publisher=Clickz}}</ref>

==Awards==

{| class="wikitable" ! Year !! From !! Award !! For |- | 2011 || ''[[Business Insider]]'' || The 30 Most Valuable Internet Startups In New York<ref name="Business Insider"/> || |- | 2014 || ''[[Digiday]]'' Video Awards || Best Original Non-Scripted Video Series || "Magnum Opus"<ref name="digiday">{{cite web|last1=Wallace|first1=Caitlin|title=GE Wins Best in Show at Digiday Video Awards|date=7 February 2014|url=http://digiday.com/announcement/pereira-odell-wins-digiday-video-awards/}}</ref> |- | 2015 || ''Digiday'' Video Awards || Best Video Destination – Entertainment for Complex TV<ref name="digiday-b">{{cite web|last1=Bottger |first1=Caroline|title=BuzzFeed, OMD, Fullscreen among the winners at Digiday Video Awards|date=16 January 2015|url=http://digiday.com/social/buzzfeed-omd-fullscreen-among-winners-digiday-video-awards/}}</ref> || |- | 2018 || [[2018 Webby Awards]] || Best Web Personality/Host || Sean Evans – First We Feast's "Hot Ones"<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://winners.webbyawards.com/2018/video/general-video/viral/44465/sean-evans-first-we-feasts-hot-ones|title=NEW Webby Gallery + Index|website=NEW Webby Gallery + Index}}</ref> |- | 2019 || [[2019 Webby Awards]] || Video: Fashion & Beauty || "Sneaker Shopping"<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://winners.webbyawards.com/2019/video/general-video/fashion-beauty-lifestyle/80640/complexs-sneaker-shopping|title=NEW Webby Gallery + Index|website=NEW Webby Gallery + Index}}</ref> |- | 2019 || 2019 Webby Awards || Video: Food & Drink || First We Feast's "Hot Ones"<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://winners.webbyawards.com/2019/video/general-video/food-drink/80692/sean-evans-first-we-feasts-hot-ones|title=NEW Webby Gallery + Index|website=NEW Webby Gallery + Index}}</ref> |- | 2019|| [[BET Hip Hop Awards]] || Best Hip-Hop Online Site/App (winner) || Complex<ref>{{Cite magazine|title=BET Hip Hop Awards 2019: Complete Winners List|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/awards/8532511/bet-hip-hop-awards-2019-complete-winners-list|access-date=2021-04-10|magazine=Billboard|date=9 October 2019|language=en}}</ref> |- | 2019|| [[James Beard Foundation Award]] || Online Video, on Location (winner) || First We Feast's "Food Skills: The Mozzarella Kings of New York"<ref>{{Cite web|title=The 2019 James Beard Media Award Winners {{!}} James Beard Foundation|url=https://www.jamesbeard.org/blog/the-2019-james-beard-media-award-winners|access-date=2021-04-10|website=www.jamesbeard.org|language=en}}</ref> |- | 2020|| ''[[Ad Age]]'' || Best Streetwear Summit (winner) || Best Experiential<ref>{{Cite web|date=2020-03-09|title=Best of Experiential 2020 {{!}} Ad Age|url=https://adage.com/bestexperiential2020|access-date=2021-04-10|website=adage.com|language=en}}</ref> |- | 2020|| ''[[Fast Company]]'' || Most Innovative Media Company (winner) || Most Innovative Companies<ref>{{Cite web|date=2020-03-10|title=The 10 most innovative media companies of 2020|url=https://www.fastcompany.com/90457863/media-most-innovative-companies-2020|access-date=2021-04-10|website=Fast Company|language=en-US}}</ref> |- | 2021 || [[32nd GLAAD Media Awards]] || Outstanding Online Journalism - Video or Multimedia || "Stop Killing Us: Black Transgender Women's Lived Experiences"<ref>{{Cite web|date=April 8, 2021|title=Disclosure, Schitt's Creek, Sam Smith, Happiest Season, I May Destroy You, CHIKA, Veneno, Star Trek: Discovery, The Boys in the Band, The Not-Too-Late Show with Elmo among award recipients at the 32nd Annual GLAAD Media Awards|url=https://www.glaad.org/blog/32-glaad-media-awards-winners|access-date=April 9, 2021|website=[[GLAAD]]|language=en|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210409151631/https://www.glaad.org/blog/32-glaad-media-awards-winners|archive-date=April 9, 2021|url-status=live}}</ref> |}

==Controversies ==

===Kim Kardashian photo=== In 2009, AnimalNewYork.com reported that ''Complex'' had posted a digitally unenhanced version of April/May issue cover star [[Kim Kardashian]]. ''Complex'' swapped the enhanced image on their site, but not before the unenhanced version had gone viral. Kardashian responded to the incident on her blog, saying: "So what: I have a little cellulite. What curvy girl doesn't!?"<ref>{{cite web|last=Kardashian|first=Kim|title=Yes, I Am Complex!|url=http://kimkardashian.celebuzz.com/2009/03/25/yes_i_am_complex/|work=Kim Kardashian|publisher=Celebuzz|access-date=February 9, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140224055303/http://kimkardashian.celebuzz.com/2009/03/25/yes_i_am_complex/|archive-date=February 24, 2014|url-status=dead|df=mdy-all|author-link=Kim Kardashian}}</ref> She went on to say that she was "proud" of her body, posting behind-the-scenes pictures of the shoot on her website.<ref name=hp>{{cite web|title=Kim Kardashian Airbrushed Thinner, Smoother, Lighter|url=http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/03/24/kim-kardashian-airbrushed_n_178763.html|work=Huffington Post|date=24 April 2009|access-date=February 9, 2014}}</ref> The incident was covered by a variety of online publications including ''[[Huffington Post]]'', ''[[NY Daily News]]'', ''[[Business Insider]]'', ''[[Gawker]]'' and others.<ref name=hp/><ref>{{cite news|title=Kim Kardashian on retouched Complex magazine photos: Yup - I have cellulite!|url=http://www.nydailynews.com/entertainment/gossip/kim-kardashian-retouched-complex-magazine-photos-yup-cellulite-article-1.362120|newspaper=NY Daily News}}</ref>

===Wale threatens ''Complex'' staff=== On December 11, 2013, ''Complex'' writer Insanul Ahmed received a call from rapper [[Wale (rapper)|Wale]] complaining that his latest album, ''[[The Gifted (album)|The Gifted]]'', had not been included on ''Complex''{{'s}} "50 Best Albums of 2013" list.<ref>{{cite web|last=Ahmed|first=Insanul|title=The 50 Best Albums of 2013|url=http://www.complex.com/music/2013/12/the-50-best-albums-of-2013/|work=Complex|publisher=Complex Media|access-date=February 9, 2014}}</ref> A portion of the conversation was recorded and posted on the ''Complex'' website and on Complex TV on December 13. Wale could be heard threatening: "Get the security ready." According to ''Complex'', Wale refused requests to meet, but he did post a humorous [[Instagram]] video that day which made light of the situation. Wale, later appearing on [[WQHT|Hot97]], said that his fall-out with [[Kid Cudi]] had something to do with the snub, and that he was not "begging Williamsburg hipsters" to like his music.<ref>{{cite web|last=Ahmed|first=Insanul|title=Wale Threatens Complex Staff Over Our "50 Best Albums of 2013" List|url=http://www.complex.com/music/2013/12/wale-threatens-complex|work=Complex|publisher=Complex Media|access-date=February 9, 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Millard|first=Drew|title=A few words about this whole "Wale threatening Complex" thing|url=https://www.vice.com/en/article/wale-complex-threat-the-gifted/|work=Noisey|date=December 16, 2013 |publisher=Vice Media|access-date=February 9, 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Markman|first=Rob|title=Wale Vs. Complex Magazine: I Won't Apologize To 'Williamsburg Hipsters'|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1719216/wale-complex-magazine-brooklyn-threats.jhtml|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131217212351/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1719216/wale-complex-magazine-brooklyn-threats.jhtml|url-status=dead|archive-date=December 17, 2013|work=MTV|access-date=February 9, 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Kennedy|first=Gerrick|title=Wale threatens Complex magazine after omission from year-end list|url=http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/music/posts/la-et-ms-wale-threatens-complex-after-omission-from-yearend-list-20131214,0,1799648.story#axzz2q5geAvTr|newspaper=LA Times|date=14 December 2013|access-date=February 9, 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Vann|first=Douglas|title=Video: Wale Throws Temper-Tantrum Over Complex Magazine Article|url=http://www.vanndigital.com/2013/12/13/video-wale-throws-temper-tantrum-over-complex-magazine-article/|work=VannDigital.com|publisher=Vann Digital Networks|access-date=February 9, 2014}}</ref> Wale was referring to the October/November 2010 issue of Complex in which Kid Cudi said: "We don't fuck with you musically." The quote quickly went viral.<ref>{{cite web|last=Muhammed|first=Latifah|title=Wale Blames Complex Magazine Snub on Kid Cudi Beef|url=https://www.bet.com/article/58gpmi/wale-blames-complex-magazine-snub-on-kid-cudi-beef|work=BET|access-date=February 13, 2014}}</ref>

==See also== * ''[[Ego Trip (magazine)|Ego Trip]]'' *[[Stüssy]] *[[The Hundreds]] *[[Vice Media]] *[[Supreme (brand)|Supreme]] *[[Virgil Abloh]]

==References== {{Reflist|30em}}

==External links== *{{official website|www.complexnetworks.com}}

{{authority control}} {{Hip hop websites}}

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