Rapper LaRussell Performs at Super Bowl Tailgate Concert

The Atlanta-based artist went from local shows to the biggest stage in football.

Published on Feb. 6, 2026

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Rapper LaRussell, whose real name is LaRussell Dwayne Thomas, has quickly risen from playing independent shows in Atlanta to performing at the Super Bowl Tailgate Concert. The Bay Area native now calls Atlanta home and credits the city's music scene, especially working with Lil Jon, for inspiring him to take his career to the next level. With a recent signing to Roc Nation by Jay-Z, LaRussell is on a mission to sell 100,000 albums in 30 days, getting support from high-profile fans like Kyrie Irving and Cedric the Entertainer.

Why it matters

LaRussell's rapid rise from local Atlanta shows to the Super Bowl stage highlights the power of the city's vibrant music scene to launch new artists onto the national stage. His journey also demonstrates how social media and direct-to-fan sales can help independent artists build a following and land major label deals.

The details

LaRussell, who was originally planning to call his latest album "Baytel," was convinced by Atlanta icon Lil Jon to instead focus on representing his new hometown. With two million Instagram followers, LaRussell has been inspiring the next generation through backyard concerts where kids take center stage. Now signed to Jay-Z's Roc Nation label, he's aiming to sell 100,000 albums in 30 days, getting support from high-profile fans like NBA star Kyrie Irving and comedian Cedric the Entertainer.

  • LaRussell was headlining shows in Atlanta one week.
  • The next week, he was performing at the Super Bowl Tailgate Concert.

The players

LaRussell

An Atlanta-based rapper whose real name is LaRussell Dwayne Thomas. He has quickly risen from playing independent shows to performing at the Super Bowl Tailgate Concert after being signed to Roc Nation by Jay-Z.

Lil Jon

An Atlanta music icon who inspired LaRussell to focus on representing his new hometown rather than his Bay Area roots.

Jay-Z

The founder of Roc Nation, who recently signed LaRussell to his label.

Kyrie Irving

An NBA star who bought one of LaRussell's albums for $11,000.

Cedric the Entertainer

A comedian who bought one of LaRussell's albums for $1,000.

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What they’re saying

“Atlanta was home prior to Lil Jon, but yeah, it definitely brought it home.”

— LaRussell (cbsnews.com)

“You know, like the original title for this album was Baytel. Jon was really, really, really just serious about, like, 'This for you. Like this is for home. Represent, they need it.'”

— LaRussell (cbsnews.com)

“I've been talking to the NFL for a while.”

— LaRussell (cbsnews.com)

“A lot of us learn raps before we learn how to properly spell. The way we talk, the way we speak, the ways we carry ourselves throughout the world comes from the music we consume.”

— LaRussell (cbsnews.com)

What’s next

LaRussell is aiming to sell 100,000 albums in 30 days following his Super Bowl Tailgate Concert performance.

The takeaway

LaRussell's journey from local Atlanta shows to the Super Bowl stage showcases the power of the city's vibrant music scene to launch new artists onto the national stage, as well as the impact social media and direct-to-fan sales can have in helping independent artists build a following and land major label deals.