LaRussell plays Music in the Park San Jose

Rising Bay Area rapper LaRussell makes his long-awaited Music in the Park debut on September 21, 2025—and it will be a date to remember in San Jose’s music history.

Raised in Vallejo, California, LaRussell Thomas has earned widespread respect for his authentic, heartfelt lyricism and grassroots musical success. His distinctive voice, both literally and artistically, resonates with vulnerability, insight and community pride . More than just a rapper, he’s a movement-maker—founder of Good Compenny, a community-driven organization and platform that champions independent artists across the Bay Area and beyond.

LaRussell’s story is rooted in perseverance. Raised in North Vallejo, a city known for its lineage of trailblazing hip-hop artists, he began rapping at the age of eight. While early schooling left him uninspired, he found his rhythm at Vallejo's Peoples' High School, where his passion for music and self-expression started to take shape.

After high school, life took a serious turn: LaRussell became a father. He put his musical aspirations on hold and took a job at an aerospace firm to support his family. For six years, he worked full-time while quietly releasing music as Tota, honing his craft behind the scenes.

Eventually, the call to create full-time became impossible to ignore. He stepped away from his 9-to-5 and went all in on his art—documenting the process with radical transparency, often recording performances in his backyard and sharing unfiltered moments online. His DIY ethos, combined with lyrical depth and entrepreneurial spirit, has built him a loyal following and caught the attention of the national hip-hop scene.

Now performing under his real name, LaRussell is redefining what independent success looks like in hip-hop. His upcoming appearance at Music in the Park celebrates purpose, persistence and power in community.

LaRussell plays Music in the Park San Jose September 21, 2025