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.
Ice skating rink at L.A. Live downtown.
Friday, December 16
I pulled up to L.A. Live totally expecting to see this gorgeous Christmas tree, and I was not disappointed. The holidays are literally lit in Los Angeles. Tonight was Real 92.3’s Real Big Holiday Show featuring Trey Songz, Rae Sremmurd, Fetty Wap, YFN Lucci and Kehlani.
I was definitely here for Trey Songz. It’s that time of year. Just kidding. Cuffing season doesn’t apply to me. I swear people ask me about my dating life, and in my head, I’m like, “When? In my sleep?” Yeah. That’s where I’m at. Special shout out to Dre Sinatra for being the plug and Marina with Staples Center for the press passes. We had our cameras ready. She took good care of us and made sure we had the best shot possible.
We walk in right before Rae Sremmurd hits the stage. I love those guys so much. I’ve covered them enough, so I’ll resist from footage overkill. Pause, I haven’t been to Microsoft Theater since it was Nokia Theatre. They remodeled it and it looks amazing. It’s a really beautiful space for a big event or show. Excuse me while I check their events calendar. . .
I love all the people at Real 92.3. It’s one of L.A.’s most popping radio stations (besides Power 106). It’s hilarious because they always have this petty Snapchat filter competition, where one station will have a filter at the other station’s show. I honestly think it’s so funny. My girl Ashley told me to look out for Power’s tonight and sure enough, it’s there. In fact, it came before Real 92.3’s. . .
This video had me crying. Big Boy put cockroaches all over Louis G when he was blindfolded. Dead. Trey Songz was next. He had his back up dancers on deck. I found myself looking at the big screen instead of the stage far too often. We prefer Trey up close and personal.
That moment it’s cold af but Trey Songz takes his shirt off. It was going to happen, it was only a matter of time. And then I thought, are all the dudes in the building really here to see Trey Songz headline? “Can’t Be Friends” had me in nostalgia, along with the rest of his hits.
And then, Chris Brown. Enough said.
Thanks for a great night, Real 92.3.
Saturday, December 17
Today was the long-awaited, highly anticipated Yoga Expo at the Los Angeles Convention Center. This is exactly what it sounds like: an all-day event for yoga lovers. I was going to say yogis, but I feel like that discriminates those that aren’t experienced in yoga. Nope. This event is for anyone interested in fitness, or even health. It’s laced with “yoga apparel & accessories, vegan food & beverages, and other brands and organizations that will help you stay happy and healthy.”
It was a really good time. There was so much to look at. I was mistaken because I was just here for the LA Auto Show, which took over each and every building in the venue. I imagined a similar ordeal. This was located in just the Concourse Hall. The first floor contained all the food and booths, and you could go upstairs to take classes. I really wanted to take a class, but I had no time.
Water directly from the coasts of Hawaii.
I could have spent hours walking up and down the aisles with all the booths. Everyone is so friendly. They’re so willing to chop it up with you and get to know you, on top of trying to sell their product. I think that’s one of the greatest attributes of yoga. It’s all love. I had a sample of this water, which tripped me out. They said it’s straight up from the coast of Hawaii. It tasted like it too. . .
Yoga jewelry vibes.
I had the absolute pleasure of interviewing Kyle Michaud, the founder of The Yoga Expo. I write for this website called girlmeetsstrong.com. Their mantra is that women can be strong and fit too, just like the men. I write a lot of Strong Girl Stories, which highlight strong female figures in the fitness community that truly inspire others.
The perfect Christmas present.
I was stoked to finally meet the owner/founder of Girls Meets Strong, Kayvan. Only writers will understand this, but you know when you work for someone and everything is done online or by phone, and you never actually meet them in real life? This was one of those. Kayvan turned out to be exactly how I pictured him to be. Such great energy and a lovable personality.
We had a blast interviewing Kyle. He was such a trip. He looked like he was 20 years old. I find out he’s 26, which made me feel like shit. I’m about to be 26 and nowhere near his stature. Before the interview, he gave us all free Chipotle burrito coupons and stated he got a 37 dollar burrito the night prior. How is that even possible?
Shout out to the videographer Sino and Erica with Simply The Best PR for the media passes.
Movie nights are the best nights, especially Saturday nights. Forever avoiding the turn up. I was excited to see Collateral Beauty featuring Will Smith. This all started when my girl posted a Facebook status saying it was the movie of the year. Oh, the power of social media. She was far too generous, though.
The movie was basically Will Smith finding himself after suffering a huge tragedy (losing his child). It was so sad. I cried about three times. The theater clapped afterward. I love when that happens. Also, Saturday night at The Grove during the holidays was no joke. Parking is a shitshow.
Sunday, December 18
Sunday Funday, what’s good. This was my homie’s event, and it was (you can probably guess) lit. They throw these day parties on Sundays called #SoEZSUNDAYS, which is nothing but good music, good food, good company, and good vibes. These are the events you want to be at in L.A. Fuck Hollywood and clubs. They keep it real.
The back patio at Comfort LA.
It’s in the cuts of downtown. When you pull up, it looks like a hole in the wall. You know those are the gems when it comes to food, though. Anyways. There’s a back patio, for those who have been and are wondering where the hell the party could be held. The back patio is so lit. It was funny walking through the restaurant where everyone is eating quietly, and then entering the turn up on the other side.
I loved everyone I met there, including the few I knew. My homeboy had on the ugliest, most fitted sweater. I was dying. I got the once in a lifetime opportunity to wear my 2 Chainz’ dabbing sweater that my soulmate bought for me for Christmas. I remember posting a Facebook status saying that’s all I wanted to Christmas, and the following week she blessed me. Get you a friend who does that.
I was dying when the DJ played Juicy J’s “A Zip And A Double Cup.” I used to bump that hard. Ratchet Juicy J. I was lit. “Bad and Boujee” by Migos had everybody on their feet. There’s no denying that song is a banger. Sorry.
I was sad to have to head out, but I was equally as excited for this next event. This was Builders Music Group’s Movie Night. Did someone say movie? I’m there. It was Office Christmas Party, too. A movie I was super trying to see in theaters. Jennifer Aniston is my girl, and Jason Bateman is the shit.
Hello, beautiful Playa Vista.
It took place at Cinemark Reserve in Playa Vista. Holy shit, this t̶h̶e̶a̶t̶e̶r̶ city is nice. I was over in this area for You Tube’s Carnival of Souls Halloween Party, which set the bar for all parties from there on out. There’s a bar/restaurant upstairs, where everyone was coolin’. Super dope for events or to get a group together. Shout out to the BMG squad (Simone, Bang, Troy, Sylvon). You guys are fam. They took care of our tickets. So grateful.
The movie had us rolling. From hearing the random (yet consistent) outbursts of laughter, I think everyone enjoyed it as much as I did. The film is about a brother and sister fighting over their deceased father’s company. They definitely make light of a rather sensitive subject. The humor covered it up well. I literally thought every joke was funny.
Go see it over the holidays. Smoke one too, it’s funnier.
Monday, December 19
The movie nights are real. My girl really wanted to see Nocturnal Animals, and it got very high ratings (~90%), so I was with it. IMDB does a really good job condensing 2 hours of thrill into one sentence: An art gallery owner is haunted by her ex-husband’s novel, a violent thriller she interprets as a veiled threat and a symbolic revenge tale.
The film stars Amy Adams and Jake Gyllenhaal (whose name I can never spell right). He was phenomenal. I swear, he deserves an Oscar for this one. That man can act. The movie goes back and forth between real life and the thriller. That novel was something else. It had us tripping. It was a situation you wouldn’t wish upon your worst enemy. Swear.
Shout out to The Grove being open until 11 p.m. I got out of the movie at 10 p.m. and was able to browse some shops for Christmas presents. Who let me go to Costa Rica right before the holidays? My bank account is looking at me with a crying face emoji.
Aminé’s sold out show at The Echoplex.
Tuesday, December 20
Tonight was Aminé at The Echoplex on Sunset in Silverlake. He has that hit song “Caroline” that made most of the top songs lists this year. This dude is 22 years old from Portland. I’m serious when I say this: he blew me away tonight. I became an instant fan.
Aminé blessing the crowd.
The venue was packed. We strategically pull up around 10:30 p.m. and everyone was waiting anxiously for the Portland MC to grace the stage. I was just here for Steve Aoki’s birthday, where lit was an understatement. This was definitely close. Tickets were sold out. I can always respect when an artist is able to sell out a venue. Songs I successfully Shazam-ed: “La Danse” and “Baba.” He also covered Frank Ocean’s “Novacane” and Solange’s “F.U.B.U.” Salute.
Kyle was the first guest he brought out. “Zoning in California. . .” “Doubt It” is my jam. Such a good West Coast joint to vibe too. He also played “iSpy” featuring Lil Yachty. Yas. I saw him after the show and had to tell him how dope he was.
SKRT SKRT. MadeinTYO is always fun to see live. My girl couldn’t believe how tiny he was haha. It makes it that much better. He played “I Want” first. That song gets me so hyped every time.
Then the biggest surprise yet. He brought out my girl Kehlani. Reppin’ for The Bay always.
He also played a bunch of new joints. Literally, maybe five unreleased records. Even Kehlani saluted him out on that one. The crowd was here for it. Shout out to this girl in VIP screaming “Zaddy” all night.” Confession: by mid-show, I decided he’s a cutie. You can’t help but notice his Weeknd-looking hair (RIP mop).
Thanks to Beau with Republic Records for the tickets. I’ll be rooting for you Aminé.
