Here’s How LaRussell’s Backyard Concerts Are Paving the Way for Up-and-Coming Rappers

Up-and-coming creatives, rejoice! LaRussell has built a space for artists to showcase their work, and the backyard sessions are slowly taking over the Bay Area music scene.

The California native began his rap journey in 2018 with the release of his debut project, The Field Effect. Since then, the MC has utilized the digital space to connect with other artists through his Good Compenny collective.

“We really do a lot to cultivate local artists and put artists on,” LaRussell told AllHipHop. “We create a live performance platform similar to Colors and Genius where we’ve had a lot of artists go viral and a lot of success there.”

The group performs during LaRussell’s Backyard Residency, which is held at the rapper’s Vallejo home.

Since he came onto the music scene, LaRussell has shown no signs of slowing down.

The rapper has released 23 albums since 2018 while also providing a space for other Bay Area artists to showcase their skills.

The LaRussell Backyard Residency was started in 2022 after the rapper had an unpleasant experience with a venue manager. After the incident, LaRussell was inspired to create his own performance space, finding that his home was the perfect spot for the venue.

“I don't like nobody being able to tell me ‘no,’” LaRussell explained during an appearance on the Earn Your Leisure podcast.

He added: “So to get rid of that, I was like, ‘I'm going to do my own venue.’ Now, we don't have to deal with it at all – we don't have to ask, we don't have to wait for nobody to tell us what date they got available.”

LaRussell went on to explain that the shows would change throughout the year, with events being held from April to October. During their first year, the venue – which was the rapper built the home he shares with his parents – held more than five shows.

Dates for the 2024 LaRussell Backyard Residency have been announced. Performances will be held on April 7, May 5, June 2, July 7, and August 8.

To help make the show more accessible, admission tickets are offer-based — potential concertgoers pay what they feel the experience is worth. However, the website states that “all offers won’t be accepted.”

The venue asked that fans consider the time, energy, and hard work of the artists when placing bids on tickets.

“Don't be that person who waited, trying to DM me about it next year,” LaRussell said on Twitter.

While the lineup has not yet been revealed, fans can undoubtedly expect a performance from LaRussell – who also serves as the show’s curator.

For those looking for a chance to take the stage during the LaRussell Backyard Residency, there is a submission form for musicians to submit their work to the collective.