How to have the best Sunday in L.A., according to Zack Fox

by

Before gaining notable roles in “Abbott Elementary,” producing music, and earning millions of views with his energetic DJ performances, Zack Fox initially garnered recognition primarily through his humorous tweets.

In the past, a creative individual named Fox worked for an independent label in Atlanta as both a graphic artist and emcee. He was known for making hilarious tweets under the pseudonym “Bootymath,” attracting tens of thousands of followers. His strong online presence and knack for comedy eventually caught the attention of filmmaker, artist, and producer Flying Lotus, leading to an invitation in 2017 to Los Angeles. Here, he collaborated with Flying Lotus on co-writing and starring in his horror-comedy production titled “Kuso.

Fox explained that at one point he found himself in a rut, and subsequently got married. He is now wed to Mayumi “Kat” Fox, a DJ and entrepreneur who created the widely-acclaimed Mayumi Market AAPI marketplace. Fortunately, he finds living in L.A. quite enjoyable, as it bears a likeness to the warm Southern hospitality of his native Atlanta.

Title of Fox’s newest movie escapade: “Starring Role” in Alex Russell’s “Lurker,” an intense psychological thriller unraveling the complex parasocial relationship between a burgeoning pop star and an apparently humble store worker, releasing in cinemas this Friday.

Movies

From penning creditworthy shows like ‘Beef’ and ‘The Bear’, Alex Russell has smoothly shifted gears to direct an instagram-famous thriller about a relentless stalker this year.

As a passionate film enthusiast, I’m thrilled to share that I’m preparing to release my innovative “creative playground” concept named UWAY. This exciting venture is collaborating with the L.A.-based record label and jazz community Minaret for our inaugural event, which is set to take place on September 6 in New York City!

Fox invites us to join him on an energetic Sunday adventure in Los Angeles, where he gets absorbed by the time at a Yemeni coffee shop, strolls through Kenneth Hahn State Recreation Area with his dogs Kiwi and Pepper, and enjoys dinner at a Thai restaurant specializing in plant-based cuisine with all of his companions.

This interview has been lightly edited for length and clarity.

At 10 a.m., I’ll probably find myself deep in the TikTok feed, often referred to as “doomscrolling”. This means that even if I plan to wake up earlier, like at 9 a.m., you can count on me spending somewhere between 30 to 60 minutes scanning through TikTok content in the morning.

10:30 a.m.: Home workout session focusing on calisthenics

I’ve turned into a regular calisthenics practitioner, as I’ve set up a home gym and it has sparked my interest. Previously, I wasn’t much of an exercise enthusiast, but having the equipment at home has motivated me to engage more in physical activities. So I’ve been working on pull-ups and dips. My skills in dips are improving significantly, and if you follow me, you know Shemar Moore serves as my inspiration. Therefore, on Sundays, which is my free day, I plan to visit the gym and put in some effort.

At 11:30 a.m., Kat usually prepares a breakfast that’s both irresistible yet slightly guilt-inducing, given it’s hard to resist her cooking without risking the relationship. I often find myself eating it even when I’m not hungry, so it could be called a guilt-laden breakfast [laughs]. It’s always delicious, though, which seems like a fair compromise. Once she made a savory waffle with rice, eggs, green onions, and other ingredients that combined sweet and savory flavors in a way that seemed almost unconventional, like cooking up some magical delicacy [laughs].

Travel & Experiences

For socially inclined creatures, these areas where they can exercise and socialize are indeed a valuable destination to visit. However, it’s essential to remember to behave respectfully while there.

At 12 noon, we usually go for a walk with our pets, Kiwi and Pepper. We make sure to take them out for a stroll around the neighborhood as part of their daily routine, which they seem to enjoy quite a bit. Our area has a friendly community of dog owners, so it’s always a social event when we step out with our furry friends.

At 2 p.m., I might get lost in time at Jalsah, a charming Yemeni café downtown that I frequently visit with my caffeine-loving friends. We’re drawn to its authentic Yemeni atmosphere, complete with jazz music, captivating aromas, and an inviting ambiance.

One unique feature is the option to order a shared pot of coffee, reminiscent of a pitcher of beer at a bar. This coffee, flavored with cardamom and hints of stone fruit, is strong yet sweet, much like coffee made by Black mothers known for their strong yet sweet brew.

The caffeine in this café’s drinks seems to distort time, making it unclear whether hours pass or just minutes as I savor each sip.

4 p.m.: Hang out at Nepenthes if I’m downtown with friends: If I happen to be in town and am with my buddies, then we might feel compelled to spruce up a bit. We might head over to Nepenthes and pick up some rather pricey socks that will probably disappear right away. Maybe a new pair of shorts or something else similar to the clothes I already own.

Around 5 pm, it’s time for another stroll with our furry friends. Since we’ve got the load of laundry, let’s head back home first. We need to decide where we should take the dogs again, as they are the main attraction! In our little band, I play bass while Kat sings lead vocals, Kiwi taps on the keyboard, and Pepper beats the drums. On an ordinary day, Kenneth Hahn Park or Huntington Gardens would be our preferred spot for this lively performance.

7 PM: Plant-powered dinner with friends at Salaya in Thai Town

We adore hanging out at this place named Salaya in the Thai district. It serves delicious plant-based Thai cuisine. Remarkably, much of it matches or even surpasses the standard fare found at conventional non-vegan Thai restaurants. In fact, I often prefer this establishment to my favorite Thai spots when dining with Kat. However, when out and about on my own, I’m quite flexible about what I eat [laughs].

9 PM: Let’s head to the movies tonight, either at Alamo Drafthouse or New Beverly Cinema. During Black History Month, the New Beverly screened a double bill of “CB4” and “Don’t Be a Menace to South Central While Drinking Your Juice in the Hood.” We absolutely loved it! I invited everyone I knew.

11 p.m.: Wind down by collaborating on some tunes: We’ll likely spend our evening working on music together, either at Pirate Studios or at a friend’s home studio. It’s a relaxing and rewarding way to end the day for me, as creating beats feels like an easy yet stimulating activity that helps unwind my mind before sleep.

1 a.m.: Boosting energy to keep going through the night: When the beat drops late, I often find myself visiting a 24-hour cafe if conversations get too lively. In Koreatown, places like M3 or About Time are favorites. At About Time, we usually settle down outside by the fire pit.

At 8 am: A coffee-fueled, slow tempo dance party

By drinking that much coffee so late, I’ve essentially set myself up for a chaotic week [chuckles]. Now, I’m missing calls, neglecting emails, and will probably be a hot mess at the Monday meeting. I’ll likely show up looking like Nicolas Cage in “Leaving Las Vegas.” This Sunday night is feeling more like a sleep deprived Monday for me. I may as well consider myself a raver today because when more than three Black people gather, chatting while under the influence, it certainly feels like a party – albeit a slow tempo one with no DJ equipment. Let’s call it a laid-back, 40 BPM rave.

Read More

2025-08-22 03:31