The Kid LAROI
Biography
Charlton Kenneth Jeffrey Howard, known professionally as The Kid LAROI, was born on August 17, 2003, in Waterloo, New South Wales, Australia. He comes from a family with a background in the music industry; his father was a music producer and sound engineer, and his mother was a talent manager. His stage name, "Laroi," is a reference to his Indigenous Australian heritage from the Kamilaroi people. His early life was challenging, marked by his parents' separation and financial difficulties that sometimes led to homelessness. Howard began writing raps at a young age, using his mother's phone to record and upload his music to SoundCloud.
Career Beginnings
In 2018, The Kid LAROI gained significant attention as a finalist in the Triple J Unearthed competition. This exposure helped him build a local following. A pivotal moment in his early career was his mentorship with the late American rapper Juice Wrld, who he supported on his Australian tours. This relationship was crucial in developing his artistic style and confidence. In 2019, he signed a record deal with Grade A Productions, the label of Lil Bibby, in a joint venture with Columbia Records.
Rise to Global Fame
The Kid LAROI's 2020 debut mixtape, "F*ck Love," marked his international breakthrough. The project topped the charts in his native Australia, making him the youngest Australian solo artist to achieve this, and also reached number one on the US Billboard 200. The mixtape's success was fueled by the single "Without You," which gained further popularity with a remix featuring Miley Cyrus. In 2021, his collaboration with Justin Bieber on the single "Stay" became a global phenomenon. The song reached number one in numerous countries, including the US Billboard Hot 100, solidifying his status as a mainstream artist.
Musical Style and Major Works
The Kid LAROI's music is a blend of hip-hop, pop, and emo rap, often featuring lyrics about love, loss, and his life experiences. His debut studio album, "The First Time," was released in November 2023. The album includes collaborations with artists like Jungkook of BTS, Central Cee, Future, and YoungBoy Never Broke Again. Other notable collaborations in his career include "Diva" with Lil Tecca and "Go" with Juice Wrld. Throughout his career, he has been recognized with numerous awards, including ARIA Music Awards and a Billboard Music Award.