You don’t have to be famous to be innovative. But if you want to be famous, chances are you need an innovative streak—an instinct for taking what’s already out there and adding or stripping away to create something new. If you’re lucky and you hit the zeitgeist at just the right moment, it might even move mass culture.
This weekend, we’re hosting ComplexCon, where the biggest names in music, style, tech, and culture converge at the Las Vegas Convention Center. It’s the biggest cultural moment of the year, which makes it the perfect backdrop for what we’re unveiling. Introducing List[ed]: a collection of 50 people influencing Complex culture and helping define what’s next. Some are household names. Others are movers and shakers working behind the scenes. All of them are changing the game in their own way across the areas of culture that Complex covers: music, sneakers, style, pop culture, and sports.
A couple caveats: This isn’t a ranked list. It’s not just a list of celebrities. Rather, it’s a list of people with real impact in their field. We've also kept current Complex staff and contributors off the list. And, to honor the individuals featured, we’re hosting a special dinner in Vegas this Friday before ComplexCon.
Welcome to List[ed]. Come and get inspired.
Daniel Arsham
The man of the hour, New York City artist Daniel Arsham—whom Pharrell once called “the master of illusion and science”—is serving as the creative director for this year’s ComplexCon. He’s bringing his instincts for scale, history, and architectural design to the highly anticipated event. Talking to Complex about his approach, Arsham said, “When you're confronted with objects from your own life as if you're looking at them in a museum, it provokes curiosity. They're confusing, and that’s a really good place for people to be. I hope people are confused—in a good way.” All I can say, is—can't wait. —Dimas Sanfiorenzo
Takashi Murakami
Takashi Murakami is imitated by many, perfected by none. As the founder of the Superflat art movement—an aesthetic inspired by anime and pop culture that critiques consumerism and fetishism in Japanese society—Murakami’s work soon found a second home in the West.
His distinct, colorful style and recurring motifs became beloved by artists like Kanye West and Pharrell Williams. And, of course, beloved by Complex itself; for the first three years, he served as the creative director of ComplexCon. This year, he might have given the L.A. Dodgers a bit of early season luck with the Japanese Heritage capsule collection. —Jade Gomez
Ryan Coogler
Throughout his career, Ryan Coogler has used his brilliance to explore both IP-based fiction (the Black Panther franchise) and non-fiction narratives (Fruitvale Station) to amplify underrepresented voices.
This year, he proved he could also create something entirely his own; Sinners broke the mold as Coogler’s first entirely original screenplay, not based on a true story, a comic book, or a sequel. Not only was the movie a sensation but it resulted in important conversations on history and race…and delivered a steady stream of top-tier memes in the process. —DeMicia Inman
Young Thug
Last month, Thugger returned with UY SCUTI, an introspective album that finds him navigating parole, rebuilding relationships, and reentering the rap world. Across the project, Thug channels a striking vulnerability—on tracks like “Miss My Dogs” and “Sad Spider,” he reflects on his time in prison and the sense of betrayal he felt as the rap game turned on itself during Drake and Kendrick’s 2024 feud. —Antonio Johri
Renell Medrano
In an age when photography has become increasingly democratized through the rise of smartphones and accessible digital cameras, Renell Medrano stands out as one of the most important visual artists of our generation.
Known for her striking portraiture, Medrano redefines the meaning of celebrity—whether capturing tender images of Justin Bieber with his child or portraying the weary, complex figure of Kendrick Lamar for the cover of his 2022 album Mr. Morale & the Big Steppers. Each photograph feels disarmingly calm, inviting viewers into the rare stillness of her subjects’ lives. —Jade Gomez
Salehe Bembury
Salehe Bembury’s journey as a footwear designer has landed him roles with brands like Yeezy, Versace, Moncler, and more. With each stop, the 39-year-old has been able to carve out his own lane in fashion, rooted in his own often bold, eclectic point of view. With the launch of SPUNGE, his own footwear brand, earlier this month, Bembury proves that he is only just beginning. —DeMicia Inman
Clint Ogbenna
You might know him as Clint. Or Clint419. Or simply the swaggy dude running Corteiz. Regardless, there might not be a bigger name in fashion right now than the London-based designer. Corteiz has become the new face of streetwear thanks to their inimitable logo, penchant for causing absolute chaos when they descend upon cities for pop-ups, and the way in which they move around like a touring band, coming through with unreleased drops, exclusive items, and one-of-ones. Ogbenna and Corteiz have reimagined streetwear as a playground for rockstars, and the entire world is their stage. —Will Schube
Quenlin Blackwell
At only 24 years old, Quenlin Blackwell’s already dominated through multiple eras of viral entertainment. She launched her career as a YouTuber at around age 9 before transitioning to Vine as a teen and eventually, creating her Feeding Starving Celebrities cooking show in 2024. In that same time span, she’s modeled for Chanel and Savage X Fenty, walked the runway for Victoria’s Secret. She’s popping out for Rachel Sennot’s new HBO TV series, I Love LA. Did we mention she was on a Complex cover?—Peter A. Berry
Joe Freshgoods
This year, Joe Freshgoods celebrated a five-year mileston with New Balance. While his journey didn’t begin with the brand, his collaborations have been instrumental in New Balance’s resurgence—drawing in new audiences and delivering sneakers filled with cultural Easter eggs. Even though there have been fewer drops from Joe Freshgoods this year—he just announced only his third collabo of 2025— he’s already proven himself as an innovator in the fashion industry, consistently pushing boundaries and creating moments that reflect where he’s from. —DeMicia Inman
Druski
Druski might just be the funniest man on the planet. He practically broke the internet earlier this year when he went full white face (and body) at a NASCAR race and quickly set records across Instagram and X for view counts and comments. But Druski isn’t just a shock value comedian; the video only works because of everything we know about Druski as an artist. He’s an empire, perhaps the last man left that can get everyone laughing at the same time; even if they’re laughing at each other. —Will Schube
Pharrell Williams
Pharrell has endured industry shifts over the past few decades, remaining one of music’s most innovative artists. As a performer, writer, and producer, the Virginia native has left his mark on some of the biggest hip-hop, R&B, and pop records of all time—most recently executive producing Clipse’s acclaimed comeback earlier this year. Beyond his musical legacy, the 52-year-old has brought his signature swagger to Louis Vuitton menswear as its creative director. —DeMicia Inman
Travis Scott
La Flame came up under Kanye West, learning from one of the most innovative cultural curators of the 21st century. Over time, he’s become a curator in his own right. This year, his focus turned to empire building—assembling his label for the second, chart-topping JackBoys installment and steering the creative vision behind Coachella’s stages, where he also headlined.
Travis further expanded his partnership with Nike, debuting new colorways of his Jumpman Jack sneaker at the end of last year. Fittingly, only the second non-athlete after his mentor Ye to receive a signature shoe from the Swoosh. —Antonio Johri
Central Cee
The U.S. still has a ways to go when it comes to not only understanding, but celebrating UK rap. But Central Cee makes it pretty easy, with dexterous flows, quippy punchlines and sonic versatility that proves good music doesn’t have to have borders. And even if it does, Cench is great enough to make you want to cross them.—Peter A. Berry
Yeat
Yeat acts abruptly—hypnotizing listeners with hallucinating ad-libs and supernatural tracks that incites a disarray of chaos. The rapper (whose lyrics sound like translated hieroglyphics at times) is more of a mad scientist than he is a MC, becoming a pioneer of rap’s blazing undergrown wave in the process. Now, evolving into one of the genre’s most forward-thinking artists, Yeat has built a world that’s all his own. Forging a blueprint for what rap can be, Yeat continually pushes boundaries, inspiring a new generation of artists to embrace their own unique visions—no matter how otherworldly they may seem. —Jon Barlas
Joe Budden
The whole “rapper hosts a podcast” thing might be normal now, but Joe Budden was pretty much the first MC to do it. And the estimated $20 million he's projected to make this year from The Joe Budden Podcast and its revolving cast of characters might prove he’s the best to do it, too. The money alone would be enough. But the fact that he’s now arguably more famous as a media personality than he ever was as an objectively good rapper is proof of a historic level-up. —Peter A. Berry
Cole Bennett
As one of the industry’s leading music video directors, Cole Bennett has always pushed creative boundaries. Even as he’s given newer talent at Lyrical Lemonade—like AMD—a chance to take the lead, Bennett continues to deliver major work himself.
He recently directed Justin Bieber’s “Yukon” video, a vivid, cinematic glimpse into the pop star’s world. At the same time, he’s expanding his Chicago festival, Summer Smash, turning each edition into a true event—whether it’s bringing Chief Keef back to the city in 2024 or showcasing Young Thug’s first post-prison performance this year. —Antonio Johri
Zack Bia
Zack Bia is equal parts curator, connector, and cultural architect. As co-founder of Field Trip Recordings—which houses artists like PlaqueBoyMax, BNYX, and more—and manager to Yeat, Bia helped shape one of the most explosive artist rises of the decade, blurring the lines between underground energy and mainstream reach and amplifying it tenfold. He’s also served as a DJ, opening for Post Malone’sTwelve Carat Tour and Drake's Anita Max Win Tour.
Bia doesn’t just act just behind the scenes, he’s built a career off instinct—becoming an integral figure for the “up next” stars in hip-hop. —Jon Barlas
Rihanna
In 2009, Rihanna warned listeners of a reign that would not let up. The Grammy-winning pop star has held true to her word. While the mother of three has not released an album since 2016, she remains one of music’s most in-demand artists, with a navy of dedicated fans wishing for a taste of anticipated R9.
As the Bajan icon continues to create and release music on her own terms, she has not hindered her impact. Fenty Beauty, Savage X Fenty, Fenty Hair, and Fenty Skin have all locked in the bad gal’s legacy as a generational game changer. —DeMicia Inman
Kai Cenat
If you hear a Gen Alpha kid say they want to be a streamer when they grow up, you can thank Kai Cenat. Wielding a charisma as relentless as his Mafiathon streaming sessions, Cenat has evolved from YouTuber to perhaps Gen Z’s most influential tastemaker.
And he’s even finding time to pass his wisdom to the next generation — see: Streamer University. At this point, he’s basically five things at once: a music critic, comedian, teacher, and—perhaps most endearingly—the best friend you’ll never meet. —Peter A. Berry
ASAP Rocky
A$AP Rocky has remained one of hip-hop’s coolest voices by uniting his passions for music, fashion, and film. As his solo spotlight continues to evolve, the Harlem native has added another pin to his perfectly tailored lapel. In 2025, he stayed busy—starring alongside Denzel Washington in Spike Lee’s Highest 2 Lowest and taking on unprecedented roles with Ray-Ban and PUMA. Through it all, he’s maintained the sincerity of his creative journey toward Don’t Be Dumb, taking his time, even if fans have to subsist on teasers and singles.—DeMicia Inman
Ronnie Fieg
There aren’t many people who can say that, 20 years into their career, they’re at the peak of their powers. But we’ve seen very few figures like Ronnie Fieg, who went from stocking sneakers at David Z to building an empire with Kith. He’s been on fire this year, with new collaborations with Adidas and New Balance, Kith’s first New York City runway show in six years, and the launch of a new store in Chicago. —Dimas Sanfiorenzo
Lil Yachty
Lil Yachty has been a disruptor since day one. Emerging as the colorful, loud-mouth teen with a sound that split the rap world in two, Lil Boat fully embraced melody, internet aesthetics and fearless self-expression long before it was the industry standard. He refuses to stay in one lane—sliding from Detroit flows to Atlanta bounce, to flipping all expectations on its head with his psychedelic rock album, Let’s Start Here. Yachty treats rap like an open canvas, breaking rules that redraw the game in real time, every time. —Jon Barlas
Teyana Taylor
Remember when Teyana Taylor retired? Me neither. She made her return to music with Escape Room, and that project was elevated by the accompanying short film co-starring Aaron Pierre and LaKeith Stanfield. As if her first full-length album in five years wasn’t enough, Taylor also turned in one of the best acting performances of the year as Perfedia Beverly Hills in the critically acclaimed new film from Paul Thomas Anderson, One Battle After Another. Early books have her as a heavy favorite to earn a Best Supporting Actress nod for the performance. Not a bad year at all. —Will Schube
Bad Bunny
The term innovator usually suggests looking forward. But what makes Bad Bunny remarkable is how he looks back. At the start of 2025, he drew from Puerto Rico’s musical roots, blending plena, salsa, and reggaeton and political history on DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS. After playing 31 sold-out shows in Puerto Rico—injecting an estimated $200 million into the island’s economy—and landing a coveted Super Bowl slot, Bad Bunny cemented his status as the center of global pop culture. —Antonio Johri
Clipse
Clipse have had many dominant years, but 2025 might have been the most impressive yet. Not only did they parlay their long hiatus into wild anticipation for their comeback LP, Let God Sort Em Out, but they made good on that promise, dropping one of the best rap albums of the year and an instant classic in their sterling discography. Outside of the project itself, Pusha T and Malice brought a fresh perspective to the way albums are promoted, providing a new (old) method to get listeners excited. —Will Schube
Anthony Edwards
Anthony Edwards is about two years into his run as an NBA superstar, and thanks to his personality, he’s becoming a true cultural star. From relentless sound bites to increasing on-court dominance—and cool side missions like rap soundtracks—Edwards is proving himself to be the multi-platform hero we deserve. Oh, and the shoes are sick, also. — Peter A. Berry
Plaqueboymax
Plaqueboymax went through the highs and lows of life as a streamer. He set a goal of streaming every day for the entire year, but ended the streak in June after growing exhausted. It ended up being for the best, though, as Max used some of his newfound spare time to pivot fully into his music career.
He showcased some real talent for production and songwriting. His first two EPs, London and Atlanta, featured artists from each city hopping on his production. While his debut LP, Five Forever, did away with guests and presenting his own unfiltered vision. —Will Schube
DJ Akademiks
Some 15 years into his media career, Akademiks has firmly established himself as a young OG, skillfully leveraging social media, streaming platforms, and provocative commentary to help define modern rap media. While some have called him petty, the fact remains: thanks to his success and reach, Ak has managed to balance exclusive insider access with a clear streak of independence that shows he moves to the beat of his own drum. —Peter A. Berry
Action Bronson
Action Bronson is a renaissance man. Expanding far beyond his slick raps packed with impossibly obscure sports references and a distinctly New York sense of humor, the Queens native is a perfect example of how important it is to have charisma.
He has since expanded his talents into the culinary space, returning to his roots as a cook and spotlighting hidden food havens without the pretentiousness. He’s also become the New Balance god, launching several collaborations with his staple brand. —Jade Gomez
Tyler, the Creator
Fifteen years into his career, Tyler, the Creator shows no signs of slowing down. With each new album, he expands his worldbuilding and sharpens his social commentary—whether exploring parasocial relationships on 2024’s CHROMAKOPIA promoting genuine human connection through dance on 2025’s Don’t Tap the Glass. It’s not just rap; Tyler is a multi-hyphenate creative powerhouse. From collaborations with Converse and Louis Vuitton to his upcoming appearance in Marty Supreme, it’s nearly impossible to keep up with everything he’s doing. —Antonio Johri
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is the best kind of famous. He’s not desperate, he’s not corny. There are no gimmicks, no high-level strategy meetings about how to craft his image. He’s just a fly guy who’s one of the best basketball players in the world.
After winning his first NBA Championship with the Oklahoma City Thunder, he gave fans a glimpse behind the scenes. He landed a GQ cover where he captured why fame and the spotlight don’t faze him: “Family, friends, hoops, fashion… Everything else just gets in the way.”—Will Schube
Playboi Carti
Playboi Carti might just be the most influential figure in rap right now. His long-awaited album MUSIC was a commercial and creative smash, with the rapper layering rapid-fire ad-libs, distorted vocals, and futuristic beats from some of the scene’s most sought-after producers.
Carti’s second album, Whole Lotta Red, continues to echo through today’s underground, shaping artists like OsamaSon and Che. Beyond influencing the sound of rap, Carti’s vision extends to his Opium label, where he has developed his protégés Ken Carson and Destroy Lonely into leaders of their generation. —Antonio Johri
Paige Bueckers
One scroll through WNBA superstar Paige Bueckers’ Instagram feed makes it clear just how big of a star she’s become. Recently, she’s linked up with Kyrie Irving, caught a TCU football game, snagged balls on the field before a Dallas Cowboys game (and connected with CeeDee Lamb), and even starred in the trailer for NBA 2K26. Getting used to life in Texas? I’d say she’s adjusting just fine. Oh, and she just wrapped up her rookie WNBA season averaging 19 points, 4 rebounds, 5 assists, and nearly 2 steals per game—numbers that earned her Rookie of the Year honors. —Will Schube
IShowSpeed
IShowSpeed is the most interesting Zoomer in the world. His energetic broadcasts—filled with athletic stunts, bro comedy, and special guests—have garnered the Ohio native an audience of more than 44 million YouTube subscribers. Earlier this year, the 20-year-old launched Speed Goes Pro, the first-ever premium ongoing series on his channel. The six-episode series takes him from amateur to professional arenas, leading to charismatic sparring matches with top talent such as Tom Brady and Suni Lee. With unpredictable IRL streams and an unabashed personality, Speed’s content has redefined what it means to be a digital creator. —DeMicia Inman
Chris Gibbs
Chris Gibbs may be a streetwear legend, but that doesn’t mean he’s slowing down any time soon. The Union boss continues to be one of the most forward thinking designers in the industry, pushing his brand in exciting new directions. Gibbs helped introduce brands like Stüssy, Bape, and Visvim to an American audience, but don’t sleep on Union’s original collabs, either. While Gibbs continues to define what’s cool in U.S. menswear, 2026 is shaping up to be a banner year with the release of the wildly anticipated fragment design x Union LA x Air Jordan 1. —Will Schube
Keith Lee
Keith Lee has redefined what it means to be a food critic in the digital age. By avoiding industry jargon and not catering solely to high-end restaurants, the former MMA fighter has built an audience of millions who eagerly await his recommendations with every bite. Through honest appraisals of local cuisines, the 29-year-old stands by his taste with unwavering integrity as his influence continues to grow. —DeMicia Inman
Greg Yuna
Greg Yüna prides himself on being “The Cleanest,” a reputation that has propelled him into the upper echelon of the luxury jewelry industry. His designs have been worn by stars like Drake, Meek Mill, and Ariana Grande, alongside notable collaborations with Nike. The New York native brings a unique point of view, ensuring each piece balances Yüna’s refined taste with his clients’ desires. Every chain and charm reflects his passion for craftsmanship, and at his Nolita shop, he channels his fervor for innovation far beyond the showroom floor. —DeMicia Inman
Steven Victor
The Victor Victor Worldwide founder and former COO of GOOD Music continues to make waves in the fashion world in 2025. He launched a racing-inspired version of the Air Max Dn8 in collaboration with Nike and unveiled a new clothing line to promote the label.
On the music side, Victor Victor signees like Molly Santana demonstrate that the company remains deeply committed to artistic development. Her October LP, Molly and Her Week of Wonders, was both a critical and commercial success, while the label’s newest artist, prettifun, is quickly becoming one of the most talked-about young MCs in the game. —Will Schube
Nigel Sylvester
We’re having one of the best sneaker years ever in 2025. You could argue it all started with the Brick by Brick Jordan 4s, a genuine contender for sneaker of the year. The drop speaks to how, In a short time, Nigel has become one of the most influential figures in sneakers. His real strength lies in how he turns product drops into experiential moments that quickly go viral, like when he was riding around New York City on a branded brick earlier this year. —Dimas Sanfiorenzo
Billie Eilish
Billie Eilish doesn’t have to be in the middle of an album cycle to be a constant presence in culture. Sure, she’s spent much of 2025 touring her celebrated album from the year before, HIT ME HARD AND SOFT, but Billie remains in the center of things whether or not she’s in full-on album promo mode. That speaks to just how impactful Eilish’s influence is on modern pop music; few have as big of a pull on what’s cool while remaining cool themselves. —Will Schube
Angelo Baque
The Jordan 5s are an iconic silhouette. It takes a lot of talent and a keen eye to remix such a legendary shoe in a way that feels fresh and innovative. That’s what makes the Awake x Air Jordan 5—available in Racer Blue and progressive bubblegum pink—such a remarkable achievement. Not only do they honor the legacy of the original, but they also stay true to the brand Awake.
This energy and insight is what you get from Angelo Baque, a streetwear legend. Since leaving Supreme, he has built one of the premium brands, one that remains true to its NYC roots. —Dimas Sanfiorenzo
Bloody Osris
Harlem is one of the most stylish places in the world. Now imagine Bloody Osris, a Harlem native known for pulling off outlandish, futuristic fits that push the boundaries of fashion.
Over the years, he’s done everything from gracing runways to styling figures such as Travis Scott to launching his own brand, Murd333r.FM. He is the one inspiring the most fashionable person you know. —Dimas Sanfiorenzo
Bradley Carbone
There are no current Complex staff members on the List, but we had to make an exception for one of the OGs: Bradley Carbone. He began his career in fashion as the Sneaker & Lifestyle Editor during Complex’s baby years, later becoming managing editor of Sneeze Magazine before joining adidas. Today, he serves as a consigliere-like figure, helping brands like Stone Island and Jordan Brand connect with emerging talent. —Dimas Sanfiorenzo
Flower Fantastic
There have been very few people in fashion like Flower Fantastic, who has found a way to blend floral artistry with design, sports, and sneaker culture. He first came to fame in 2018 when he transformed Serena Williams’ Air Max 97, designed by Virgil Abloh, into a gorgeous floral piece of art. He’s always in the mix, doing cool things. This past winter, he was one of the stars of the NBA All-Star Game, teaming up with 1800 Tequila to create a massive Sneaker-Shaped Decanter.
Jae Tips
Jae Tips is currently carrying Saucony on his back. An OG figure in sneaker culture, he has almost exclusively represented the Saucony brand over the past few years. The Bronx native has launched countless collections with the brand, bringing his gaudy, often colorful sensibility to each silhouette. At ComplexCon Las Vegas 2025, he will debut the exclusive Poison Ivy colorway—a must-cop if you know ball.—Dimas Sanfiorenzo
Veneda Carter
You have the “it” girls—and then the person who dresses the “it” girls. Veneda Carter is both. She began her career as a model before connecting with Ye and joining Yeezy in 2016. From there, she started styling Kim Kardashian and then went on to work with brands like Stüssy and Nike. Since 2022, she’s been leading her own eponymous label, which has been on fire lately. Earlier this year, she launched her first collaboration with Nike, remixing the Air Max Muse. —Dimas Sanfiorenzo
James Jeter
In 2024, James Jeter made history as the first Black Creative Director at Ralph Lauren in the brand’s 50-year history. Though his tenure has been brief, he is already making waves, bringing nuance and cultural thoughtfulness to the label. Over the summer, he unveiled a stunning collection honoring the Black communities of Oak Bluffs on Martha’s Vineyard. —Dimas Sanfiorenzo
mgk
I mean, how many artists can pivot from being one of the most dexterous rappers out there to a full-blown emo-pop star? By our count, it’s just Machine Gun Kelly, who released his seventh studio album Lost Americana this past August. Yes, the single is called “Cliche,” but don’t be fooled—the music is anything but. It’s fun, a song we can all sing along to. —Peter A. Berry
Seanie & Juice
Hellstar is one of our favorite brands right now. This indie clothing label is known for its rockstar-inspired edgy designs and baggy fits. The brand is going crazy right now, thanks in part to leaders Seanie and Juice, who were able to pull off collaborations with brands like Adidas and WWE. —Dimas Sanfiorenzo
Zeb Powell
Since signing Nigel Sylvester in 2021, Jordan Brand has been expanding its presence in sports beyond basketball and football. Now, the brand is making a move into snowboarding, turning to rising star Zeb Powell—the first Black snowboarder to win a gold medal at the Winter X Games. He also happens to be one of the coolest snowboarders out there, having hit the slopes with rappers like Travis Scott and Isaiah Rashad. The only question: when is the shoe coming? —Dimas Sanfiorenzo