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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Saturday, March 25
Happy Saturday. Today was literally the first day I had to chill and have some time for myself. I had to take advantage. This meant a hike in beautiful Los Angeles. When V and I saw Lion earlier this week, she told me about the Wisdom Tree. Just by the name of it, I knew I had to go. She said the view was amazing, which was the main incentive for me. But the actual hike was not so easy. It was steep, rocky, and hard to maneuver. Challenge accepted.
This is my steez, for sure. Shout out to my girl down for the cause, even though she had just done Runyon the day prior. It was late afternoon. We Googled the address and found it to be up by Griffith Park. Even the drive up was beautiful. It was so lush and green. Nature is key. This Tree of Life (same tree, different name) trail actually gets you to the Hollywood Sign, if you keep going. I conquered that hike on my birthday. And it was brutal.
Man. When we first started, we saw an American flag at the way top and we were like, “That can’t be it.” It was. I’m that hiker who asks everyone coming back down how far we are from the top lmao. Everyone was friendly AF. I super appreciated it. Most knew our pain. Luckily, it wasn’t that hot. The sun can completely drain your energy on these hikes. The climb wasn’t easy regardless. Moments like this are way more mental than physical. You’re already doing it, so there’s absolutely no point in not finishing.
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Every step of the hike came with a view. It was honestly breathtaking, seeing all of Los Angeles on this clear day. Finally getting to the wisdom tree was beyond fulfilling. It was honestly a treat. The glorious American flag waving in the air at the ledge was a beautiful sight and this amazing collection of rocks. This was the wisdom tree, and we wanted wisdom. We didn’t know we’d actually be reading notes of people who had trekked up the hill like we had.
Sadly for us, we had no pen to leave our mark. Follow your dreams and do what you love was the theme. And then the most difficult part: going down the hill. Cue: “Slippery” by Migos. That shit was wild. We literally were dying. Hiking shoes highly recommended. By the way, the shirt comes from a fond memory years ago, when I flew home to the Bay just for an MMG show. The line comes from “Ima Boss” by Meek Mill and Rozay.
Tonight, I had to see Logan. I honestly felt like the world had seen it already. I was late (two weeks to be exact), but better late than never. Thank you social media. I literally just wanted to see if anyone hadn’t seen it yet. My homegirl was in. I was ecstatic. I was just with her at the (crazy) Big Sean show last night. Issa date.
We hit the 8:10 p.m. showing at Arclight in Culver City. Hello, $15.75 movies lmao. It ended up being worth every penny. My other homegirl came to meet us and was not thrilled about being in the very front row. We had no choice, sadly. We had arrived only five minutes late to purchase tickets, and every seat in the theater was taken. Lesson learned when it comes to Saturday night movies: buy tickets online in advance. I never care where I sit, but I know that’s a thing for a lot of people.
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This film was nothing short of amazing. If you fuck with Marvel, this is your heaven. It’s basically the story of the character Wolverine from X-Men, also featuring the professor in the wheelchair. He’s always my favorite lmao. My girl told me this is the last time Hugh Jackson will be playing this role, which made me sad. There’s literally no one who could top this. His body, facial expressions, acting. . . he is Wolverine.
Being in the very front row had us feeling like we were in the movie lmao. For me at least. Right off the bat, the opening scene was crazy. The action is phenomenal. The movie is two hours and 15 minutes, but you hardly notice. I would definitely recommend it to anyone debating what movie to see. It’s pure entertainment.
Sunday, March 26
Holy crap. It’s 4 a.m. and I just got home. And this was leaving the party early. I thought my Sunday night with Young Dolph was crazy, but this was crazier. It was the definition of lit, like your homie throwing the most crackin’ house party lit. But before we get there, let’s start with the precursor: Chocolate Sundaes at The World Famous Laugh Factory. This is the best comedy show in L.A. if you haven’t heard me say it before.
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I cannot thank my girl Glenna enough for this special treatment. I got to kick it upstairs where all the comics and VIP kick it. It’s so different watching the show from up top versus downstairs. Don’t get me wrong, both are great. Just different. I just feel like I’m able to focus better when I’m in the crowd lmao. Tonight’s special guest was Gina Yashere from The Daily Show with Trevor Noah. She’s the dope British correspondent on the show.
I was just here for Yvonne Orji. It’s so interesting to see these stars we see on television all come back to their first true love: standup. Gina killed her set tonight. Everyone was praising her. I got to meet her after they interviewed her behind-the-scenes. But the best part was seeing her turn up at the after party. There was no denying the lituation it was at the afterparty. I asked her if it beat New York, and she gave a straight “no.” Lmao. At least it’s warmer. . .
This flier is what brought me out tonight in the first place. Talk about FOMO. This was a function you wish you were at. Basketball After Dark hosted by Pookey Wigington, the founder of Chocolate Sundaes. I later find out he is Kevin Hart’s manager. Damn. This is the man who manages my favorite comedian. And the afterparty was at his own home. How epic is this?
We all mob over separately after the show to this spot tucked away in the North Hills. No idea what part of L.A. this was, but here for it. So apparently, this started as just a casual hang out to come play pick-up basketball games, after hours. Tonight, it was official. Huge thanks to Lani– she’s one of the reasons tonight went as smooth as it did. The sounds were provided by DJ Sidekick, who reminded me how hard “Trap Trap Trap” goes off the new Rozay album.
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Tacos, alcohol, basketball, blunts, and ping pong. What more could you ask for? Seriously. This was so special. Everyone was taken care of. And there was a Snapchat filter. Come on now. I walk inside to the backyard to find a full-size basketball court. Comedians playing ball against each other? Pure entertainment.
I ran into my girl at the show and caused a scene. Such a small world- she is actually good friends with Lani. I could not get over how great it was to reunite tonight. Tonight was full of love and laughter. My heart is full.
So, I actually did play basketball in high school, but I wasn’t about to put myself out there. Shout out to the females ballin’ on the court with the big dawgs (all two of them). I recognized BT Kingsley from when he hosted the most hilarious comedy show at The Comedy Union not too long ago. I had to tell him how great he was.
And then the best part of the night. I found myself involved in the most serious ping pong competition with comedian Dannon Green. I killed him. He would say otherwise. But we all knew who was better. I honestly surprised myself. I joked that my (Asian) parents would be proud. I remember begging my mom to cop us a ping pong table from Costco when I was in high school. I never used it and it got deformed in the rain.
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Going to hate my life at my desk tomorrow, but it was worth it. Shout out to Affion Crockett and all the other lit comedians I probably didn’t recognize for coming through. It was one for the books.
Monday, March 27
I have to take the time to shout out to girl Nickie with GoodGirlPR. She shipped me two of the most glorious pair of jeans, all the way from the East Coast. First of all, I love snail mail. This glorious package was awaiting me when I got back from SXSW. Even the way the package was wrapped and presented, I could tell these were no ordinary jeans. This was DAE K. SHIN & CO.
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It came with a letter, signed personally with a handwritten signature. This is premium Japanese selvedge denim. You guys need to peep their collection. They remind me of Balmain. Retail averages $900 a pair. I was in shock. I am not worthy lmao. But really, you could just tell the quality in the material of these pants were top notch. These are the type of pants that will have people wondering what brand you got on. Let ‘em know.
Today was rough. I literally was falling asleep at my desk. That just means I had to unwind in the evening. Saban’s Power Rangers, here for it. This was literally the movie of our childhood, 22 years ago. How crazy is that? I feel so old. And the film didn’t help lmao. These five kids are in high school. Who wouldn’t want to morph into a superhero with their squad, though? I’m jealous.
Shout out to my homegirl down for the cause. We both needed this tonight. Life has been brazy. We hit the 7:30 p.m. showing at Arclight Hollywood. Oh, the pic from above was taken at my brother’s work, Stylehaul, which is literally down the street. I’m so obsessed with his office building lmao. I definitely raided their snack pantry before I left.
The movie was adorable. We were very entertained. I wanted to be a purple Power Ranger, and she wanted to be green. Both don’t exist lmao. The film is a solid two hours, which ended up being perfect timing for me to catch the 10 p.m. Hot Power Fusion class at Core Power Yoga. I know, I am doing the most. But I needed this. Have a lot on my mind. If you have the choice, I’d see Logan orBeauty and the Beast first, then hit this.
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Tuesday, March 28
Tonight, I was put on the dopest female MC, with a Latin flavor. Bia, you’re so fucking dope. I am an automatic fan. I heard her track “Gucci Coming Home” before, but had no idea she was this lit. She doesn’t even have an album out yet, just mixtapes. Shout out to Matt for being the plug. V actually got to interview her earlier at the venue. Jealous.
Shout out to Red Bull Sound Select (and Viva) for putting on this show. I miss my Red Bull fam. They literally treated me so well during #30DaysInLA. We pull up to The Echoplex (not The Echo) in Silverlake around 10 p.m. Los Rakas set the mood for the evening: lit Hip Hop with a Latin influence. Let’s go.
Bia took the stage around 11:45 p.m. Loved, loved her camo outfit. She bad. She has a track with Dave East called “Harlem” and even opened for Pusha T. Now, she is opening for Ariana Grande. That’s huge. I actually had to sell my tickets for Ariana’s show at The Forum this Friday, and I kid you not. I’ve never gotten so many hits from posting tickets for sale. Talk about FOMO. This is the show to attend apparently. And Bia was going to be in front of thousands and thousands.
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She did her rendition of O.T. Genasis’ “Cut It,” and it was over. My homegirl literally came over to tell me she sounds like Trina. Statement. It was such good energy in the room. Everybody was turnt and having a good time. “Whip It” is her other single. It was fucking lit seeing her perform it live tonight. She got some crazy fire beats. I’m so into trap beats.
Bia said she met Gucci Mane for the first time yesterday. Jealous lmao. Nah but she did release this record when he was getting out of jail. Fire. So dope for her. This was her first headlining show in L.A, and she gave fans exactly what they wanted. Thank you, @PericoPrincess <3.
The back patio was the place to be. Shout out my homeboy Corey for this Daniel Patrick hoodie. He literally dropped it off 10 minutes before I left for the show. Late, but honestly the best birthday present I got this year.
