Vallejo’s own hip-hop artist LaRussell packed hundreds of loyal fans in the backyard of his childhood home on Sunday for an exclusive concert that sold out at $1,000 per ticket.

LaRussell is a rapper who has maintained creative freedom amid a steady rise to fame over the last several years, rejecting record label offers and establishing his own independent collective known as “Good Compenny.”

He boasts nearly two million followers on Instagram and 283,000 followers on TikTok. He first garnered attention after his “2021 Freestyle” went viral, a track that LaRussell opened his Sunday matinee concert with.

He’s hosted intimate concerts in his backyard since 2022, which LaRussell says allows 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 in an interview.

Tickets, which cost a grand, gave attendees lifetime access to future concerts as well as royalties for a documentary his team will pitch to Netflix and other streaming services. Tickets sold out within 48 hours.

For LaRussell, selling out Sunday’s concert was 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. While it costs him not to charge set prices for his shows, the model has allowed 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 — $1.00, $5.00, $10.00. 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 already lined up down the block. LaRussell came out and gave a hug to everyone in attendance, thanking them for their support.

Sherwin Ramos flew all the way from Rhode Island to see LaRussell. He was immediately struck by the kindness and warmth from the other attendees while waiting in line.

“I’ve never seen something like this,” Ramos said in an interview. “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.”

His music is reminiscent of the Bay Area’s hyphy movement and emphasizes hometown pride. His raps explore the everyday highs and lows of life while also calling out record labels and modern mainstream hip-hop, which often features themes like violence and substance use.

“He’s leading by example for the next generation,” said Edwin Henry, an attendee in an interview. “It’s very refreshing to see hip-hop going in this direction.”

When asked why she would pay $1,000 for the concert, Lorraine Wilkins emphasized LaRussell’s generosity and the positive example he sets for others.

“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 in an interview. “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 venue with a stage and bleachers in less than two weeks. Elevated decks were built along the perimeter for his accompanying musicians, which included a full choir, a keyboard player, and a violinist.

The show explored the journey of LaRussell’s rise to fame through the years, performing different songs that told his story from his 42-album repertoire for two hours.

LaRussell rapped over live keyboard instrumentals with no vocal backing track, creating an unplugged performance featuring slower and more serious songs like “Do That Lil Dance” and “On My Grave.”

Tracks like “Test Ya Nuts” and “GIVE ME A BEAT!” energized the crowd as LaRussell danced across the stage and audience members 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 LaRussell in a group hug that reflected the support and love he has cultivated through his music journey.

For LaRussell, Sunday’s backyard concert was the culmination of years of sacrifice, dedication, and unwavering authenticity.

“I’ve given everything I can away,” he said to the crowd. “To see people show up for me in this way … I am beyond honored. This means a lot.”