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 | 169 posts
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Latest Stories

Two models showcasing streetwear: a woman in a red patterned hoodie and a man in a black vest with a blue skirt and bandana.

MUSØWAY's "2.0" Collection Is Now Available on Complex

After debuting at ComplexCon, the latest collection from Emanuel Ricci and Tezzus's brand MUSØWAY is now available online for the first time.

Brendan Frederick6 days ago
Album cover for "Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers)" by Wu-Tang Clan, featuring autographs and the Wu-Tang logo.

This Signed Wu-Tang '36 Chambers' Vinyl Release Is Limited to Only 36 Copies

Featuring autographs from original Wu-Tang Clan members, the ultra-limited collector's edition from ComplexCon 2026 is available now on Complex.

Brendan Frederick7 days ago
A green beanie with "FOREVER MENACE" in a cross pattern and a stylish sneaker with a patterned design and thick sole.

5 Sneaker and Hat Combos to Add to Your Rotation

Featuring retro runners to statement headwear, these five sneaker and hat pairings available on Complex make putting together a fit a little easier.

Brendan Frederick7 days ago
Vinyl records of DMX's "Flesh of My Flesh, Blood of My Blood" on a turntable, with album cover showing DMX.

DMX's New 'Flesh of My Flesh, Blood of My Blood' Vinyl Is Filled With Fake Blood

Just in time for Halloween, one of hip-hop's most unforgettable album covers inspires a gruesome new collectible edition, available now on Complex.

Brendan Frederick9 days ago
5 Essentials From The North Face to Elevate Your Winter Wardrobe

5 Essentials From The North Face to Elevate Your Winter Wardrobe

From iconic puffer jackets to versatile accessories, these five cold-weather picks available on Complex combine outdoor functionality with everyday style.

Brendan Frederick10 days ago
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Vinyl records and album covers for "The Game: Before The Documentary," featuring images of the rapper posing with large wheels.

The Game's 'Doctor's Advocate' Gets Two New Vinyl Editions for Its 20th Anniversary

Celebrate 20 years of the Compton rapper's chart-topping sophomore album with two special-edition pressings, available now on Complex.

Brendan Frederick13 days ago
A vibrant collage featuring Usher, Nelly, and Beyoncé, with text reading "50 Best R&B Songs of the 2000s."

The 50 Best R&B Songs of the 2000s, Ranked (2000-09)

From Usher’s historic 2004 to Mariah’s comeback, these are the best R&B songs of the 2000s, ranked.

Brendan Frederick14 days ago
A vinyl record with a blue and white splatter pattern beside an album cover showing a person in a small red boat on calm water.

Lil Yachty's 'Lil Boat' 10th Anniversary Vinyl is Actually Filled With Water

Celebrate a decade of Yachty's breakout mixtape by watching blue water slosh around your turntable.

Brendan Frederick14 days ago
Frayed white Vans sneakers with animal print designs, viewed from the back. Red "Off The Wall" branding on the heel.

SZA's New "Fish Print" Vans Just Dropped

Part of the singer's first collection as Vans' artistic director, the new VANSZA sneakers feature distressed canvas and a collapsible heel inspired by her personal style.

Brendan Frederick14 days ago
6 Stylish Sweatshirts & Sweatpants to Stay Cozy This Winter

6 Sweatshirts and Sweatpants to Upgrade Your Winter Wardrobe

From heavyweight fleece to vintage-inspired graphics and embroidery, these standout sweats are available on Complex now.

Brendan Frederick15 days ago
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A woman with long hair in a strapless black outfit appears through torn paper with a blue and red gradient background.

LISA's New EP 'Press Play': Tracklist, Meaning, and Everything You Need to Know

The K-pop superstar takes a trip back through her Thai roots with a new six-song project dropping this week.

Brendan Frederick17 days ago
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 Frederick21 days 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 Frederick24 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 Frederick28 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 Frederick30 days ago
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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 Frederick38 days ago
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 Frederick42 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 Frederick45 days ago