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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Monday, April 24
Today has been a day. I guess Monday’s are never favored, but man, did I catch an L. I am writing this not to complain (that’s what friends are for), but in hopes that you may never learn from my mistakes. I am talking about the “No Parking” from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. signs you see all over this city. Today, I got my car towed at Ralph’s. A fucking grocery store, in the middle of a bright and sunny day.
I always stop by this Ralph’s (on 9th street downtown) on my way home from my internship. Who knew this container of edamame salad would cost me over three bills. There’s an underground parking lot, but I always post up on a meter to save time. I’m in. I’m out. But not this time.
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I leave the store to find my white Acura propped up on the tow truck bed, strapped in and ready to be taken hostage. By this time, it was too late. There was absolutely nothing I could do or say to persuade the tow truck driver to cut me some slack. I was trying to be strong, but the tears came. When I found out it was $293 dollars, my heart sank.
When I found the parking ticket on my dashboard for another $93, I went numb. I’m actually writing a 15-page paper right now for school, and just covered the concept of dissociation in trauma theory. For the next couple hours, I was a ghost. Last time I got towed at Walgreens at El Rey, I took full responsibility. This time, I truly can’t say I was aware of my surroundings. After forking up my life savings, I made a vow to myself always triple check parking signs from here on out.
I had plans to see Phoenix Forgotten with my favorite couple, and had to force myself to follow through. My immediate reaction in times like these is to isolate and hide under a rock. Through many past experiences, I knew better. This would only hurt me in the long run. We hit the 7:30 p.m. showing at Regal L.A. Live. Shout out to Corey and Val for swooping me too. So thankful for their friendship.
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This film is based on a true story, about three teenagers who went missing in the wake of mysterious lights in Phoenix, Arizona. Translation: aliens. This happened in 1997, exactly 20 years ago. It’s crazy they are now making a film out of it. I’ve actually never heard of the phenomenon until they invited me. They’re from Arizona originally, so it meant a lot more to them. Can you imagine three people going missing the exact evening that thousands claim to have seen UFO lights? Yikes. That would have me questioning my sanity.
I honestly thought the movie itself was great. A little freaky, but very interesting. It’s only an hour and 20 minutes, which makes for a very solid choice if you need a quick movie fix. The film contains actual real-life footage, too. So what ever happened to those three kids? Do aliens exist? Does anyone have the answers to these questions?
Tuesday, April 25
Tonight was one for the books. And I say that because I’ve been wanting to do Soulcycle ever since I moved to L.A. It’s been on my L.A. bucket list. Unfortunately, I’ve never had the chance, mostly because one class will put a solid dent in your wallet. I was beyond ecstatic when I received this invite in my inbox. A special EMPIRE Soulcycle ride in Hollywood? Hell yes.
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Special thanks to Ashley with Columbia Records for making my dreams come true. This was in celebration of the upcoming EMPIRE Season 3 Soundtrack release. This comes out on April 28, but you can pre-order it now. Class started at 7:30 p.m. at the Hollywood location, which ended up being right across the street from Fonda Theater. I had no idea this existed. If you guys are in L.A., I guarantee there’s a Soulcycle within five miles of where you live. This shit is lit. There’s a reason this is as expensive as it is.
In fact, Soulcycle is so lit, it’s exempt from Classpass (where a one-time fee allows to attend all work out studios in L.A.). Cycling is not my favorite form of fitness, but I knew this was the kick I needed to get me through the stressful week. Endorphins for the win, always. Shout out to my girl Nechelle for joining me. I love friends who can reciprocate the same positive energy you put out.
I arrive at the scene to find Bre-Z and posted, doing some interviews. They play Freda Gatz and Porsha on the show accordingly, if you’re not too familiar. Bre-Z was extremely down-to-earth and Ta’Rhonda was just a riot. I snapped this pic and told them they looked good, and she responds, “I know, I looked in the mirror this morning.” Dead. I was cracking up.
The class was only 45 minutes but felt much longer. There was a point where the instructor told us we were halfway done, and we were all in shock. You should have seen our faces. Without any bias, I was actually feeling the soundtrack. This was an exclusive first listen, and we genuinely enjoyed what we heard. I actually tried to Shazam a couple tracks while I was on the bike, but there was 0 service. If you have taken cycling, you know how it is in that room. The music is turned up so high, it’s a damn near concert.
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Thank goodness for the towels on deck because I was sweating bullets. And I usually don’t sweat much. You also know I’m a sucker for free merch. I love it.
Wednesday, April 26
Tonight was AD and Sorry Jaynari’s Last Of The ’80s album listening event at Neuehouse in the heart of Hollywood. Anyone who has been to this venue knows what it’s like bougie. But a good kind of bougie. The type of bougie that makes you feel worthy. This was an exclusive, invite-only event. Shout out to Adrian and Pun for the invite. It was a family affair.
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I arrive on the scene at 8 p.m. to find AD posted on the outdoor patio of The Table (the restaurant). A small group was gathered around him. I knew I was early, but I was trying to make my yoga class at Core Power down the street at 10 p.m. I super fuck with AD, and he was an absolute sweetheart tonight. He even offered me his food.
If you guys aren’t familiar, AD is a rapper from Compton. Sorry Jaynari is a producer from League of Starz, one of the most bangin’ production groups out there. Seriously, they are the reason West Coast Hip Hop is as lit as it is. I heard the “League of Starz” tag on so many tracks tonight, it was heartwarming. Shout out to them, Wax Motif,G Perico, and more in attendance.
The previews of all the records on the project had me lit. I felt like I was the only one giggin’ with everyone standing around. But that’s okay. The features include Wiz Khalifa, Tory Lanez, Kool John, P-Lo, and even an intro from Pun. That was low key my favorite part. I believe it was on the record “Crips Live Matter.” Statement. The album comes out Friday (April 27), and I can’t. Don’t sleep on this one. This shit bangs.
Thursday, April 27
Damn, Deadmau5 got me on an EDM high. Literally. The day started with a special invite to Joel’s pop-up shop on Fairfax. If you guys aren’t familiar, Deadmau5 is the grandfather of EDM. He owns that entire genre. This was exclusive to Spotify winners and a select few media outlets. Shout out to Alex and Brandon for having me. True life: I love pop-up shops.
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At 6 p.m., I pull up to 346 North Fairfax and realize this is exactly where Future’s was held. Dope. And I found a meter spot right out front. It was a sign of good vibes ahead. I notice the long line of die-hard fans getting longer and longer. This was determined by the makeshift Deadmau5 heads in their arms. I love it. I love seeing fans showing out. This reminded me of the Marshmello show when the audience was filled with fans dressed as the artist, head and all.
How cute are these pieces by Ron English? The shop is open from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday (April 28-29).If You’re Reading This It’s Too Late. Just kidding. Hopefully, you are/were able to make it. They had the same pop-up shop in New York back in March, but Alex says this was better. There were these gigantic speakers bumping straight jams. That set the vibe for sure. The merchandise is to die for and they have posters for days.
I didn’t even notice Deadmau5 quoted my tweet until Alex told me. I was wondering why it was getting so much love. Embarrassing moment: I pick up a poster thinking they were free, only to be told it was 20 dollars. I put that back down real quick.
The clock struck a little after 7 p.m., and it was time to head back to Neuehouse for an exclusive screening of Poo Bear’s Afraid of Forever documentary. This is the songwriter/record producer responsible for Justin Bieber’s biggest hits, including one of my favorites, “Where Are Ü Now.” Man, that song is beautiful.
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Was definitely here less than 24 hours ago, but this time, the event took place on the main level, inside the most glorious room. The lighting, the chairs, the open bar, the truffle mac and cheese served on platters as the servers stroll by you, a photo booth you simply could not pass up. . . this is how you throw an event. Shout out to Red Bull TV and Katie with Cashmere for the invite. Everyone had a blast tonight.
“Songwriter Jason ‘Poo Bear’ Boyd has been the secret weapon behind the world’s biggest artists for nearly 20 years.” This was straight facts. He wrote Usher’s “Caught Up,” 112’s “Peaches and Cream,” Chris Brown’s “She Ain’t You,” and the list goes on. Hearing his story was incredible, and actually had me in tears. There is so much that goes behind a song that maybe lasts three minutes. Even Poo Bear was fascinated with that.
The film was extremely well-shot. Jaysn (my plus one) sat right next to me in the second row (and had to deal with my emotional reactions). He’s a videographer and he saw the film in a different perspective, which I thought was interesting. The guy filming Poo Bear literally had to follow him around his entire life, including his wedding. That’s nuts. There was a Q&A after with the director Macario de Souza. I loved it. I can always appreciate hearing the artist and director speak about their own experiences and the making of the film.
If you look at Poo Bear’s social media bios, you’ll notice he has #HappyBirthday all across. We were all wondering what it meant until he explained it in the film. Basically, treat every day like it’s your birthday or the person you meet. It’s how he greets people. So dope. What a great human being.
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When I say you couldn’t escape the photo booth, I’m serious. Shout out to the squad out tonight. It was actually an industry event that wasn’t terrible. It was so much positive energy in that room tonight, all celebrating a great individual. Shout out to Ty Dolla $ign out supporting as well. He walked in with his giant of a bodyguard and I had to say hi.
I dipped as the crowd trickled down. Stopping by the crib real quick to switch my laundry, and I got this package in the mail. Holy shit. I opened the box and saw it was from Shiekh and thought “no fucking way.” No, you didn’t, Monica, no you didn’t. She’s the one who threw the most lit Adidas NMD launch party recently and invited me out. That invite was enough. The fact that she sent me these, I cannot. So blessed. So grateful. I’ve been waiting for Adidas sneakers to rock on my feet. Btw, she’s @thundercup (the queen of Popular Demand) to most of you. I just like to call her by her real name <3.
Back to Deadmau5. This was night one of four sold out shows at The Shrine. Not two, not three, but four sold out shows. All in a row. This is even more proof of why he is the king of his genre. This guy headlines all the festivals and all the nightclubs in Vegas. Fans were treated to a solid two-hour set starting at 11 p.m.
Shout out to my girl Val being my date. We both loved the visuals on stage. I also loved seeing Deadmau5 perform without his head. I’d never seen Joel as a human being. I was informed he takes his head on and off during his sets. Maybe I just never noticed before because I was on who knows what. We bounced around and even said hi to Alex upstairs in VIP. I actually really enjoyed being part of the crowd downstairs. It was part of the experience.
