If you’ve ever been blown away by a Kendrick Lamar live performance, chances are Tony “Chicago” Russell had a big hand in making that magic happen. He’s not just the guy on bass—he’s Kendrick’s Musical Director, and one of the most respected names in live music today.
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But before all that? Tony came up on the West Side of Chicago, surrounded by gospel music and raised by a singer—his mom, the legendary Angela Spivey. So yeah, music was in his DNA from day one.
CHURCH ROOTS TO TOUR BUSES
Like so many greats, Tony got his start playing in church. He was mentored by his church organist, Donald Wood, and quickly became “that guy” on the bass—clean, creative, and always locked in. From there, he started touring and playing for folks like Jamie Foxx, Dave Hollister, Jay-Z, and Diddy. No big deal, right?
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He built a name not just for his playing, but for his leadership and vibe. Eventually, that path led him to Kendrick Lamar, where he’s now running the show behind the scenes and onstage—literally calling the shots musically while holding down the groove.
WHAT A MUSICAL DIRECTOR REALLY DOES
Being a Musical Director (MD) isn’t just about playing the notes. Tony handles rehearsals, band arrangements, sound checks, and keeps the entire musical experience tight. Think of him as the quarterback of Kendrick’s live setup. Every key change, breakdown, and transition? That’s Tony.
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And if you watched Kendrick’s iconic Super Bowl Halftime Show or saw The Championship Tour, you already know the level he operates on.
MEET HIS SECRET WEAPON: THE U•BASS
Tony’s go-to gear includes the Kala U•BASS—a mini bass with serious power. He picked it up after seeing another bassist use it and was instantly sold. It’s small enough to travel with but punches hard on stage. He even uses a custom California Series U•BASS and a slick Ebony version. Sleek, compact, and stage-ready.
Tony is more than just a player—he’s a mentor to younger musicians, a tone-setter in every rehearsal, and a creative mind who knows how to make a live show feel like a moment. You can feel that in every Kendrick performance.
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He talks about tour life with honesty: the long days, early mornings, hours of prep. But you also hear the passion. He lives for those live moments—the connection, the artistry, the energy.
CHICAGO MADE: TONY RUSSELL TAKES OVER LOLLA
This summer, Tony Russell is putting on for the city in a major way.
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As Music Director of the “CHICAGO MADE” showcase at Lollapalooza 2025, Tony is curating and leading a lineup of rising and iconic artists that represent the heartbeat of the city’s sound. It’s not just a performance — it’s a celebration of Chicago culture, community, and creativity.
Here’s who’s hitting the Petrillo Stage with Tony at the helm:
Tony Russell might not be a household name (yet), but he’s one of the people shaping what live hip-hop sounds like today. He’s proof that the people behind the scenes matter just as much as the ones in front of the mic.
So next time you see Kendrick Lamar hit the stage, or hear a flawless live arrangement, just know: Tony “Chicago” Russell probably had everything to do with it.
