Brendan Frederick Portrait

Brendan Frederick

Brendan Frederick is a music journalist and historian. He is also the EVP, Content for Complex, where he worked between 2008 and 2015, and then again between 2024 and the present. Brendan was also the Chief Content Officer at Genius between 2015 and 2022. He is currently writing an R&B history book for Hachette Books.

Joined July 2014 | 158 posts
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Latest Stories

Merchandise set featuring Mickey and Minnie Mouse apparel, vinyl records, and keychains. Items include a black T-shirt, hoodie, and two albums.

KATSEYE Gift Guide: The Best Merch & Vinyl Available Now on Complex

From a new Disney x KATSEYE collection to exclusive trading cards, limited vinyl, and tour merch, these are the best gifts from the KATSEYE collection on Complex.

Brendan Frederick1 hour ago
A person in a beanie and sweater is praying in a church pew, holding a rosary, with light streaming through a window.

The Hellstar x 2Pac Collaboration is Available Now on Complex

After debuting at ComplexCon, Hellstar's new collection honoring the late rap icon just dropped online, featuring two exclusive new items.

Brendan Frederick4 days ago
A person wearing large sunglasses with "FORUM LIFE" text, showcasing diamond grills and earrings. Background features repeated logo pattern.

Yes, Quavo's Aluminum QRÖMELIFE Glasses Can Be Yours For $275

The futuristic frames from Quavo’s new album cover are designed by Malcolm Ransome and handmade from polished aluminum.

Brendan Frederick8 days ago
A person smiling, covered in mud, with hands on cheeks. The background shows greenery, framed by a torn paper effect.

Remi Wolf's New Album 'Mud': Tracklist, Features, Inspiration, and Everything You Need to Know

After years on the road, the California singer-songwriter turns a breakup and her search for sobriety into a warmer, more intimate third album.

Brendan Frederick9 days ago
A person's mouth is shown speaking, with sound waves transforming into a fingerprint pattern, symbolizing voice recognition technology.

The 10 Most Unique Rapper Voices, According to Reddit

From Eazy-E’s high-pitched sneer to DMX’s gravel-fed bark, these voices are impossible to mistake.

Brendan Frederick18 days ago
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A collection of five different sneakers from various brands, including Nike, Adidas, and others, displayed against a textured background.

The Best New Sneakers Available on Complex [September 2026]

Nike Air Max Joga Bonito, Vans, and Off-White lead this month's new arrivals, spanning artist collaborations, Y2K runners, and heritage picks like the Samba.

Brendan Frederick21 days ago
Three hoodies displayed against a patterned background: one gray with "KIDS UP," one black with a deer and text, and one brown with intricate designs.

The Best Hoodies for Every Budget Available on Complex [September 2026]

From everyday heavyweight fleece to embroidered grails, these standout hoodies are worth adding to your collection from Complex.

Brendan Frederick24 days ago
A torn paper collage with various elements, including a map, text, and abstract shapes, on a black background.

beabadoobee's New Album 'Pylon': Tracklist, Features, Producers, and Everything You Need to Know

beabadoobee is back with her fourth album, Pylon. The deeply personal record features Paramore’s Hayley Williams, plus members of Turnstile and The 1975.

Brendan Frederick28 days ago
A blue T-shirt with a graphic of Pablo Escobar, a patchwork plaid shirt, and gray track pants with red and black stripes.

The Best New Apparel to Buy on Complex Right Now [September 2026]

Vintage-washed hoodies, deconstructed plaid, and convertible track pants. Here are eight fresh pieces to layer into your fall rotation on Complex.

Brendan Frederick29 days ago
Billionaire Boys Club's collab with Casasnova Vintage at ComplexCon 2025 is one of the brand's greatest moments from their ComplexCon history.

A History of BBC ICECREAM at ComplexCon: The Best Moments & Collaborations

From Hebru Brantley vinyl toys to VANDYTHEPINK capsules, here are BBC ICECREAM's most memorable ComplexCon drops and activations.

Brendan Frederick30 days ago
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Four pairs of sweatpants with various designs: graffiti-style, plain gray, black with white accents, and denim-like with a red waistband.

6 Super Comfortable Sweatpants Available on Complex

From everyday grey fleece to crystal-covered sweats and motocross-inspired graphics, here are six pairs worth wearing right now.

Brendan Frederick37 days ago
A black T-shirt with an eagle design and "World Rolling Loud Tour" logo, a black baseball jersey with "Rolling," and a blue cap with "Worldwide Loud/Crew."

The Best Rolling Loud Apparel & Merch Available on Complex

From festival merch to its own fashion label, Rolling Loud has built a clothing lineup that goes well beyond concert tees. Here are the pieces worth wearing right now.

Brendan Frederick38 days ago
A lineup of shoes: brown hiking boots, gray sneakers, and brown loafers, all branded Timberland.

The Best Timberland Boots and Shoes Available on Complex

There’s a lot more to Timberland than the classic 6-inch boot. These are the best pairs to shop right now.

Brendan Frederick39 days ago
A collage of belts with various designs: animal print with eyes, zebra stripes, cartoon characters on a round buckle, glittery blue, and camouflage.

7 Amazing Belts You Can Buy on Complex

The right belt doesn't just hold your pants up—it holds the whole fit together. These picks prove the waist is worth your attention.

Brendan Frederick43 days ago
A collection of streetwear apparel including a long-sleeve shirt, hoodie, and basketball jersey, alongside a vinyl record.

The Best 00pium Merch, Music & Collabs Available on Complex

From Playboi Carti to Ken Carson, Destroy Lonely, and Homixide Gang, Opium's roster has reshaped what a record label's merch can look like.

Brendan Frederick44 days ago
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Five pairs of jeans in different styles and washes, including black with paint splatters, olive, dark blue, distressed light blue, and black with buttons.

The Best Jeans Available to Buy on Complex for Fall

Selvedge, baggy fits, flares, and everything in between. Find your next favorite pair.

Brendan Frederick45 days ago
Three men wearing different Billionaire Boys Club shirts: a white tee with a helmet graphic, a black tee with a chameleon design, and a red mesh shirt.

The Best Billionaire Boys Club Pieces Available on Complex

A curated look at the best new tees, shorts, and activewear from Pharrell and Nigo’s legendary streetwear label.

Brendan Frederick46 days ago
Mary J. Blige with curled hair peeks over sunglasses against a purple background, partially obscured by a wooden surface. She made one of the best R&B albums of the '90s.

The 50 Best R&B Albums of the '90s, Ranked

From Xscape to Aaliyah, these are the best R&B albums released in the '90s.

Brendan Frederick49 days ago

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