Bay Area's LaRussell Says He Wants To Make History With New Album

VALLEJO, CA — LaRussell, a Bay Area rapper, has been known to do things differently, staying independent while putting other Bay Area musicians on, giving back to his community and throwing backyard shows at his childhood home — all while letting his fans set the prices.

Now, the Vallejo native says he is trying to make history and change the culture once more by trying to sell 100,000 albums in 30 days from home.

LaRussell, known for hits like "Yankin" and "I Got Flavor!" and "Give Me A Beat!," is selling preorders to his new album "SOMETHING'S IN THE WATER."

The catch? It's only available online, and fans can pay whatever they want for it — starting at a dollar.

"I just want to show the world this is possible independently and at home within our own region and our own people," LaRussell said in a post online. "I'm really out to prove something to the rest of the world and the industry, and I need my whole team behind me."

Cities where more than 1,000 people bought albums will get a free pop-up show, according to LaRussell. So far, Oakland leads the way with 270 albums bought, followed by San Francisco.

LaRussell's reach extends to Los Angeles, where 151 albums have been bought, according to his website.

Nearly 7,000 albums have been sold as of Wednesday afternoon, according to the website. Snoop Dogg paid $2,500 for the album, while NBA star Kyrie Irving bought one for $11,001, according to LaRussell.

"You earned it," Irving can be heard saying to LaRussell in a phone call posted by the Bay Area artist on Instagram. "I know you'll pay it forward."

Many fans have also praised LaRussell for the movement, with one fan saying he was the first rapper they've ever "truly enjoyed seeing the fruits of your labor."

"Setting the bar on his own terms, and stays winning," another person said online. "You different bro, keep inspiring."

LaRussell comes from a long line of rap stars out of the Vallejo area, including Mac Dre and E-40.

LaRussell's "SOMETHING'S IN THE WATER" can be found here. It'll feature tracks such as "I'm From The Bay" and "The United Bay Of America."