Celebrating Nujabes “Luv(sic)” series in LA, with Shing02 & OMA

The Fonda Theatre in Los Angeles was the place to be for hip hop heads, as Shing02, OMA, and Spin Master A-1 delivered an unforgettable performance — all in honor of the late and great Nujabes. The Luv(sic) Hexalogy Tour celebrates Nujabes’ six-part song series, “Luv(sic)” — a tribute to love, parting, and uniting.

The night started off with Spin Master A-1, a Japanese DJ renowned for his unmatched turntable skills and finger-drumming artistry.

He spun on the 1’s and 2’s with a wide selection of underground hip hop instrumentals, including paying his respects to both Nujabes and J Dilla — two pioneers whose influence still lives on in the scene.

OMA (pronounced oh-em-ay), the four-piece hip hop band from Manchester, UK, brought their jazz flavor and are well-known for their hip hop covers of legends like MF Doom, Dr. Dre, Nas, Mobb Deep, and Wu-Tang Clan.

The crowd was even treated to a surprise when Top Dawg Entertainment artist Isaiah Rashad joined the group onstage, performing songs from Rashad’s album The Sun’s Tirade such as “Free Lunch” and “Wat’s Wrong”.

Shing02, the Tokyo-born, England-raised, and Bay Area-bred emcee, headlined the show alongside OMA and Spin Master A-1; the trifecta had the venue vibing out with pure talent and raw lyricism. Known for his collaborations with Nujabes, Shing02 has been a leader for the late producer’s legacy. The crowd was taken through the “Luv(sic)” series, with Shing02 delivering each bar with precision, respect, and giving it his all.

The show was a celebration of life, love, and the ongoing power of hip hop.

Each set from Shing02, OMA, and Spin Master A-1 was undeniably groovy, creating a vibe that resonated with both old-school hip hop heads and newer fans alike.

For those who never had the chance to experience Nujabes live before his passing in 2010, this performance felt like a blast from the past and a chance to connect with the spirit of a legend who left a mark in this lifetime with his harmonizing jazz sounds.

Photography by Celeste Basich

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