ComplexCon 2017 was eventful, to say the least. Taking over the Long Beach Convention Center this weekend (November 4-5), new and returning fans were hyped for the 2nd annual inaugural event. Throughout the 2 day extravaganza, there was a multitude of performances, ComplexCon(versations), exclusive drops, surprise appearances from various celebrities, food trucks and much more.

The KarenCivil.com team was in the building for the 2nd year in a row and we couldn’t be any more excited to share what went down during Day 1 and 2 of ComplexCon.

So it begins…… #ComplexCon

A post shared by COMPLEX (@complex) on Nov 4, 2017 at 8:35am PDT

To kick things off on Day 1, we made our way to a taping of “Everyday Struggle” with Nadeska, DJ Akademiks and special guest, DJ Clark Kent. Shortly after the audience wondered why Joe Budden wasn’t there and the Nadeska and Akademiks were quick to address that Budden was celebrating the baby shower of his girlfriend, Cyn Santana.

Once “Everyday Struggle” started Nadeska, Akademiks, and DJ Clark Kent discussed rappers linking up for collab projects, mumble rap, and being an OG in the game of Hip-Hop. Throughout the conversation, DJ Clark Kent mentioned how big’s first album was great, however, his second album was even more unbelievable. Why? Well because he’s friends with Jay-Z which forced him to have better bars.

Soon after the “Everyday Struggle” episode, we hit the Pigeons and Planes stage where SuperDuperKyle was performing. Per usual, the “iSpy” rapper turnt up with the crowd with songs like “All Mine,” “Doubt It,” “Sunshine,” and of course his hit single “iSpy.” Midway to his set, Kyle asked the crowd if they had any heroes, which then lead him to perform a special cover of  Kid Cudi’s “Persuit of Happiness,” as he addressed Cudi as one of his heroes.

.@SuperDuperKyle just performed “Pursuit of Happiness” at #ComplexCon and thanked his hero #KidCudi for changing his life. 🙏🏼 pic.twitter.com/ltWtkrTAkY

— Lupe Looove (@LupeLooove) November 5, 2017

As the day transitioned to night, an eager N.E.R.D. fanbase prepared for the super group to grace the stage. Chad Hugo, Shay Haley and Pharrell Williams, who collectively make up the band, decided to host a massive listening party in the Long Beach Arena, gifting everyone in the packed house with an exclusive first listen of their latest project. The 11-song album, titled No One Ever Really Dies, includes features from M.i.A., Andre 3000, Future, Kendrick Lamar (twice), Ed Sheeran, Wale and more.

Pharrell, who still seems to be aging backwards, took a moment to explain the inspiration behind his “Don’t Don’t Do It” collaboration with Kendrick Lamar. “I just know for all those unarmed motorists that have been killed,” N.E.R.D.’s frontman began to explain to a packed arena. “I know there’s a moment … where you tell them to do something, there must be a voice inside of your head saying, ‘Don’t don’t do it.’”