VALLEJO HIP-HOP ARTIST LaRussell packed hundreds of loyal fans in the backyard of his childhood home for an exclusive concert that sold out at $1,000 per ticket.
The rapper has maintained creative freedom amid a steady rise to fame in recent years, rejecting record label offers and establishing his own independent collective known as “Good Compenny.”
Boasting nearly 2 million followers on Instagram and 283,000 followers on TikTok, he first garnered attention after his “2021 Freestyle” went viral; it was the first song he performed in Sunday’s matinee concert.
LaRussell says the intimate concerts he has hosted in his backyard since 2022 allow him to connect to fans on a closer level.
“It’s the only show in the world where you can see your favorite artist in their backyard and actually talk to them, see them, meet them, shake their hand and hug them,” LaRussell said.
Tickets to Sunday’s show, which sold out in 48 hours, gave attendees lifetime access to future concerts as well as royalties from a documentary his team will pitch to Netflix and other streaming services.
For LaRussell, the concert selling out represents a testament to his worth as an artist and the loyal following he has cultivated.
Most of his past shows have followed a unique business model that uses a sliding scale for concert tickets and merchandise, allowing him to create a devoted fan base.
“I thought, ‘You have to do this to prove your value and your worth to yourself,’” he said in an interview. “For the past three, four years, I’ve done hundreds of shows. I let people pay me whatever: $1, $5, $10. I’ve lost money just to build community, and this was the first time I actually charged something that I felt was worth the experience.”
An hour before the show started, fans were lined up down the block. LaRussell came out and gave a hug to everyone, thanking them for their support.
Sherwin Ramos, who came from Rhode Island to see LaRussell, was immediately struck by the kindness and warmth of everyone from waiting in line.
“I’ve never seen something like this,” Ramos. “You have people from all walks of life congregating, getting together, and it’s all love. I got three hugs in that line. That’s crazy, I’ve never had that happen.”
It’s the only show in the world where you can see your favorite artist in their backyard and actually talk to them, see them, meet them, shake their hand and hug them.
LaRussell
LaRussell’s music, reminiscent of the Bay Area’s hyphy movement, emphasizes hometown pride. His raps explore the everyday highs and lows of life while also calling out record labels and mainstream hip-hop, which often focuses on violence and substance use.
“He’s leading by example for the next generation,” said Edwin Henry, a fan in the audience. “It’s very refreshing to see hip-hop going in this direction.”
Lorraine Wilkins, asked why she paid so much to attend, emphasized LaRussell’s generosity and the positive example he sets.
“He’s doing the right thing for the community. I love how he gives back, I love his showmanship, and I love his drive,” she said. “I think it’d be better for me to spend $1,000 on this young man doing positive things than a designer purse.”
LaRussell transformed his small backyard into a performance space with a stage and bleachers in less than two weeks. Elevated decks along the perimeter held his accompanying musicians, including a full choir, keyboard player and violinist.
The two-hour show featuring songs from LaRussell’s 42-album repertoire explored his rise to fame. Rapping over live keyboard instrumentals with no vocal backing track, the unplugged performance included slower and more serious songs like “Do That Lil Dance” and “On My Grave.”
But tracks like “Test Ya Nuts” and “GIVE ME A BEAT!” energized the crowd as LaRussell danced across the stage and the audience chanted along.
After singing “Scaredy Cat,” the rapper broke down in tears, seemingly overwhelmed by the realization of how far he’s come. Friends and family quickly surrounded him in a group hug.
For LaRussell, Sunday’s concert was the culmination of years of sacrifice, dedication and unwavering authenticity.
“I’ve given everything I can away,” he told the crowd. “To see people show up for me in this way … I am beyond honored. This means a lot.”
