LaRussell: $1,000 Backyard Experience?— Vallejo’s Local Hero
Words and photos by Mack Brown
LaRussell receiving his honorary plaque for “2 million ticket sales” across his touring career on October 5, 2025
Mack Brown for Tongue Tied Mag
Who can behold the rearing face of uncertainty during times of adversity? To stare daringly with a determination so bold others question your validity. “I reinvest all my earnings back into my community. I’m actually in the negative—All of the proceeds from this are paying my team (who live in a compound with me), my family, business, etc. … quoted by the Bay Area indie rapper, and Good Compenny founder LaRussell. In the small town of Vallejo, California, breeds the typical story of the underdog who takes on the world to prove himself, yet mixed with the charisma and grit of a hometown hero. LaRussell has brewed something denser at large; an independent, ever-growing clothing brand, rapping savant, with an unshakable will for success.
Is there a blueprint to discover?— this Texan sincerely believes so. What’s the secret; luck? hard work? nepotism? It’s more here than meets the eye. LaRussell has taken up space, collaborating with the likes of West Coast royalty, including Snoop Dogg, Busta Rhymes, Hit-Boy, Wiz Khalifa, E-40, and even at the intersection of sports with an electrifying link-up with Marshawn Lynch, a previous player of the Seattle Seahawks.
Family interview on the red carpet in support of Larussell on October 5, 2025
Mack Brown for Tongue Tied Mag
His ideas will shift the upcoming landscape of artistry. Bottom Line.
Would you pay $1,000 to see your favorite artist? Think about it. If not, What if you also got a private show in their own backyard, merch bag, free dinner, live Q&A, vinyl and cd, a personal call, lifetime access to future shows, and equity in the recorded documentary sale to streaming— would it suffice? The attendees of Russ’ $1,000 Backyard Show like to think so. The tickets sold out in less than 24 hours. A one-of-a-kind experience blending live music, storytelling, and community like none other.
Personally, as an avid lover of live music and crowds, I have a propensity for music festivals; brash, hundreds of artists , 3+ days of food & fun. However, after seeing how intimate the space would be, and the ideas behind it, I immediately jumped aboard, readily accepting the invite to cover LaRussell and his personal journey.
The sun beams as fans line up near the gate of his childhood home, the anticipation in the air feels almost palpable. Merch attendants have just finished assorting, and we’re (media) all introducing ourselves and our respective publications. After a few test shots LaRussell personally walks over to not only introduce himself to us, but to each and every guest in line. Shaking hands while wearing a full smile. You could tell it meant the world to him.
100 guests rolled in-and-out onto the red carpet, some in their most fashionable, others repping Good Compenny merch from head-to-toe as journalists begin interviewing the most enthralled.
LaRussell opens and closes the show with the same poetic-like storytelling— a song intertwined with a bigger message. An in-the-round stage setup with a visceral performance of his life story from the first album to number forty. Accompanied by a live choir ensemble; with such a soulful resonance. And a DJ that dances as much as he does. I could feel the impactfulness surrounding the community, as multiple times I scanned the crowd to witness an array of high emotions; men and women rapping every lyric with their chest, crying, family members dancing like it’s nobody’s business, and kids having a good time, hell even I put my camera down and did a two-step.
— Have you found the secret? : Good Compenny
Good Compenny is a Bay Area nonprofit independently funded and operated by creatives. Beyond the surface, the real ethos of the clothing, music, and book brand is reflective of LaRusell and his personal values: ownership, empowerment, and accessibility. As a fan quoted, “To see a young Black man uplifting his community, bridging the gap of what’s possible for us, it was a no-brainer for me.”
Supporting peers hugging LaRussell on stage on October, 5th 2025
Mack Brown for Tongue Tied Mag
And the $1k Backyard show underscored his philosophy: very intimate, non-flashy, open-air, and focused on community building. This authenticity is why his audience continues to go and grow beside him as he expands his footing. Simply put, guests “viewed the $1k as an investment into him and his vision, an experience like they’ve never been to.”
During the live Q&A, attendees got to ask questions:
“How do you respond to negative comments about your song regarding Palestine?
So I have this song about the injustice in Palestine. The lyrics go:
I don't wanna be another Black box online / Fake fighting for their lives while I'm enjoying mine /I thought about it deeply and I think it's finally time / Free all my ni**as and free Palestine’
and the funny thing is shortly after I made the song, I had a label meeting where after the exec called to say, ‘Hey, we don’t support your choice of words here,’ and I told my agent, ‘If he doesn’t rock with me being human, supporting others, he can kick rocks. I made it out of love.’
As LaRussell performed his last few songs, reflecting while lying on the ground, he began to feel emotional; the impact of it all. His team gathered over him (photographer, friend, family), with a hand or two on his shoulder and back, reassuring him of the moment. All of his striving, generosity, and goodwill had paid off. From $1 shows to $1k shows, it was a testament that self belief is the number one asset.
Honestly, not being the hugest hip-hop fan, I didn’t know what to expect upon arrival at LaRussells $1,000 Backyard show. This was something different, quite unique from the other events I usually attend. I walked in with water, a camera bag, and an open mind. That evening, I left with so much more; a strong feeling of camaraderie. From the moment guests walked the red carpet, the sense of family and community took shape, carving out what would be the essence of the day: art, integrity, and communion. I left not only being a fan of LaRussell’s music , with hits like “I Might Be” or “Free the World”, but of him as a fellow black man and his values about change. All in all, yes, I’d pay more than $1,000 to spend the day with my favorite artist, have fun, and connect with my community.