Vallejo’s own LaRussell joins Boardroom Talks for a masterclass in independence, ownership, and building a creative empire without a major label. From selling 100,000 albums independently to giving fans royalty splits in his music, LaRussell breaks down the business model that’s reshaping how artists think about value. He explains why radio still matters more than streaming, how TikTok lowered the barrier to entry in hip-hop, and why craftsmanship in music has declined, and what it’ll take to bring it back. He also opens up about his three-hour conversation with Jay-Z and what “passing the torch” really means; performing at the Super Bowl as an independent artist; building the College Park Amphitheater in his own backyard; working with Lil Jon; rolling out his most ambitious album yet; and much more.