FO·MO
ˈfōmō/
noun
informal
- anxiety that an exciting or interesting event may currently be happening elsewhere, often aroused by posts seen on a social media website.
- “I realized I was a lifelong sufferer of FOMO”
Urban dictionary definition: The fear that if you miss a party or event you will miss out on something great.
My definition: DON’T MISS THE EVENT.
Luckily, I’m here to provide you with all things you’ve missed, in this popping city of Los Angeles. My name is Shirley Ju, and I live, breathe, sleep Hip Hop. Coming from the Bay, I grew up to the hyphy movement. That being said, turning up is all I know. This will be a weekly recap of the dope events that I myself felt like I couldn’t miss, and you guys wish you were at.
Sunday, October 2
It seems a lot of women empowerment is in the air, especially after a successful Slutwalk II by Amber Rose this past weekend in L.A. This was the #NoStereotypes brunch with a panel featuring the women of Bad Boy Records — mainly Faith Evans. It’s hard to separate her from being the ex-wife of Biggie. Seeing her in the flesh was a little surreal.
This event took place at House Of Macau, where the Allies Dinner (featuring YG and DJ Mustard) was also held. They couldn’t have picked a better spot. It was a gorgeous Sunday in the heart of Hollywood, which means one thing: brunch. I pulled up extremely underdressed, in a T-shirt and sneakers, hoping being media would give me the pass.
Eva Marcille and Steve Jones outside House Of Macau in Hollywood, CA.
Shout out to Steve Jones, the man in the middle who helped create this whole event. Eva Marcille (to the far left) also spoke, and shared a powerful story that gave everyone chills. I couldn’t stop staring at her beauty. America’s Next Top Model? That was my shit.
It was beautiful inside. There were ladies dressed in vibrant, trendy outfits, and here I was (just kidding, I’ll stop). They all lined up to get a mouth-watering plate of eggs, fruits, croissants and then took their seats. The panel took place on a wall couch at the very back of the room, under a huge projector displaying the event flier.
Meagan Good slaying in all black everything.
I overheard Meagan Good was pulling up, so I immediately step outside to catch her. She was actually hosting the panel, asking the questions. Dressed in a casual beanie, T-shirt, and jeans, she still managed to outdo everyone in the building. Additional shout out to Laurieann Gibson in the background. She was the choreographer from Making the Band, another show I shamelessly watched.
Shout out to Faith Evans for giving us the exclusive on the release date for her duet album, The King & I, with The Notorious B.I.G. Valentine’s Day will be extra memorable this coming year.
Thanks Nicole at Flowers Communication Group for the invite! And shout out to my girl Val who ordered a mimosa thinking it was free, only to have the bartender run up on her 40 minutes later. Pure comedy.
Agenda for the night: Dizzy Wright’s Still Movin tour featuring Demrick. I was really sad to find out Audio Push wasn’t performing tonight, I love those guys. But Dizzy Wright is an artist I will always put on for. Just that positive, geniuine, real Hip Hop you can vibe and relate to.
I was actually extremely down on my way over to The Roxy on Sunset Blvd. Something happened that had me really low. Hearing “State Of Mind” live could not have been more perfect. Thank you Dizzy, for lifting my spirits and getting me back on my feet. You are appreciated.
I’m going to leave you with this 10-second Snapchat of Dizzy jumping into the crowd. He was having the time of his life. Also, shout out to Demrick for getting back on stage to perform my favorite song with Dizzy, “Roll My Weed.”
Wednesday, October 5
Holy shit. Mastro’s Steakhouse in Beverly Hills, probably one of the nicest restaurants I’ve been to. Well, I used to serve at a couple spots (Coupa Cafe, Bibigo, Chin Chin) in 90210, but Mastro’s is poppin’. You wanna impress your girl? Take her here.
The menu for the evening, alongside some crab-stuffed mushrooms.
Shout out to my girl Melissa killing the game. She literally put this whole thing together to celebrate Paloma Ford’s Nearly CivilizedEP, available now. If I drank, the Hennessy shots would have been a great addition to my night. I swear I got the same type of high from these crab-stuffed mushrooms though. Let’s be real.
Paloma Ford actually came through DX recently for a music meeting, showing the world she could sing. We also found out she was dating Nick Young, who didn’t leave her side that night. The support is real. And they’re cute. <3
I sat two seats away from Kid Ink and his lady, and had the pleasure of watching the two power couples take selfies all night. No shade. I would too. Shout out to Mario and his lady in the building as well. We occupied the dining room on the third floor of the restaurant, with a balcony overlooking Rodeo Drive. You can already guess what I’m going to say next. Yep, it’s lit.
What was even more lit was sitting next to the Martin Sensmeier, the actor who played the Indian from The Magnificent Seven starring Denzel Washington. Unlike everyone else at the table, I actually go to the movies. I got way too excited. I told him how my homegirl shouted “he’s hot” when he came on the big screen. I had to.
Unfortunately, I didn’t get to stay for the main course, because I had T-Pain to get to at The NOVO in downtown Los Angeles. I invited my homeboy, who was low-key a huge T-Pain fan. but then again, who isn’t?
We pulled up just in time for two tracks, but hey, it was worth it. Literally, T-Pain is the man. So many hits. So many memories. I was pretty bummed to have missed “Bartender” and “I’m Sprung.” Next time.
And there will be a next time. He closed out by getting the sold out crowd overhyped, exclaiming, “There will be another T-Pain era.” We’re here for it.
Another shout out to WilldaBeast on stage, who used to dance for T-Pain. Surprisingly, more people responded to my Snapchats about Will than T-Pain. He joked that Will makes more money than him now. It was all love up there. I actually met Will a couple years ago because my good friend went to college with him and brought me to his birthday. Small. World.
Thursday, October 6
I saw The Girl on the Train at Arclight Cinemas in Culver City tonight. $15 for a movie ticket. Los Angeles is not playing around about their paper, guys. But it was worth every dollar. This film had me at the edge of my seat. I highly recommend it for everyone to go see it on their next night off. I literally was saying it was the movie of the year, which might have been a little generous.
It’s based on a novel, which usually means the story is going to be incredible. And Emily Blunt better win an Oscar. Still can’t get over it.
Friday, October 7
So this picture of Tupac on the flier completely threw me off. Is this a Tupac-themed event?! Because if so, I’m in. But negatory. This event was equally as dope though. It was celebrating Karl Kani, a fashion icon from the 90’s. Super old school and before my time, but legendary.
The music was on point — throwbacks for the win. It took place at the DOM gallery which I visited a few months back, with the dope Kanye West mural in the window. It’s located on Melrose and Fairfax, in the heart of West Hollywood. Shout out to my boy Q who was modeling the clothing! He was rocking an oversized fur hoodie coat, in an overcrowded room where no one could maneuver their way around. The poor guy was burning up.
The artwork in this gallery is always so on point. It was definitely Hollywood up in there, fashion game strong. A good chunk of the night was spent admiring people’s outrageous, yet trendy outfits. Think Yeezy clothing mixed with Lady Gaga.
Karen Civil and Karl Kani posing for the camera.
Here’s Karen Civil posing with the man himself. She was, of course, rocking a Karl Kani coordinated fit, and it was on point. My boss was doing the interviews, and he got Anthony Anderson fromBlackish, a show I adore. Shout out to Kurupt, Kyla Pratt, and Steve Lobel for rolling through as well.
Next up, Paint and Pour Up LA! “This is not your average paint night — live DJ set, trap playlist and drinks available!” Paint and trap music? Sign me up. Except oh wait, I suck at painting. Let me just go turn up to some trap.
I pulled up and was so lost. The location was in the cut. Don’t you hate when you arrive somewhere and no one picks up their phone? Doesn’t Travis Scott have a hit about that? Anyways, I eventually found my way inside Blue Rooster Art Supplies on Hollywood Blvd. The event was in the back of this paint supply store, which was super dope.
A Fabolous quote on top a sample drawing you could choose to paint.
Shout out to Jasmine who put this incredible event together. She did one in from Cleveland, Ohio, but this was her first in LA. It was $30 on eventbrite.com so you know it’s real. Shameless promoting because I truly think it’s dope. The clubs and bars will always be there. How many times do you get to paint and turn up?
Drake & Kyrie Irving props.
I was turning up tough and I look over to see DJ King Marie on the turntables. We were trying to figure out where I had seen her before and then we did: DJing for Chuck Inglish at his show at The Roxy.
I remember me and my girl were eyeing her in the crowd. Who’s this dope female DJ throwing it down? I know she feels me when I say there are not many Asian females obsessed with Hip Hop. We have to hold it down.
