The Knockturnal
  • Home
  • Entertainment
    • Events Film The Kontenders Theater TV All
      Entertainment

      Smiles, Style, and Laughter at the New York City Premiere of Netflix’s: Luther:…

      March 22, 2023

      Entertainment

      On The Scene: Revlon New Product Launch Event at Lavan 541 in NYC

      March 18, 2023

      Art

      A taste of distinction from the root

      March 17, 2023

      Entertainment

      On The Scene: Jenna Ortega, Courteney Cox, Demi Lovato, Dylan Minnette and more…

      March 15, 2023

      Film

      Exclusive: Filmmakers Nick Johnson and Will Merrick Talk New Film “Missing”

      March 23, 2023

      Film

      ‘Women Talking’ Communicated The Urgency for Women’s Rights at Athena Film Festival

      March 22, 2023

      Film

      On The Scene: Jenna Ortega, Courteney Cox, Demi Lovato, Dylan Minnette and more…

      March 15, 2023

      Film

      The Show Must Go On As 2023 Mammoth Film Festival Braves Record-Breaking Blizzard

      March 13, 2023

      The Kontenders

      KnockturnaLIST: Top 20 Favorite Films of 2022

      December 30, 2022

      The Kontenders

      BHFF Review: ‘Harbinger’ COVID Horror At Its Most Chilling

      November 9, 2022

      The Kontenders

      NYFF 2022: Aftersun

      October 7, 2022

      The Kontenders

      NYFF 2022 Opening Night: White Noise

      October 7, 2022

      Theater

      Vineyard Theatre’s 40th Anniversary Gala

      March 20, 2023

      Theater

      Review: “The Wanderers”—how the past presents itself in the future

      March 6, 2023

      Theater

      Theatre Review: ‘Elyria’ Debuts at Linda Gross Theatre

      March 2, 2023

      Theater

      On The Scene: The New Queens of Six The Musical Talk Playing The…

      February 1, 2023

      TV

      Jazlyn Martin on her role in the hit series ‘Bel-Air’

      March 22, 2023

      TV

      Why You Should Be Watching “School Spirits” Right Now

      March 22, 2023

      TV

      Michael Ryan Worked on the New Series ‘Ghost of Ruin’

      March 21, 2023

      TV

      BMF Season 2 Finale Review

      March 17, 2023

      Entertainment

      Exclusive: Filmmakers Nick Johnson and Will Merrick Talk New Film “Missing”

      March 23, 2023

      Entertainment

      ZUZ Spring Summer Collection Debut

      March 23, 2023

      Entertainment

      Jazlyn Martin on her role in the hit series ‘Bel-Air’

      March 22, 2023

      Entertainment

      ‘Women Talking’ Communicated The Urgency for Women’s Rights at Athena Film Festival

      March 22, 2023

  • Music
    • Koncerts News All
      Events

      Deep Tropics, Nashville’s Premier Electronic Music Festival, Announces Killer 2023 Lineup

      March 16, 2023

      Entertainment

      The Iconic ‘Head In The Clouds’ Music Festival is Coming to NYC

      March 13, 2023

      Koncerts

      Candlelight Concerts Fuse Two of Music’s Most Famous Billies, Billie Holiday & Billie…

      March 12, 2023

      Entertainment

      CÎROC & Mass Appeal Celebrate Hip-Hop 50th with Bia, Jozzy and Rapsody at…

      March 6, 2023

      News

      New Music Roundup: Releases You May Have Missed

      March 21, 2023

      News

      New Music Roundup: Releases You May Have Missed

      March 8, 2023

      News

      Musician Hadar Orshalimy Announces Her Upcoming Jazz Album

      March 2, 2023

      News

      New Music Roundup: Releases You May Have Missed

      February 28, 2023

      Music

      On The Scene: The Jonas Brothers Perform Lines, Vines and Trying Times at…

      March 22, 2023

      Music

      New Music Roundup: Releases You May Have Missed

      March 21, 2023

      Music

      “The Force Thrusting Music Forward”: Who Is Arty Furtado?

      March 16, 2023

      Music

      Deep Tropics, Nashville’s Premier Electronic Music Festival, Announces Killer 2023 Lineup

      March 16, 2023

  • Lifestyle
    • Art Events Fashion & Beauty Sports All
      Art

      A taste of distinction from the root

      March 17, 2023

      Art

      In The City: The Famed Knickerbocker Hotel Celebrates Diversity With IcoKnick Series Celebrating…

      March 10, 2023

      Art

      Durand Bernarr performs Brooklyn Made

      March 6, 2023

      Art

      Tara Subkoff Opened Her 2023 Abstract Performance Series

      March 2, 2023

      Events

      ZUZ Spring Summer Collection Debut

      March 23, 2023

      Events

      Victoria Justice Parties at the Artha Holi Festival

      March 22, 2023

      Events

      On The Scene: Revlon New Product Launch Event at Lavan 541 in NYC

      March 18, 2023

      Events

      Deep Tropics, Nashville’s Premier Electronic Music Festival, Announces Killer 2023 Lineup

      March 16, 2023

      Fashion & Beauty

      ZUZ Spring Summer Collection Debut

      March 23, 2023

      Fashion & Beauty

      Iconic Model Carmen Dell’Orefice Takes Title of ‘Vogue’ Cover Girl

      March 23, 2023

      Fashion & Beauty

      The Bright Brilliance of Nicole Miller This Spring

      March 22, 2023

      Fashion & Beauty

      On The Scene: Revlon New Product Launch Event at Lavan 541 in NYC

      March 18, 2023

      Sports

      EXCLUSIVE: Tyrod Taylor Talks New Clothing Line DIALLO [VIDEO]

      March 2, 2023

      Sports

      Burton Collaborates with Run DMC on Two Collections Dropping in Mid-February

      February 24, 2023

      Sports

      On The Scene: Rapper and Actor Dave East Debuts New Sneaker Line in…

      February 5, 2023

      Sports

      The American Express x NBA 2K23 Lab: Day 3

      December 19, 2022

      Lifestyle

      ZUZ Spring Summer Collection Debut

      March 23, 2023

      Lifestyle

      Iconic Model Carmen Dell’Orefice Takes Title of ‘Vogue’ Cover Girl

      March 23, 2023

      Lifestyle

      The Bright Brilliance of Nicole Miller This Spring

      March 22, 2023

      Lifestyle

      Chloe Fineman and her Colorful NÜTRL Vodka Seltzer Campaign

      March 22, 2023

  • News
  • Videos
  • Covers
  • Merch
EventsLifestyleThe Latest

ComplexCon Brings Out The Best of The Best For The Culture

by Sebastian Cintron November 8, 2018
by Sebastian Cintron November 8, 2018 0 comment

If you know anything about the sneaker or hip-hop community you know how much of a big deal ComplexCon is. It’s like what BeautyCon is for beauty gurus or what Vidcon is for youtubers but for hypebeasts and lovers of the culture alike.

The third annual convention/festival put together by Complex was held at the Long Beach Convention Center and it attracted fans from all over the country and probably even the world.

Whether you came for the music, art, food, style, innovation, activism, or simply just the hype, the experience was definitely something else – in a good way of course.

My motto this weekend was “do it for the culture,” but we’ll get there. As soon as I walked into the convention grounds the Supreme and expensive sneaker fomo was real! I have never seen as much Supreme under one roof as I did at ComplexCon. Everyone and their mothers were decked out in their poppin’ fits and fresh sneakers. It’s cool though because although I lacked the Supreme, your boys’ Adidas get up pulled a few compliments.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Sebastian (@sebascintron)

Walking around the main floor area was overwhelmingly lit. So many different booths, loud music playing, brands being showcased, and you guessed it freebies! I got there relatively early because I heard that Gary Vaynerchuk was having a conference and I’ve always wanted to hear that man speak. To my disappointment the ballroom where he was speaking was already too full and I was lowkey upset but hey things happen.

The rest of my day consisted of checking out different booths like Vintage Frames, McDonalds, Rip N Dip, Reebok, Puma, and many others. HBO was also there with a dope barbershop booth inspired by the unscripted series “The Shop” starring Lebron James and Maverick Carter. This was cool because it actually resembled a barber shop and they had on site celebrity barbers providing free haircuts throughout the weekend.

I caught up with Donald Long (@morethanacut) one of the celebrity barbers at The Shop who spoke with me about his start as a barber, barbershop culture, and the dynamic between barbers and their clients.

The Knockturnal: How did you get start your start as a barber?

Donald Long: It’s fun, easy, and simple. The moral of the story was my mother used to cut me and my brother’s hair, she got tired of doing it, I was the next man up. I gave it a try and it became a passion. This is where I am at today.

The Knockturnal: That’s funny I’ve actually attempted cutting my own hair before.

Donald Long: You should try, you won’t ever step foot in a barbershop again bro.

The Knockturnal: Beauty Salons and Nail salons are where women go do their thing, socialize, get pampered, and often times gossip. What differentiates a barbershop from that dynamic?

Donald Long: I can really say we gossip just as much, to be honest. I’m not gonna sit here and lie to you about that but I will say the difference between is most definitely the brotherhood. The barbershop and I say this to people all the time. The barber shop is the landmark to the community you know we’re making an impact inside and out so I will say the biggest difference I’m not really familiar with beauty salons but I can say for barber shops we’re out there constantly impacted the community. Kids, young kids, so forth.

The Knockturnal: Some people say that barbers are like psychologist in way and that the minute you sit in that chair it’s like a therapy session. You get hyped up and are given a self-esteem and confidence boost is this true what do you think about that?

Donald Long: You know that’s a good thing too because everywhere I go I see clients they introduce me to their family, grandparents, parents, you know whoever. So that makes me feel special. That really shows me what type of impact I have. I have been with people for special days and so-called bad days. I’ve been to funerals, weddings, I’ve been invited to everything so really it’s really about building those relationships with people. That’s what makes things big with barbering.

The Knockturnal: How would you describe barber and client relationships?

Donald Long: Barber and client relationships I could make this real quick, easy, and simple as well too. The opportunity to work with HBO was built off of relationships. It opened up many doors. I say from time to time and all the time that these tools right here open up more doors than any key ever in my life. You know? So with building those relationships and being able to open up doors for other people, it’s really big as far as making an impact but also build that relationship.

Victor Cruz, Denise Jones, & Jarret Jack (Photo by Angela Calero on behalf of HBO)
Victor Cruz (Photo by Angela Calero on behalf of HBO)

Shout out to Donald for letting me speak with him as he gave one of the festival goers a free haircut. While I was there I saw former Giants football player Victor Cruz posing for pictures with fans. I also heard that Nas, A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie, Grant Hill, and Shiggy were some of the many people that stopped by the booth. If you haven’t seen HBO’s The Shop definitely check it out. Lebron James sits down at barbershops across the country with some influential people to talk about a variety of topics. Some of the dope people that have been on the show include Drake, Odell Beckham Jr., Ben Simmons, and Mo Bamba.

Other highlights of ComplexCon for me were the Four Loko and Buchanan booths that were handing out free samples of their drinks. You know I had to do it for the culture and stop by. Four Loko really came through and basically sponsored my lituation before I headed over to catch Rae Sremmurd’s performance. The booth had DJ Flosstradamus on deck providing some tunes and it was a nice little pregame. I did, however, take another L when I heard that J Balvin stopped by the Buchanan’s booth literally minutes before I did. He’s one of my favorite Spanish artists and it would have been dope to see him. It’s cool though because the turn up continued during Rae Sremmurd’s set.

It was so lit you guys. They performed some of their older songs and at one point they brought out Tyga to come out and sing Taste. Just when I thought things couldn’t get any more poppin Ozuna comes out to sing a couple songs and that’s when my wig was officially snatched. “Taki Taki” is my jam and the Hispanic side of me was living. There truly couldn’t have been a better way to end my day at ComplexCon and for that I am grateful! Next time I’ll keep the Supreme memo in mind and bring more money to drop on cool sneakers.

Flosstradamus Set at Four Loko Booth (Photo by Complex)
J Balvin stops by Buchanan booth
J Balvin greeting fans at ComplexCon
ComplexCon Exhibitor
Puma RS-X Sneakers
Rapper G-Eazy holding sneaker

 

On Saturday, November 3rd, Miryam Lumpini had the pleasure of hooking up one of her clients and Complexcon performer of Rae Sremmurd, Swae Lee, at the Reebok booth with a new tattoo.

Share this:

  • Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
Complex MagazineComplexConComplexCon 2018HBOHBO The ShopJ BalvinOzunaRae ShremmurdVictor Cruz
0 comment 0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
Sebastian Cintron

previous post
Film Review: ‘The Grinch’
next post
Exclusive: Legendary Group The O’Jays Talk New Single ‘Above The Law’

Related Posts

ZUZ Spring Summer Collection Debut

March 23, 2023

Chloe Fineman and her Colorful NÜTRL Vodka Seltzer...

March 22, 2023

‘Women Talking’ Communicated The Urgency for Women’s Rights...

March 22, 2023

Why You Should Be Watching “School Spirits” Right...

March 22, 2023

Smiles, Style, and Laughter at the New York...

March 22, 2023

Sierra Nevada Resort Debuts Modern Renovation, Pays Homage...

March 22, 2023

Victoria Justice Parties at the Artha Holi Festival

March 22, 2023

On The Scene: The Jonas Brothers Perform Lines,...

March 22, 2023

On The Scene: Revlon New Product Launch Event...

March 18, 2023

A taste of distinction from the root

March 17, 2023

Leave a Comment Cancel Reply

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Digital Cover No. 16

The Knockturnal Merch

Follow Us On The Gram

Victoria Rowell at the 5th American Black Film Fes Victoria Rowell at the 5th American Black Film Festival @americanblackfilmfestival @victoriarowell #blackexcellence #evesbayou #abff #abffhonors
@javicia Javicia Leslie at the American Black Film @javicia Javicia Leslie at the American Black Film Festival Awards #abff #abffhonors #blackexcellence
@courtneybvance Courtney Vance at the American Bla @courtneybvance Courtney Vance at the American Black Film Festival Awards #blackexcellence #abff #abffhonors
Kenny Lattimore @kennylattimore at the American Bl Kenny Lattimore @kennylattimore at the American Black Film Festival Awards #blackexcellence #abff #abffhonors
Janine Nabers at the American Black Film Festival Janine Nabers at the American Black Film Festival Honors #blackexcellence #abff #abffhonors @janinenabers
Love finds you in unexpected ways 🥰 @huntergray Love finds you in unexpected ways 🥰 @huntergraysonmusic @realityclubfox #love #cityversuscountry
Follow on Instagram

About The Site

We are a collective of creative tastemakers made up of fashion, music and entertainment industry insiders. It’s all about access. You want it. We have it.

Terms Of Use

Privacy Policy

Meet The Team

CONTACT US

For general inquiries and more info on The Knockturnal, please contact our staff at:
info@theknockturnal.com
fashion@theknockturnal.com
advertising@theknockturnal.com
editorial@theknockturnal.com
beauty@theknockturnal.com

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Instagram
  • Linkedin
  • Youtube

© Copyright - The Knockturnal | Developed by CI Design + Media

The Knockturnal
  • Home
  • Entertainment
    • Events Film The Kontenders Theater TV All
      Entertainment

      Smiles, Style, and Laughter at the New York City Premiere of Netflix’s: Luther:…

      March 22, 2023

      Entertainment

      On The Scene: Revlon New Product Launch Event at Lavan 541 in NYC

      March 18, 2023

      Art

      A taste of distinction from the root

      March 17, 2023

      Entertainment

      On The Scene: Jenna Ortega, Courteney Cox, Demi Lovato, Dylan Minnette and more…

      March 15, 2023

      Film

      Exclusive: Filmmakers Nick Johnson and Will Merrick Talk New Film “Missing”

      March 23, 2023

      Film

      ‘Women Talking’ Communicated The Urgency for Women’s Rights at Athena Film Festival

      March 22, 2023

      Film

      On The Scene: Jenna Ortega, Courteney Cox, Demi Lovato, Dylan Minnette and more…

      March 15, 2023

      Film

      The Show Must Go On As 2023 Mammoth Film Festival Braves Record-Breaking Blizzard

      March 13, 2023

      The Kontenders

      KnockturnaLIST: Top 20 Favorite Films of 2022

      December 30, 2022

      The Kontenders

      BHFF Review: ‘Harbinger’ COVID Horror At Its Most Chilling

      November 9, 2022

      The Kontenders

      NYFF 2022: Aftersun

      October 7, 2022

      The Kontenders

      NYFF 2022 Opening Night: White Noise

      October 7, 2022

      Theater

      Vineyard Theatre’s 40th Anniversary Gala

      March 20, 2023

      Theater

      Review: “The Wanderers”—how the past presents itself in the future

      March 6, 2023

      Theater

      Theatre Review: ‘Elyria’ Debuts at Linda Gross Theatre

      March 2, 2023

      Theater

      On The Scene: The New Queens of Six The Musical Talk Playing The…

      February 1, 2023

      TV

      Jazlyn Martin on her role in the hit series ‘Bel-Air’

      March 22, 2023

      TV

      Why You Should Be Watching “School Spirits” Right Now

      March 22, 2023

      TV

      Michael Ryan Worked on the New Series ‘Ghost of Ruin’

      March 21, 2023

      TV

      BMF Season 2 Finale Review

      March 17, 2023

      Entertainment

      Exclusive: Filmmakers Nick Johnson and Will Merrick Talk New Film “Missing”

      March 23, 2023

      Entertainment

      ZUZ Spring Summer Collection Debut

      March 23, 2023

      Entertainment

      Jazlyn Martin on her role in the hit series ‘Bel-Air’

      March 22, 2023

      Entertainment

      ‘Women Talking’ Communicated The Urgency for Women’s Rights at Athena Film Festival

      March 22, 2023

  • Music
    • Koncerts News All
      Events

      Deep Tropics, Nashville’s Premier Electronic Music Festival, Announces Killer 2023 Lineup

      March 16, 2023

      Entertainment

      The Iconic ‘Head In The Clouds’ Music Festival is Coming to NYC

      March 13, 2023

      Koncerts

      Candlelight Concerts Fuse Two of Music’s Most Famous Billies, Billie Holiday & Billie…

      March 12, 2023

      Entertainment

      CÎROC & Mass Appeal Celebrate Hip-Hop 50th with Bia, Jozzy and Rapsody at…

      March 6, 2023

      News

      New Music Roundup: Releases You May Have Missed

      March 21, 2023

      News

      New Music Roundup: Releases You May Have Missed

      March 8, 2023

      News

      Musician Hadar Orshalimy Announces Her Upcoming Jazz Album

      March 2, 2023

      News

      New Music Roundup: Releases You May Have Missed

      February 28, 2023

      Music

      On The Scene: The Jonas Brothers Perform Lines, Vines and Trying Times at…

      March 22, 2023

      Music

      New Music Roundup: Releases You May Have Missed

      March 21, 2023

      Music

      “The Force Thrusting Music Forward”: Who Is Arty Furtado?

      March 16, 2023

      Music

      Deep Tropics, Nashville’s Premier Electronic Music Festival, Announces Killer 2023 Lineup

      March 16, 2023

  • Lifestyle
    • Art Events Fashion & Beauty Sports All
      Art

      A taste of distinction from the root

      March 17, 2023

      Art

      In The City: The Famed Knickerbocker Hotel Celebrates Diversity With IcoKnick Series Celebrating…

      March 10, 2023

      Art

      Durand Bernarr performs Brooklyn Made

      March 6, 2023

      Art

      Tara Subkoff Opened Her 2023 Abstract Performance Series

      March 2, 2023

      Events

      ZUZ Spring Summer Collection Debut

      March 23, 2023

      Events

      Victoria Justice Parties at the Artha Holi Festival

      March 22, 2023

      Events

      On The Scene: Revlon New Product Launch Event at Lavan 541 in NYC

      March 18, 2023

      Events

      Deep Tropics, Nashville’s Premier Electronic Music Festival, Announces Killer 2023 Lineup

      March 16, 2023

      Fashion & Beauty

      ZUZ Spring Summer Collection Debut

      March 23, 2023

      Fashion & Beauty

      Iconic Model Carmen Dell’Orefice Takes Title of ‘Vogue’ Cover Girl

      March 23, 2023

      Fashion & Beauty

      The Bright Brilliance of Nicole Miller This Spring

      March 22, 2023

      Fashion & Beauty

      On The Scene: Revlon New Product Launch Event at Lavan 541 in NYC

      March 18, 2023

      Sports

      EXCLUSIVE: Tyrod Taylor Talks New Clothing Line DIALLO [VIDEO]

      March 2, 2023

      Sports

      Burton Collaborates with Run DMC on Two Collections Dropping in Mid-February

      February 24, 2023

      Sports

      On The Scene: Rapper and Actor Dave East Debuts New Sneaker Line in…

      February 5, 2023

      Sports

      The American Express x NBA 2K23 Lab: Day 3

      December 19, 2022

      Lifestyle

      ZUZ Spring Summer Collection Debut

      March 23, 2023

      Lifestyle

      Iconic Model Carmen Dell’Orefice Takes Title of ‘Vogue’ Cover Girl

      March 23, 2023

      Lifestyle

      The Bright Brilliance of Nicole Miller This Spring

      March 22, 2023

      Lifestyle

      Chloe Fineman and her Colorful NÜTRL Vodka Seltzer Campaign

      March 22, 2023

  • News
  • Videos
  • Covers
  • Merch