A few years ago my dad mentioned an up-and-coming artist by the name of LaRussell. “No, seriously,” he said. “This dude is different! You gotta check him out.” So I gave him a listen and I’ve been a fan ever since. Vallejo, Calif. native LaRussell has infiltrated the hip-hop industry in a way so many artists only dream of doing. Determined to stay “majorly independent,” the rapper built his own musical infrastructure right in his Bay Area home. LaRussell’s popular “Backyard Residency” concerts are quite literally held in his backyard, and the artist and his homies bring his backyard vibes to the Tiny Desk for what feels like a party with your most fun friends. LaRussell makes sure to please both day one fans and new listeners with a jam-packed setlist that melds some of his best tracks together. He smiles and dances his way through a high-energy performance that solidifies his spot as one of the most memorable Tiny Desk Concerts I’ve attended thus far.