Live and Direct: A SXSW Day with LaRussell

During one of SXSW's more offbeat and unforgettable events, and this year, one of mine came on a rooftop overlooking the heart of downtown Austin. Picture a 360-degree skyline view from the top of a converted parking garage—no cars, just pickleball courts and a crowd of maybe 20 to 30 people. That’s where I found myself on a sunny afternoon, paddle in hand, waiting my turn to play a few rounds with none other than LaRussell.

It wasn’t a starstruck moment. It was something different. Surreal, maybe. I’ve always appreciated LaRussell’s music and the way it leans into vulnerability and purpose. Playing a sport with one of the most impactful artists of this generation felt like what I imagine it would've been like to shoot hoops with Nipsey Hussle at LA Fitness—not flashy, just real.

LaRussell played nonstop for two hours. Smiling like he does on his album covers and in his videos, he ran the court with that same grounded energy. He only lost once—and that was to a pair of professional pickleballers. When it was my turn to play, I got to face off against him twice. My partner was a random pickup, just like me, there for the same reason: LaRussell was there. We got beat so fast I barely remember the score. But what stuck with me was how good he actually is at the game. His style reminded me of Nick Kyrgios—nonchalant but skilled. He knew how to put spin on the ball, find open spots, and control the pace without ever looking like he was trying too hard. He took pictures with everyone who asked. Every moment felt intentional.

Later that night, the scene shifted to Austin’s historic 6th Street at Vulcan Gas Company for the Revolt House event. Before LaRussell even hit the stage, 310babii surprised the crowd with a performance of his viral hit, "Soak City (Do It)," instantly turning the venue into a West Coast party.

Then LaRussell came out and gave us a solid 30- to 40-minute set backed by a full band that included violinist Michael Prince and saxophonist Tione Brown—both of whom performed with him at his Tiny Desk concert. At one point, he handed the mic to a fan in the crowd who never spoke a word, just sang what he wanted to say in a heartfelt freestyle. The fan hit high notes that sent the room into a frenzy, and in his melody, he shared that he had manifested that moment. It was powerful, raw, and human.

That’s what stuck with me the most: LaRussell’s ability to be fully human while still owning the stage as one of the most important voices in hip hop right now. Whether he’s on a rooftop paddle court or backed by live instrumentation on 6th Street, he brings people in. No gimmicks. Just connection.

It was one of those magical moments SXSW provides—the kind that leaves you walking away full. LaRussell doesn’t just perform. He participates. He shows up. And he reminds you that impact doesn’t have to come with a spotlight; sometimes it comes with a paddle, a mic, and a whole lot of heart.

Photo Credit: @brynncreative_ (IG)