Complex Host Speedy Morman Gets Candid with A’Ja Wilson; Complex EIC Aria Hughes Talks Mental Health with NBA Hall of Famer Gary Payton; and 1800 Tequila and Mr. Flower Fantastic Unveil Basketball-Inspired Decanter
This past weekend, Complex, the definitive platform for global youth culture and music lifestyle, took over the Bay’s biggest weekend in sports with a high-energy lineup of events, insightful conversations, and immersive experiences that bring together the biggest names in sports and culture.
From an exclusive, invite-only discussions between Complex EIC Aria Hughes and NBA Hall of Famer Gary Payton on mental health to a first-of-its-kind 1800 Tequila x Mr. Flower Fantastic launch, Complex created moments that push culture forward. Plus, Speedy Morman hosted a series of must-hear conversations at Chase Freedom’s Cashback Courts, where basketball’s biggest stars including WNBA legend A’Ja Wilson who shared her favorite pre-game rituals and what it means to wear the crown.
This weekend was a testament to Complex’s ability to redefine the intersection of sports, culture, and lifestyle delivering unparalleled access and innovation while engaging our audience in meaningful ways.
NBA Hall-of-Famer Gary Payton Gets Candid During “Please Explain by Aria Hughes” Conversation at Basketball’s Biggest Weekend
The NBA legend & Complex Editor-in-Chief join Soluna to talk about The League, mental health and why it’s okay for men to cry, his coaching style, and Kevin Durant trash talk
On February 13, Complex kicked off All-Star Weekend with an exclusive 1-on-1 conversation between NBA Hall-of-Famer Gary Payton and Complex editor-in-chief Aria Hughes for her Please Explain series, which aims to bring “context, not confusion to the internet.”
The lively conversation between Payton, who was last year named the men’s basketball coach at College of Alameda, and Hughes, touched on consistent gratitude, customizing communication styles to different players and being aware of the importance of mental health. It also marked the first studio audience recording of “Please Explain.”
The intimate event, powered by Soluna, a CalHOPE program, raised awareness about mental health and resources for teens and young adults. Soluna is a free app that provides resources and coaching to young adults 13-25 years old. Consumers can download the Soluna app for free on Google Play and Apple Store to access its resources.
Agave All-Stars Celebrates 1800 Tequila x Mr. Flower Fantastic Collaboration
Directly following Please Explain, guests were invited to join the 1800 Tequila x Mr. Flower Fantastic Agave All-Stars Pop-Up, which served as the official unveiling of the artist’s limited-edition luxury basketball sneaker decanter.
To celebrate the launch, Mr. Flower Fantastic unveiled an 1800 Cristalino Court installation highlighting how these unique cultures intersect. The installation transported guests to the blue agave fields of Jalisco, showcasing where the essence of tequila comes to life.
Special guests including fashion designer Jeff Hamilton and cultural influencer 19 Keys enjoyed 1800 Tequila custom cocktails, took their shot at the 1800 Tequila custom shot clock, and experienced live music by DJ Supernova.
The decanter is officially available for purchase starting on February 18 via 1800MFFDecanter.com. The partnership, launch event and microsite were curated in partnership with Complex; this marks the first time a media company has worked with a spirits company in this way, selling spirits directly to consumers.
WNBA Legend A’ja Wilson Gets Her Flowers & Talks Changing the Game with Complex’s Speedy Morman—While Steph Curry Surprises Fans at Chase Cashback Courts!
Media personality and Complex host and producer Speedy Morman sat down for a candid conversation with WNBA icon A’ja Wilson while NBA legend Steph Curry surprised fans at the Chase Cashback Courts at City View at Metreon in San Francisco, California on February 14.
Wilson, who was sporting a head-to-toe blue ‘fit, custom blue frames and Margiela Tabis, talked about her favorite pre-game ritual, which athlete she’d pair up with to take over another sport and how it feels to wear the crown.
To close out the chat, multi-disciplinary artist Mr. Flower Fantastic gave Wilson her flowers, presenting her with a custom white and blue bouquet on stage. He also designed custom basketballs, totes, and crewnecks that were given away to lucky fans.
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