Not that he necessarily needs it, but popular hip-hop artist LaRussell will add to a formidable resume that already includes an appearance on Tiny Desk, an appearance on the Breakfast Club radio show and a sold-out Empress show.
Grand Marshal of Vallejo's Mad Hatter Holiday Festival and Parade.
Although the artist never participated within the parade when he was growing up in Vallejo, he beamed a broad smile as he spoke about his latest honor.
“I’m just happy to be selected,” he said.
Throughout his musical profession, one thing has remained constant: his Vallejo pride. As he reaches latest heights locally and nationally, the artist is embracing the increased attention with open arms.
“It's one of those things that I finally earned the attention and respect that I asked for back then,” LaRussell said. “I tried to get into certain spaces and hoped people would help me based on what I had in mind. But now it’s finally.”
As his profession continues to realize momentum and the variety of watchful eyes grows, he has remained true to his goals for the City of Vallejo. And a few of those “watchful eyes” belong to city leaders.
“It was really great to see the leadership of the city really change around LaRussell,” he said.
The artist makes it some extent to enter every phase, every business enterprise and each role with excitement. Local leaders are taking on this issue.
“They understand the magnitude of my influence and the magnitude of being home now,” he said. “It’s a beautiful thing to be welcomed in this way and now to be able to actually make change in the city.”
The city, which lacks attractions like major sports teams and monuments, has found a brand new approach to socialize.
“The people of Vallejo just have Vallejo pride. If one of us makes it, it’s just like I’m the team mascot for the moment,” he laughed.
Mad Hatter organizer Frank Malifrando was pleased to have LaRussell as grand marshal.
“I don't want him to appear on Georgia Street if the parade goes there, but I expect he'll probably do something once the parade gets to the tree blitz at the end of the route,” Malifrando said last week Laugh.
Even as an artist with growing demand, LaRussell's busy schedule doesn't get in the way in which of his love for his city. After a recent meeting with the town manager, he discussed his plans to draw larger crowds to Vallejo through concert events, events and hosting major artists.
The root of all of it?
In his position as a well-liked and emerging artist, LaRussell has no intention of abandoning his Vallejo roots.
“I tried to encourage all of our heroes to stay home,” LaRussell said.
Perhaps it has more to do with this artist's admiration for the place and the individuals who raised him, and fewer to do with the industry itself. “I feel more comfortable here than anywhere else in the world,” he concluded.
From the variety of screaming fans at his sold-out Empress Theater show and his recent Grand Marshal award, it's clear that his city supports him as much as he supports them.
The artist might be crowned in the course of the Mad Hatter Festival and Parade at Queen's Court at lunchtime on Saturday.
Originally published:
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