FO·MO
ˈfōmō/
noun
informal
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- 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.
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Wednesday, March 22
Happy Hump Day. Can’t believe it’s almost the end of March. Tonight, I got a special invite to check out this artist from Saudi Arabia named Rotana. She was playing at 8 p.m. at Hotel Cafe in Hollywood. If you guys are in the music scene in L.A., you know this venue is special. It’s super intimate and always embodies this classy, elegant energy. Huge thanks to Heidi, I honestly didn’t expect to be blown away tonight.
We walk inside the venue around 7:45 p.m. to find Natalie Gelman on stage. Tickets were 10 dollars for anyone who wanted to attend. I’d been here once before, and it reminded me how special the space was. I loved her set. This alternative folk-pop singer-songwriter from NYC was the perfect opener. Her voice was so spot on. Posted next to her cello player, she finished her set with a cover of “Somewhere Over The Rainbow.” We loved it.
Next up: the princess from Saudi Arabia. Her music is described as “ an invitation to experience an eruption of self.” I literally felt this the moment she stepped on stage. She was rocking these amazing red velvet high-waisted pants that seemed to resemble a piece of her culture. Once 8 p.m. hit, I notice the room fill completely up. It went from 0 to 100, real quick. Everyone in attendance was extremely trendy too. That’s what I mean about this venue. It’s an honor to perform here. My girl got herself a cocktail while I helped myself to the free water by the bar. Clutch.
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Rotana graces the platform and immediately gives a speech about igniting the animal within us. You could just tell how genuine and holy her spirit is. This wasn’t just an artist, this is a force of nature. Here to spread love and positivity to anyone she crosses paths with. Music was just a bonus. She was funny too, cracking jokes in between songs. She screamed, “Welcome to the inside of my guts” before her performance of “Loud Love.” She was laying her all on the stage tonight.
I had the pleasure of meeting one of Rotana’s publicists, Jackie, who was the sweetest. She told me Rotana has only been in the states for four years. As with most artists, it seems heartbreak fuels the gold. After getting real emotional after a song, she admits she wasn’t over her ex. Clearly lmao. She had fallen in love with a white boy over here. She next performed the first song she had ever written called “Never Going Back.” It’s all about wanting more in life.
At one point, someone in the audience shouted “Marry me!” At another, someone handed her a bouquet of roses. She’s gorgeous. If I was a guy, I probably would too. Before she played her last song, she brought up her best friend JP and allowed him to play his own single on the piano. What a friendship. I had to meet her afterward. Everyone was swarming her. She was ridiculously nice and kept thanking me for coming.
Next, I had to book it to The Grove to catch Beauty and the Beast at 9 p.m. Yes, I had to see this movie. Have you guys seen the previews? It’s our childhood, brought to life. And it stars Emma Watson. She is bae. This next part was honestly unintentional, until it became intentional lmao. I was literally strolling inside and noticed no one was really paying attention. I mean, the ticket guy was ripping tickets, but there was just so much open space. I walked right in. Literally. If you work at Pacific Theaters at The Grove and you’re reading this, then I’m truly sorry. If not, can we celebrate that I saved $15.50 tonight? Smh, I know.
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The film. Wow. Spectacular. It is over two hours long, so you’re committed once you sit. We were in a huge theater, and it was packed. We had to take seats in one of the side rows. The hype is real. Whether you’re an adult or child, this was the movie to see this past weekend. The film had beautiful cinematography, and you could hardly notice the use of CGI. It was so natural. Even the inanimate objects that came to life.
It’s also a musical, so prepare for that. My homegirl and I busted out in a duet at the end of the film: “Beauuutttyyyy andddd the beast.” We loved it.
Thursday, March 23
Damn you guys. Tonight was unbelievable. One of the best shows I’ve been to in a while. And this wasn’t a concert. This was Las Vegas in Los Angeles. After a night like this, I’m feeling real grateful and humble for doing what I do. I really want to say a special thanks to Cassandra and Davidson & Choy Publicity for allowing me to attend the opening night of Absinthe at L.A. Live. Per Huffington Post: “If you only see one show in your entire life, make it Absinthe.” This couldn’t be more spot on.
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This shit was so lit, even this trash can excited me lmao. Really though, where do I begin. Going on its sixth sold-out year at Caesars Palace, Absinthe was recently named “the #1 greatest show in Las Vegas history” by Las Vegas Weekly. This was special: the wildest party in Las Vegas was coming to L.A. for 10 weeks. Think Cirque du Soleil meets the most explicit episode of Family Guy, times a hundred. I may be using this reference because we saw Seth MacFarlane in the very front row.
The confirmation letter in my inbox was what got me the most excited. I’m so glad I re-read it on my way out, because I totally missed that they gave us complimentary parking. Guys, that’s literally gold at L.A. Live. Even to see a movie at Regal, you’re paying seven dollars to park. . . with validation. Smh. The email came directly from Gazillionaire, the no-filter host of the show. We got to know his personality real quick. His assistant Daisy was just as reckless. Together, they were the perfect combo.
To give you a little more context, Absinthe is an adult-themed cocktail of circus, burlesque and vaudeville for a 21st-century audience. This was definitely 18 and up lmao. There was one part that had everyone gasping and shutting their eyes (I’ll let you find out for yourself). The show started at 8:30 p.m., but we were encouraged to get there early and enjoy the cocktails and free food. My girl was ecstatic off the latter lmao I love her.
This took place at the L.A. Event Deck, literally in a tent. I loved that. It gave off the vibe that we were stepping into an actual circus. I was last here for a makeup convention that literally flooded lmao. Good times. We enter the premises into what seemed like the VIP area. Again, I am not worthy. My girl finally copped her NoMad dog and fries, which came from the food truck with a never-ending line.
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This entire night had a European theme to it. A European alcohol theme lmao. We loved this photo opp — I actually just put the hard copies up on my wall lmao. After this, we made our way inside. All the seats are assigned and it was actually a lot smaller than I expected. But it was intimate. Intimate always wins. The show runs for 90 minutes. Honestly, at the end, I wanted more. This was the most entertaining 90 minutes I’ve had in a while.
Still can’t get over how raunchy and explicit the show was. Thanks to Gazillionaire and his assistant Daisy, whom I wanted to befriend. If you’re sensitive to racist jokes, this show is not for you lmao. But it’s part of what makes it so epic. I’ve never seen anything like this. All the acts blew us away. I swear, those performers are not human. There was one act called Skates of Hell, which consisted of a couple on roller blades, spinning and twirling at 100 mph. At this point, I had to stop asking “How Sway?” I just had to accept it.
One act had James Blake’s “Retrograde” playing, and it made their performance. I kid you not, music is the key to my soul. I’m not going to give too much away, because I actually need you guys to experience this. Tickets range from $49-$129. It’s worth every penny. I hate to say this, but this is definitely the perfect date night. My girl and I are forever each other’s dates lmao.
Even the tweet from the photo booth is funny. Music may be first, but comedy is a close second. When the show ended, we saw Perez Hilton walk right by us through his own exit lmao. Thanks to the balloons on his Twitter timeline, we find out it’s his birthday. What a memorable way to celebrate. Per my homeboy, Logic was also in attendance tonight. He said Logic posted the same exact picture I did, but on the other side of the room. Sigh. Social media is a trip.
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Friday, March 24
Tonight was another event at The Dom Gallery in Weho. One of my favorite art galleries in L.A., right there on the intersection of Fairfax and Melrose. This was an event called Bridging The Gap, art installation by social media influencer David Weeks. Shout out to my girl Kiera who produced it, I got a personal invite <3.
I could tell they were going all out with this one. I walk inside to find the all-white walls bare, minus David’s signature skateboards on display. These things were sick. Louis Vuitton skateboards, guys. Weeks states, “Being heavily influenced by the Hip Hop, Fashion, Art and Skateboarding culture. I felt the need to be the pioneer who merged them all.” Dope. I really wanted to meet him, but homeboy was fashionably late to his own party lmao. And I couldn’t stay.
I was greeted with this fabulous table of cupcakes, alongside glasses of champagne. This was lit. I have never seen this much glory for an artist. It must be that New York swag. It hadn’t opened to the public yet, so it was all media and friends and family inside. I randomly ran into four or five of my friends during, and was so excited to seem them all.
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Shout out to Taja, throwing down the slaps. I love female DJs. She had me turnt. The crowd was definitely the typical Dom Gallery heads: Bape on Bape on Bape. I still am searching for the perfect Bape hoodie. Sigh. Not sure who’s parents were in attendance, but they looked important as well lmao. Overall good energy. You could tell the party was getting started. There was a line of eager people outside waiting to get inside.
Almost forgot, I was blessed with a goodie bag: hand-crafted products from TAMthyme. True life: I love presents. Thank you <3.
Cue: “Moves” by Big Sean. I’m coming for you, Sean Don. Thank you so much to Courtni with Def Jam for giving me her last pair of tickets. That meant a lot. This was the sold out I Decided Tour at The Hollywood Palladium in the heart of Hollywood. Bro, this venue was over capacity lmao. For sure. It was on par with Datsik’s show a couple weeks ago. And that shit was wild.
I was very upset when security searched my clutch and threw out my joint. Devastated. I was looking forward to this all night lmao. She didn’t even toss it, she put it in a bin next to her. Smh. She’s definitely lighting up afterward. Excuse my anger, I was pretty sad and had a hard time accepting lmao. And then I deal with more bullshit at will call. I literally went into this show with the fear of not getting in again. We had an epic fail at the Anaheim show on Tuesday, and it almost made me not want to come tonight.
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I literally heard 24Hrs come on stage during MadeinTYO’s set when I was stuck outside. I was like “nooooo.” I was actually on time for once, I pull up at 8:30 p.m. with every intention of getting shots from the photo pit. Nope. I caught the tail end of his set, though. That’s love. My girl said she didn’t know he was the guy behind “Uber Everywhere.” I died. But yes. Again, trouble at the door. Huge thanks to Denise at Live Nation for getting us in. She said it was a shitshow inside, which was completely accurate. A good shitshow, though. Everyone was out here to see Big Sean. He deserves all the glory.
Man, I’m officially not a fan of The Palladium. You can hardly see anything unless you’re in the way back. And the VIP balcony up top is too far. We must have moved ten times throughout the night lmao. The photo pit was only for the first three songs and of course, I get there at the end of the last song. “No Favors” was solid. Definitely a favorite off I Decided.
I’m so sad. We were waiting for Sean to play “Light” with Jeremih the entire show. Nothing. I even heard it at the Anaheim show when we were stuck outside lmao. He opened with it. This show really was crazy. Everyone was so turnt. “Mercy” had us all feeling ourselves. Sean proceeded to shout out G.O.O.D. Music and name all the artists on the label. I got super excited when he said CyHi The Prynce. I just interviewed him at SXSW.
I swear, the squad didn’t look at the stage once the entire show lmao. It was hilarious. I have to be able to see the artist when I’m at a show. It’s a must. At this point, my girl and I decide to make our way over to the right side of the stage for a better view. Hello, Jhene Aiko. I knew he was bringing out somebody tonight. It’s L.A. And we were blessed with Twenty88 tonight.
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I’ve seen Big Sean many times, so I primarily wanted to get footage for DX socials. Unfortunately, this was damn near impossible tonight. It was so dark and foggy. He put on a great show, though, and he always sounds so good live. You could tell he really put his heart and soul into this tour. He’s come a long way, and always appreciates his fans. That’s what I love most.
“All Me” by Drake was my favorite he performed tonight. Totally forgot about that record. It was so nice to hear “Blessed,” surrounded by all the good energy. So heartwarming. And you know he had to bring TYO back out for “Skateboard P.” That song is a banger. Honestly, Big Sean has so many hits, he barely played half of them tonight. He closed out with “IDFWU” and “Bounce Back,” and had the crowd begging for more.
Shout out to my babe who drove up from the OC to be my date. She copped the cutest merch. If you get a chance, check out the hoodie. It’s adorable, with a beautiful yellow rose printed on the back. If I had cash flow, it would have been the move.
