LaRussell walked into Oakland Technical High School Monday with money in hand and enterprise on his thoughts. The Vallejo rapper simply completed acting at Super Bowl week occasions.

But as an alternative of celebrating, he confirmed as much as make investments actual cash in student-run startups. Oakland Tech hosted its first-ever hackathon. Students constructed companies from scratch and pitched them to actual buyers.

They obtained greater than they bargained for when LaRussell stunned them.

“I’m going to tap in, and if we do it, y’all got to turn the laptops open,” LaRussell instructed the scholars.

The hackathon was a part of a hands-on enterprise and finance class. LaRussell listened to pupil pitches and invested his personal cash.

One pupil, Nia Golden, pitched a supply service that gives pre-purchase consultations.

Another crew created mood-based candles with collectible charms.

“Sometimes all you need is one person to believe in you, for you to realize that it’s possible. And I just want to be that person today that shows them, hey, this isn’t just a school project. This is real. Here’s some real money to go do some real work,” LaRussell stated.

LaRussell constructed his profession on an unbiased enterprise mannequin. He lets followers pay what they need for music and merchandise. He additionally shares royalties with supporters who assist fund his tasks.

The rapper has made tens of millions utilizing this fan-funded strategy. He hosts concert events at “The Pergola,” a venue he inbuilt his Vallejo yard.

LaRussell not too long ago inked a take care of Jay-Z’s Roc Nation after the success of his album Something’s within the Water.

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