The Game Ranks His 10 Hottest Rappers Right Now | RE-RANK
The Game’s "Re‑Rank" episode launches a new monthly countdown of the "hottest" rappers, aiming to capture a real‑time temperature check of hip‑hop momentum. Joined by the West Coast legend, they explain the methodology—chart performance, touring revenue, and cultural buzz over the past six months—while promising to refresh the rankings each month. The conversation quickly crowns J. Cole as the current leader, citing his recent album’s chart‑topping debut and sustained fan engagement. Drake follows closely, buoyed by streaming numbers and high‑profile collaborations, though The Game hints his position could shift if his next project falters. Kendrick Lamar and NBA YoungBoy round out the top four, each praised for strong fan bases and sold‑out tours, while Yeat secures a spot thanks to his underground, “rage‑rap” momentum. Memorable moments include The Game calling Cole "one of the greatest" and referring to Drake as "my little brother," underscoring personal ties that color the rankings. The host also stresses that the list isn’t about lyrical supremacy but about who’s generating the most buzz, noting Yeat’s niche appeal and the divergent sub‑genres shaping today’s rap landscape. By treating the rankings as a living barometer, the show offers labels, promoters, and streaming platforms a quick pulse on where consumer attention is flowing. Monthly updates mean the list can reflect sudden spikes—like surprise drops or viral moments—making it a strategic tool for marketing spend and tour planning.
Lime Cordiale - 'Robbery' (Live at Lime Green Fest 2026)
Lime Cordiale’s live rendition of "Robbery" at Lime Green Fest 2026 became the centerpiece of the weekend’s indie‑pop showcase, drawing a packed crowd and streaming audiences worldwide. The band’s high‑energy delivery, punctuated by soaring vocal harmonies and a driving rhythm...
Sean Kiely - "This Is The Year" (Live at The Loft at City Winery)
Sean Kiely’s live set “This Is The Year,” recorded at The Loft at City Winery, is a spoken‑word‑driven performance that blurs the line between poetry and concert. The minimalist staging and ambient backdrop let the artist’s cadence dominate, turning a...
Sean Kiely - "Mother Tongue" (Live at The Loft at City Winery)
Sean Kiely performed his protest‑song “Mother Tongue” live at The Loft at City Winery, delivering a raw, spoken‑word‑style piece that blends folk‑rock with spoken poetry. The performance, captured in a minimalist video, centers on a refrain urging listeners to “sing...
Jimmy Jam Talks About Prince's Legacy
Jimmy Jam reflects on Prince’s enduring legacy, emphasizing how the icon transcended mere musical brilliance to become a cultural trendsetter. He frames Prince as a rare blend of supreme talent and an almost obsessive work ethic, likening him to Michael...
Noah Kahan: Tiny Desk Concert
Noah Kahan took the stage for a Tiny Desk Concert, unveiling tracks from his forthcoming album “The Great Divide.” The intimate NPR setting allowed the singer‑songwriter to showcase raw vocals and stripped‑down arrangements, marking a pivotal moment in his promotional...
El-P From Run the Jewels Considers Prince His Biggest Influence and Hero
In a 2017 interview with The Current, El‑P, one half of hip‑hop duo Run the Jewels, declared Prince his biggest influence and personal hero. He highlighted Prince’s fearless genre‑blending and theatrical flair as pivotal to his own artistic development. The...
Jon Batiste on How Studying Prince Helps His Own Creative Process 💜
Jon Batiste explains how dissecting Prince’s songwriting and recording methods informs his own creative workflow. He highlights Prince’s genre‑blending, studio spontaneity, and commitment to authenticity as key lessons. Batiste says these insights have broadened his lyrical palette and encouraged risk‑taking...
Brittany Howard on Playing with Prince #BrittanyHoward
Brittany Howard recounts a last‑minute invitation to perform at Prince’s Paisley Park, describing the surreal atmosphere of arriving under strict no‑meat, no‑cursing, no‑smoking, and no‑drinking rules. The anticipation among her crew turned to astonishment when Prince’s assistant announced the legendary musician...
Backstage with Freya Skye on "the Tour of My Dreams"
Freya Skye takes viewers behind the scenes of her Stars Align tour, filming a London stop in her hometown. The backstage vlog captures her pre‑show rituals, from signing hundreds of VIP posters to preparing for the soundcheck. She describes a predictable...
K. Michelle Breaks Down the Country Music Lifestyle in Nashville #complexnews
The video features singer‑songwriter K. Michelle discussing the experience of Black artists navigating Nashville’s country‑music ecosystem. She frames country music not merely as a sound but as a lifestyle rooted in community, daily routines, and personal authenticity. K. Michelle highlights that...
A Day To Remember on 12 Years of Aus Tours, Big Ole Album Vol. 2, the Future of Hardcore |...
The interview celebrates A Day to Remember’s twelve‑year relationship with Australia, announcing the upcoming Big Old Album Vol. 2 and reflecting on the band’s role in the evolving hardcore scene. Key insights include the band’s strategic curation of support acts—such as Papa Roach...
The New Pornographers - "The Former Site Of" (Live at The Bitter End)
The New Pornographers took the stage at New York’s historic Bitter End to deliver a live rendition of “The Former Site Of,” a track steeped in imagery of sinking lands and fading sanctuaries. The performance, recorded for a small but...
The New Pornographers - "Ballad of the Last Payphone" (Live at The Bitter End)
The New Pornographers delivered a live rendition of “Ballad of the Last Payphone” at New York’s historic Bitter End, a venue known for intimate shows. The performance, captured in a recent video, blends the band’s signature indie‑rock energy with the club’s...
The New Pornographers - "Votive" (Live at The Bitter End)
The video captures The New Pornographers’ live rendition of “Votive” at New York’s historic Bitter End, a venue known for launching emerging acts. The band’s stripped‑down setup emphasizes guitars and vocal harmonies, offering fans a rare acoustic‑leaning take on the...
K. Michelle on Her Voice Being Allegedly Stolen by an AI Artist #complexnews
K. Michelle took to social media to denounce an artificial‑intelligence program that reproduced her vocal style, alongside imitations of fellow R&B artists Moneybagg Yo and Keyshia Cole. She framed the episode as a personal affront, describing the AI‑generated tracks as outright theft...
Andrea Swensson Recalls Reporting About Prince From Paisley Park on April 21, 2016
Andrea Swensson recounts the chaotic moments surrounding the breaking news of Prince’s death on April 21, 2016. After receiving a tip, she and colleague Jade rushed to Paisley Park, where she confirmed the story with Prince’s longtime associate Bobby Z., then...
FINNEAS Answers The Internet's Best Questions
Finneas O'Connell sat down with Wired to answer a rapid‑fire Reddit‑sourced Q&A, covering everything from his role in Billie Eilish’s brand to his thoughts on emerging music technology. He repeatedly emphasized that Billie’s visual style, live presence and fashion define...
Why Sabrina Carpenter's Viral Coachella Moment Upset so Many
The video examines Sabrina Carpenter’s Coachella moment in which she described a fan’s ululation as “weird,” prompting a wave of criticism on social media. It clarifies the distinction between ululation—also called sakta or ululation—a high‑pitched celebratory sound used across the...
Gwenifer Raymond: Tiny Desk Concert
Gwenifer Raymond’s Tiny Desk Concert opened with a playful, repetitive chant of "Heat," setting a quirky tone before the musician introduced herself and her guitar-centric set. The brief introduction included a humorous apology for leaving a "blood cannon" prop at...
Ethel Cain Takes You Behind Her Like a Version #ethelcain
In a candid video, singer‑songwriter Ethel Cain breaks down her approach to covering Angels & Airwaves’ 2006 anthem “The Adventure,” emphasizing that the track’s original perfection should remain untouched. Cain explains she “nitpicked” every guitar lick, bend and chord, insisting the...
Behind Ethel Cain’s Cover of Drive-By Truckers’ ‘Angels and Fuselage’ for Like A Version (Interview)
Emerging singer‑songwriter Ethel Cain announced she will perform a cover of Drive‑By Truckers’ “Angels and Fuselage” on Triple J’s iconic “Like a Version” segment, a platform known for high‑profile reinterpretations. Cain explained the song’s selection stems from a formative road‑trip memory:...
Ethel Cain - ‘Thoroughfare’ (Live for Like A Version)
Ethel Cain delivered a live rendition of her new track “Thoroughfare” on Australian radio station triple j’s flagship segment, Like A Version. The performance was recorded and posted to YouTube, accompanied by a full roster of senior producers and engineers. The session marks...
Ethel Cain Covers Drive-By Truckers’ ‘Angels and Fuselage’ for Like A Version
Australian music program Triple J’s “Like a Version” featured a striking cover by emerging singer‑songwriter Ethel Cain, who tackled Drive‑By Truckers’ 2021 track “Angels and Fuselage.” The performance, filmed in the show’s intimate studio, introduced Cain’s dark, cinematic aesthetic to...
From 2015: Irv Gotti Always Believed in DMX, Even when Jay-Z, Dame Dash, and Lyor Cohen Didn't.
The video recounts Irv Gotti’s early‑2000s battle to sign DMX, a rapper many label heads dismissed as commercially dead‑end. Gotti faced pressure from Def Jam executives—Jay‑Z, Dame Dash, Lyor Cohen, and even Tina Davis—who warned him he’d be fired. He persisted,...
Baby Keem Executive Produced a Full Uzi Album that Never Got Released 👀 #complexnews
Baby Keem disclosed in a New York Times interview that he almost executive‑produced an entire Lil Uzi Vert album in 2022. The collaboration began when Uzi let Keem browse his hard drive while he was napping, allowing Keem to assemble a full project in...
The Spotify Top 10 Got Even Worse
In the latest episode of his “Spotify Top 10” series, Rick Biato breaks down the current U.S. chart, noting a steep decline in artistic ambition. Biato points out that the majority of the list—songs like Malcolm Todd’s “Earrings” and Don Toiver’s...
Jin on How He Created the Song "Loser"
Jin, the vocalist of BTS, sat down with Rolling Stone for a solo interview as part of the magazine’s eight‑part May 2026 cover‑story series. He discussed the creative process behind the new track “Loser,” citing Coldplay’s influence and his desire...
Suga Talks About Why BTS Will Stay Together Forever, Hip-Hop Heroes, and More | Cover Story
In a Rolling Stone Cover Story interview, BTS’s Suga reflected on the group’s evolution, his solo work, and future ambitions. He explained that after years of intense competition, the members now prioritize physical and emotional health, allowing them to enjoy...
K. Michelle on RHOA, AI In Music, And The Impact of Cowboy Carter For Black Country Music Artists
In a candid interview with Complex News, R&B veteran K Michelle discusses her upcoming debut on the reality series Real Housewives of Atlanta, her unconventional musical journey from yodeling lessons to country‑inspired performances, and growing concerns about artificial‑intelligence replicas of Black...
Is Maddox Batson “Country Music’s Justin Bieber”? | Rolling Stone Nashville Now
Maddox Batson, a 16‑year‑old country singer, is being hailed as the genre’s answer to a young Justin Bieber. He recently appeared on Rolling Stone’s Nashville Now podcast, discussing his songwriting process, social‑media strategy, and a co‑write credit on a track...
Sam Fender on How Olivia Dean Jumped on 'Rein Me In' #samfender #oliviadean #interview
Sam Fender discusses how Olivia Dean became the perfect partner for the duet "Rain Me In," a track that emerged from an unexpected collaboration. Fender initially considered a label‑pushed single, but he sent Dean his entire album, allowing her to...
Kashus Culpepper - "Out Of My Mind" (Live at The Bitter End)
Kashus Culpepper took the modest stage of The Bitter End to deliver a live rendition of his original track “Out Of My Mind.” Stripped down to acoustic guitar and his voice, the performance felt like a private confession, amplified...
Kashus Culpepper - "Man Of His Word" (Live at The Bitter End)
Kashus Culpepper took the stage at New York’s iconic Bitter End to premiere his self‑written track “Man Of His Word,” a raw folk‑rock ballad that blends personal narrative with broader social commentary. The song’s lyrics probe a woman’s search for reliability...
Durand Bernarr Won His First Grammy. Now, He’s Going to Make Sure You Can’t Look Away
Durand Bernarr celebrated his first Grammy win, a milestone after a two‑decade journey, and used the moment to discuss how the award has amplified his profile. He noted a 500% jump in streaming numbers and likened the surge to adding gasoline...
The Bruce Hornsby Interview
The conversation with Bruce Hornsby centers on his latest release, Indigo Park, his 26th studio album, and the 40‑year milestone since his debut in 1986. Hornsby reflects on a career that has spanned from the analog era of tape‑based recording to...
Bruno Mars Named 'New King of Las Vegas'
Bruno Mars has been crowned the “new king of Las Vegas” after the city honored him with a street bearing his name, cementing his residency as a cultural milestone. Despite early industry warnings to postpone a Vegas stint, Mars embraced the...
Dancing the Revolution: From Dancehall to Reggaetón
The video traces the cultural trajectory from Jamaica’s dancehall halls to the rise of reggaetón, highlighting how both genres function as grassroots newsrooms, identity workshops, and protest platforms. It explains that dancehall began as a communal space where marginalized voices...
BTS' RM Talks About the Band's Identity, 'Fighting Demons', And the Meaning of Life | Cover Story
RM sits down with Rolling Stone to discuss BTS's evolving identity, his post‑military psychological state, and the philosophical questions driving his solo work. He emphasizes that without continual challenge, the group loses purpose, and he frames his upcoming album as...
Jessica Vosk and Kelli Barrett Talk 'Beaches' On Broadway
The segment spotlights the Broadway debut of "Beaches," a musical adaptation of the beloved novel and 1988 film. Hosted on Good Morning America, the promotion features lead performers Jessica Vosk as CeCe Bloom and Kelli Barrett as Roberta, underscoring the...
Jeremy Messersmith on His Album Fox/Coyote #jeremymessersmith
Jeremy Messersmith explains the genesis of his new album, Fox/Coyote, noting that many of the songs originated during the 2020 pandemic and represent a long‑term creative journey. He describes a period of “unhinged” writing as he searched for his voice, ultimately...
Justin Bieber’s Vocals Didn't Disappoint, but Was Bieberchella Worth the Hype? #complexnews
Jordan Rose of Complex recapped Justin Bieber’s surprise Coachella appearance, dubbed “Bieber‑chella,” noting the pop star arrived in a hoodie and shades, then let his voice carry the show. With only ambient lighting and a simple mic, Bieber performed...
How an Unknown Rapper BLEW UP WITHOUT SOCIAL MEDIA (Copy This)
The video chronicles how independent rapper Alumni achieved massive Spotify success—over 10 million streams and half‑a‑million monthly listeners—while maintaining a near‑invisible social‑media footprint. Spotify label‑partnership exec Jesse and veteran producer KO discuss the unconventional path that led to the breakout, highlighting...
What Jaafar Jackson Rlearned From Reading Michael Jackson's Personal Journals #complexnews
In a recent interview, Jaafar Jackson, the nephew of Michael Jackson, described how he delved into his uncle’s personal journals and sketchbooks to gain insight into the legendary artist’s creative process. He noted that Michael kept daily affirmations on bathroom mirrors...
"I Started Making Movies for the Audience..." #RyanGosling #Movie #AliPlumb #Radio1
The video centers on an actor’s epiphany that filmmaking should serve the audience, not just personal expression. A mentor’s comment sparked the shift, and the arrival of his children reinforced the need to prioritize viewers’ emotional experience. He argues that a...
Adéla Is Leading Pop Music's Exciting New Era | The Now Issue | Harper's BAZAAR
In a candid Harper’s Bazaar interview, emerging pop singer‑songwriter Adéla discusses the creation of her debut album and frames it as a marker of a “new era” in pop music. She describes her studio as a sanctuary where she curates an...
Mannequin Pussy: Tiny Desk Concert
Mannequin Pussy, the New York‑based noise‑rock quartet, took the stage at NPR’s Tiny Desk, marking their first official appearance after two earlier invitation attempts were rebuffed. The band introduced themselves—Missy, Bear, Maxine, Kaen—and welcomed guest musicians Kong, Ashley, Sean, and...
Robbie Williams on AI: "A Hit Came Out in My Voice...It's Over"
Robbie Williams uses a recent AI demo to illustrate how synthetic voice technology can produce a chart‑ready track in seconds, prompting him to declare, “it’s over.” The pop star recounts a friend’s prototype that, after a few prompts, generated a...
Sam Fender on 'Rein Me In' With Olivia Dean, Meeting Elton John and Star Wars | Interview
The interview captures Sam Fender’s whirlwind Los Angeles visit, where a last‑minute label‑arranged ticket landed him at a Paul McCartney show, followed by chance encounters with Elton John, Al Pacino and a Star Wars experience at Disneyland. Fender celebrates the meteoric rise of his single...
Snail Mail - "My Maker" (Live at WFUV)
The video captures Snail Mail’s live performance of “My Maker” recorded for WFUV, offering a stripped‑down version of the track that differs from the studio cut. Lead singer Lindsey Jordan’s hushed vocals and minimalist guitar create an intimate atmosphere, emphasizing...