Daily Inspiration: Meet Larussell Thomas

Today we’d like to introduce you to Larussell Thomas.

Hi Larussell, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
LaRussell has been in the game for a decade, making his mark on the independent circuit. He’ll say “it took me 10 years to become an overnight success”, and it’s true. He’s been releasing music since 2017 and (as of writing this) he has 44 albums and 313 total releases. LaRussell is known for his hard work and dedication to sharing his knowledge with anyone who wants to understand it. He created his own independent collective, “Good Compenny” and built his platform on elevating powerful art and uplifting his community. He made waves independently by instating”proud to pay” pricing which allows the people to pay what they want for shows, merchandise, music, and all other commodities, absolutely changing the game. After a venue promoter turned down his “proud to pay” ticket model, he built his own venue! He built a pergola at his childhood home! The Backyard is a staple in LaRussell’s journey. There he’s been able to make hiphop history by creating a show that focuses on building community and changing the industry. Even outside of ‘The Backyard’ he’s brought his talents to Outsidelands, Stern Grove, America’s Got Talent, The Super Bowl, and countless other stages. He’s even been bringing his legendary backyard experience to other cities in the US.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The road wasn’t smooth. It was a lot of hard work. LaRussell made lanes for himself that didn’t exist before. That doesn’t come without it’s own set of challenges, but instead of just stopping at the doors closing, LaRussell builds his own. When the venue promoter didn’t see his vision, he created the backyard. With streaming becoming the monopoly that it is, LaRussell created a platform to sell his albums directly to his fans and sold 30,000. Challenges and struggles are opportunities for growth.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
LaRussell is a musical artist that is bringing back the art of rap. He’s known for his legendary backyard shows, his radical honesty about the music business, and his involvement in his community in Vallejo. He really brings people together in such a beautiful way. The shows are like no other. Not only can the fans pay what they feel the show is worth to them, but there have been jump houses, petting zoos, special musical guest performances, games, and opportunities for fans to ask LaRussell questions directly. LaRussell will go and greet his fans, talk to them, dance with them, and make them apart of the show. It’s a place where people come and leave with a feeling of found family and its definitely something to be proud of.

Are there any important lessons you’ve learned that you can share with us?
An important lesson from LaRussell’s story is that you have to do the thing that scares you. Do the thing that makes people doubt you. Do the thing that makes you doubt yourself. Bet on yourself and your vision.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://goodcompenny.co/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/larussell/
• Twitter: https://x.com/gcompenny
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@GoodCompenny
• Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/goodcompenny

Image Credits
Yeiseon