GCTV: Amplifying Voices: LaRussell’s Fight for Fair Recognition in Music

Every so often, the music industry needs a voice to disrupt the status quo. Enter LaRussell and his Free Game Friday sessions on GCTV, where gems are dropped like mixtapes and authenticity reigns supreme. In a recent episode, LaRussell dives deep into a conversation about crediting contributors in the music industry, sharing actionable advice for artists and providing an unfiltered look at the realities of modern-day artistry.

The Case for Credit: Recognizing the Unsung Heroes

At the heart of the discussion is LaRussell’s push for greater recognition of songwriters, producers, and other contributors. “If everybody got credited, everybody wins,” he says. He points out how platforms often bury essential credits, leaving writers and co-creators in the shadows. The fix? Systems that showcase names prominently, much like they do for artists.

“Imagine if SZA’s song ‘Snooze’ listed Leon Thomas as prominently as her name,” LaRussell argues. “It wouldn’t just elevate the song; it’d elevate his career.” This call for equitable crediting, he adds, is about more than fairness—it’s about building bridges and opening doors for artists to connect with new opportunities.

The sentiment is rooted in his own experience. LaRussell shared that his first million-stream song, which he co-wrote, didn’t carry his name in the credits. “That could’ve led to so many other opportunities,” he reflects. “If people knew, it would’ve opened doors.”

Performing Like a Pro: Lessons from the Road

LaRussell also used the episode to drop invaluable advice for emerging performers, much of it gleaned from his time touring with T-Pain. Key among his takeaways: the importance of engaging the audience.

“People don’t know you yet, so win them over,” he says. He suggests incorporating covers or familiar hooks into a set to spark instant connections. Creating a dynamic “roller coaster” setlist—with highs, lows, and everything in between—helps maintain energy throughout a performance.

Storytelling is another crucial ingredient. Sharing the meaning or inspiration behind songs gives audiences a sense of intimacy. “If they know the backstory, they’re invested,” LaRussell explains. He points to viral moments, like his Marshawn Lynch shoot, as examples of how personal context can amplify an artist’s impact.

Navigating the Industry: Building Platforms and Persevering

Free Game Fridays are as much about philosophy as they are about practicality. LaRussell’s broader message centers on building your own platform, embracing passion, and staying consistent despite challenges. “Passion is key,” he emphasizes. “You have to love this enough to keep going when you’re broke, sad, or mad.”

This mindset extends to team collaboration and brand opportunities. The episode touches on the group’s recent work with Honda, which came about after a last-minute pitch. “We pick and choose what feels good and fits,” LaRussell’s team shares, underscoring the importance of authenticity in partnerships.

Even when success isn’t immediate, showing up matters. LaRussell recounts his team’s viral Marshawn Lynch shoot, a moment born from simply being present. “Sometimes, the return isn’t immediate,” he says. “You have to move without expecting anything back. Building is the return.”

Cultural Relevance: Bridging the Gap

Beyond the practical advice, Free Game Fridays highlight the cultural and systemic barriers that independent artists face. From addressing the stigma of ghostwriting in hip-hop to dismantling outdated industry practices, LaRussell positions himself as a change-maker.

“Why can’t rappers share credit without it being a knock?” he asks. Referencing legacy acts like The Temptations and Whitney Houston, he reminds listeners that collaboration has always been part of greatness. “It’s about the delivery,” he says. “Michael Jackson performing ‘Thriller’ made it what it is. But the writer’s name still matters.”

An Invitation to Build

LaRussell’s Free Game Fridays are more than a podcast—they’re a rallying cry for artists to own their narratives, support each other, and redefine success on their own terms. Whether he’s talking about proper crediting, performance strategies, or the grind of independent artistry, his message is clear: build something real, and the rest will follow.

“This is about legacy,” he says. “What we’re doing now will hang on walls in 20 years.”

And with LaRussell leading the charge, the next generation of creators might just get the recognition they deserve.