LaRussell performs at Crybaby in Oakland on Jan. 25, 2026.
LaRussell performs at Crybaby in Oakland on Jan. 25, 2026. Jerome Parmer/STAFF.
OAKLAND — LaRussell’s Sunday show at Crybaby has been on the radar for just a short while, but it happened to follow a surprise appearance at a pop-up block party benefit held in Old Downtown Oakland on Wednesday.
The popular Vallejo rapper is very engaged with the community and frequently features local talent on his lineups. He’s hosted many such secret shows announced at the last minute on social media. This time around, there were additional surprises as he announced it would be a matinee just hours in advance. That didn’t deter a line of attendees wrapped around the block an hour before doors opened. A DJ was already hard at work as people filed in. Even Crybaby’s balcony and overflow patio area at the rear were full.
“It’s been 25 days into 2026 so far,” LaRussell Dwayne Thomas shouted partway through the performance, before listing off his early accomplishments. “I had [NBA player] Kyrie Irving buy my album for $11,000. I gave $15,000 back to the ‘hood. I met Jay-Z. And I’m performing at the Super Bowl!”
The rapper will perform at the Madden Bowl at Chase Center on Feb. 6, alongside Teddy Swims, Luke Combs and others — though as busy as the rapper is, it wouldn’t be a complete surprise if he showed up with Bad Bunny at the Big Game’s halftime show.
On Sunday, he quickly brought several local guests onto the stage to dance and drop a few lines. The stage was crowded with a variety of active participants. Early on, he shared the mic with San Francisco’s J. Valentine to perform “What we Doin’?” The crowd chanted the words to back them up. Valentine held it down for another two songs before he thanked the crowd and disappeared. After a solo number, LaRussell brought 10-year-old super-fan and future artist Avery Rose Haro up on stage for a short duet on “Am I Musty?” Attendees did their part, hitting the call-and-response phrases and lyric fills on cue.
LaRussell projected big love for the community and his fans. He expressed gratitude for his success while acknowledging his hard work and the contributions of others.
LaRussell performs at Crybaby in Oakland on Jan. 25, 2026.
LaRussell performs at Crybaby in Oakland on Jan. 25, 2026.
LaRussell performs at Crybaby in Oakland on Jan. 25, 2026.
LaRussell performs at Crybaby in Oakland on Jan. 25, 2026.
LaRussell performs at Crybaby in Oakland on Jan. 25, 2026.
LaRussell performs at Crybaby in Oakland on Jan. 25, 2026.
LaRussell performs at Crybaby in Oakland on Jan. 25, 2026.
J. Valentine performs with LaRussell at Crybaby in Oakland on Jan. 25, 2026.
J. Valentine performs with LaRussell at Crybaby in Oakland on Jan. 25, 2026.
J. Valentine performs with LaRussell at Crybaby in Oakland on Jan. 25, 2026.
LaRussell performs at Crybaby in Oakland on Jan. 25, 2026.
J. Valentine and LaRussell perform at Crybaby in Oakland on Jan. 25, 2026.
Avery Rose Haro performs with LaRussell at Crybaby in Oakland on Jan. 25, 2026.
Avery Rose Haro performs with LaRussell at Crybaby in Oakland on Jan. 25, 2026.
Avery Rose Haro performs with LaRussell at Crybaby in Oakland on Jan. 25, 2026.
About The Author
Jerome Parmer is a freelance photographer who likes being in the mix, whether from
the pit at local shows to a protest in the streets. An Oakland resident for many years
with a love for exploring the world, he finds that photography encourages more active
engagement with others. You might also find him out on a tennis court, on the road or
walking his dog Roxie the Wunderpup.
Jerome Parmer is a freelance photographer who likes being in the mix, whether from
the pit at local shows to a protest in the streets. An Oakland resident for many years
with a love for exploring the world, he finds that photography encourages more active
engagement with others. You might also find him out on a tennis court, on the road or
walking his dog Roxie the Wunderpup.