The Kid LAROI

Charlton Kenneth Jeffrey Howard, known professionally as The Kid LAROI, is an Australian rapper, singer, and songwriter who has quickly risen to international stardom. Born on August 17, 2003, in Waterloo, New South Wales, Australia, LAROI grew up in a challenging environment marked by hardship and resilience. His mother, Sloane Howard, a talent manager and record executive of Aboriginal and European descent, played a significant role in shaping his musical tastes, introducing him to the sounds of iconic hip-hop artists like Tupac, Fugees, and Lil Wayne. His father, Nick Howard, had a brief career in the music industry before shifting to production work. Despite the absence of a consistent father figure, LAROI found inspiration in his uncle, who served as a mentor until his tragic murder in 2015. This loss deeply impacted LAROI, fueling his drive to succeed and honor his uncle’s memory.

LAROI’s early life was tumultuous, with his family struggling financially and moving frequently. After his parents’ separation, LAROI moved to the rural town of Broken Hill with his mother and brother. He attended various schools, including Sacred Heart Parish School and later the Australian Performing Arts Grammar School in Sydney, where he received a scholarship. However, his passion for music led him to drop out of school in his early teens to pursue a career in the music industry. His determination to make it big led him to hustle relentlessly, waiting outside hotels to meet and network with prominent artists.

LAROI began his musical journey by recording raps on his mother’s phone and uploading them to SoundCloud. He gained early recognition with his debut EP, 14 with a Dream, released in 2018, which showcased his talent and potential. This project caught the attention of industry insiders, and soon after, he formed a partnership with American rapper Lil Bibby’s Grade A Productions, leading to a joint venture with Columbia Records. His collaboration with the late American rapper Juice Wrld, who mentored him during his early career, further propelled him into the spotlight. LAROI’s time spent living and working with Juice Wrld in Los Angeles provided invaluable experience and exposure, setting the stage for his breakout.

In 2020, LAROI released his debut mixtape, Fck Love*, which topped the Australian ARIA Charts and reached number three on the US Billboard 200, making him the youngest Australian solo artist to achieve such success. The mixtape featured hit singles like “Without You,” which gained even more traction after a remix featuring Miley Cyrus. However, it was his 2021 collaboration with Justin Bieber on the single “Stay” that catapulted him to global fame. The song topped charts worldwide, including the Billboard Hot 100, solidifying LAROI’s place in the international music scene.

LAROI’s debut studio album, The First Time (2023), further showcased his versatility, blending elements of hip-hop and pop. Despite its moderate commercial success, the album highlighted LAROI’s evolution as an artist. Known for his emotive lyrics and genre-blurring style, LAROI has established himself as one of the most promising young talents in the music industry. His journey from the streets of Sydney to global stardom is a testament to his relentless work ethic, resilience, and undeniable talent.