Behind the Music: 12 Fun Facts About The Kid LAROI

12 Fun Facts About The Kid LAROI You Didn’t Know

The Kid LAROI isn’t just another young artist making waves in the music industry—he’s a global sensation whose rise to stardom is nothing short of extraordinary. At only 20 years old, LAROI has already topped the Billboard Hot 100, collaborated with music heavyweights like Justin Bieber and Juice WRLD, and amassed billions of streams worldwide. But beyond his chart-topping hits, there’s a deeper story of a kid from Sydney, Australia, who turned his struggles into triumphs. From growing up in public housing to becoming one of the most streamed artists on the planet, LAROI’s journey is as inspiring as his music. Whether it’s paying tribute to his Indigenous roots or pouring his emotions into raw, personal lyrics, The Kid LAROI has carved out a space in the industry that’s uniquely his own. Let’s dive into 12 fun facts that reveal what makes him so special.

1. He Started Making Music at Just 12 Years Old

The Kid LAROI, born Charlton Kenneth Jeffrey Howard, began writing and recording music when he was only 12. Growing up in the suburbs of Sydney, Australia, LAROI found solace in hip-hop, using music as an outlet to express his emotions and escape from a tough childhood. Inspired by artists like Tupac and Kanye West, LAROI started posting freestyles and songs on SoundCloud under the moniker "Charlton." Even at that young age, it was clear that he had a gift for storytelling through his lyrics. LAROI’s raw, emotional style connected with listeners, especially as he wrote about topics like loss, love, and ambition. His early dedication to his craft set the stage for what would become an extraordinary rise to fame. By the time he was 15, his talent had already caught the attention of music industry heavyweights, proving that he was destined for greatness.

2. He Was Mentored by Juice WRLD

One of the most pivotal moments in The Kid LAROI’s career came when he connected with Juice WRLD. The late rapper took LAROI under his wing, mentoring him during the early stages of his career. Juice WRLD saw immense potential in the young Australian artist and invited him to tour and record in the U.S. LAROI credits Juice WRLD with teaching him how to navigate the music industry and refine his sound. The two artists developed a close bond, often working together in the studio. Their friendship had a profound impact on LAROI, not only professionally but personally. Juice WRLD’s sudden death in 2019 deeply affected LAROI, and he has often spoken about how Juice’s mentorship continues to inspire him. The song “Go,” which features Juice WRLD, became one of LAROI’s breakout hits and serves as a tribute to his late friend and mentor.

3. His Stage Name Has Indigenous Roots

The Kid LAROI’s stage name pays homage to his heritage. LAROI is of Kamilaroi descent, an Indigenous Australian people. His mother, Sloane Howard, always made sure he was connected to his cultural roots, and LAROI chose to honor his ancestry by incorporating it into his stage name. The “Kid” part of his name reflects his youthful energy and determination to make an impact in the music world from a young age. The Kamilaroi people’s history of resilience and strength is something LAROI has carried with him throughout his journey, and he often speaks with pride about his heritage. By using his platform, LAROI hopes to inspire young Indigenous Australians to chase their dreams, just as he did. His stage name is more than just a moniker—it’s a powerful statement about identity, representation, and staying true to one’s roots.

4. He Dropped Out of School to Pursue Music

The Kid LAROI made a bold decision early on—he dropped out of high school to focus entirely on his music career. Although he was just 14 at the time, LAROI was determined to make his dream a reality. School wasn’t providing the creative outlet he needed, so he took a leap of faith, dedicating all his energy to his craft. His family supported his choice, understanding that his passion for music was something he couldn’t ignore. Despite leaving formal education behind, LAROI’s “schooling” came in the form of real-world experiences, working with top artists, and learning the ins and outs of the music industry. His gamble paid off when he signed his first record deal and started gaining recognition in both Australia and the U.S. Today, LAROI’s success is a testament to his belief in following his dreams, even when the odds seemed stacked against him.

5. He's the Youngest Australian to Top the Billboard Hot 100

The Kid LAROI made history in 2021 when he became the youngest Australian artist to top the Billboard Hot 100. His hit song “Stay,” featuring Justin Bieber, skyrocketed to No. 1 and held the position for multiple weeks. The catchy pop-rap track became an international sensation, dominating charts and radio airwaves. At just 17, LAROI’s accomplishment not only solidified his place in the global music scene but also set a new standard for young artists everywhere. The success of “Stay” was a huge milestone in his career, proving that LAROI wasn’t just a one-hit-wonder but a serious contender in the music world. Collaborating with Bieber, one of the biggest stars on the planet, further elevated LAROI’s profile, and the song’s massive success helped him break into new markets, including the U.S., solidifying his international stardom.

6. He Lived in Public Housing Growing Up

Before The Kid LAROI found fame, he lived a far less glamorous life. He grew up in public housing in the Redfern and Waterloo neighborhoods of Sydney, areas known for their economic struggles. His childhood was marked by financial instability and the hardships that come with growing up in low-income neighborhoods. LAROI has spoken openly about the tough conditions his family faced, including the challenges of growing up without many resources. Despite these difficulties, he always remained focused on his passion for music. His upbringing heavily influenced his lyrics, as he often reflects on the struggles of his youth in his songs. LAROI’s story of rising from public housing to international stardom is a testament to his resilience and determination. It also makes his success even more impressive, showing that no matter where you come from, you can achieve greatness.

7. He's Signed to Lil Bibby’s Label, Grade A Productions

One of the major turning points in The Kid LAROI’s career came when he signed to Grade A Productions, the label founded by Chicago rapper Lil Bibby. Grade A Productions is the same label that signed Juice WRLD, and it was through this connection that LAROI first gained attention in the U.S. Lil Bibby saw something special in LAROI early on and made the decision to sign him when he was just 16. This partnership helped LAROI break into the American music market, and under Lil Bibby’s guidance, LAROI quickly started working with top producers and artists. The backing of Grade A Productions, along with LAROI’s own undeniable talent, allowed him to grow rapidly as an artist. The label’s support has been crucial in helping him navigate the complexities of the music industry and in elevating his career to international fame.

8. He Has Collaborated with Some of the Biggest Names in Music

Despite being so young, The Kid LAROI has already worked with some of the biggest names in the music industry. His collaborations include A-listers like Justin Bieber, Miley Cyrus, and Marshmello. One of his first major collabs was with Juice WRLD on the track “Go,” which helped propel him into the spotlight. Since then, LAROI has proven that he’s capable of holding his own alongside industry giants. His track with Miley Cyrus, a remix of “Without You,” showcased his ability to blend genres, merging his emotive rap style with her rock-tinged vocals. His collaborations have allowed him to reach a broader audience and show his versatility as an artist. LAROI’s ability to work with such high-profile artists at a young age highlights his talent and potential to continue dominating the music industry for years to come.

9. He's Been Nominated for Multiple ARIA Awards

The Kid LAROI’s meteoric rise hasn’t gone unnoticed in his home country. He’s been nominated for multiple ARIA Awards (Australia’s equivalent of the Grammys), recognizing his contributions to the Australian music scene. In 2021, LAROI was nominated for awards like Best Artist and Best Hip-Hop Release, solidifying his status as one of Australia’s most exciting new talents. The ARIA Awards are a major milestone in any Australian artist’s career, and LAROI’s nominations are a testament to how far he’s come since his early days making music in his bedroom. Although he’s now an international star, LAROI has never forgotten his roots, and these nominations are a proud moment for both him and his country. His ARIA recognition is just the beginning, as his global success is sure to bring him many more accolades in the future.

10. He Moved to the U.S. to Chase His Dreams

When The Kid LAROI’s career started to take off, he made the big move from Australia to the United States to pursue his music full-time. Relocating to the U.S. wasn’t just about expanding his audience—it was about immersing himself in the heart of the music industry. Moving to Los Angeles at such a young age was a bold decision, but it paid off. Being in the U.S. allowed LAROI to work with top producers and artists, accelerating his career and giving him access to opportunities that were unavailable back home. The move wasn’t easy, though—LAROI has spoken about the challenges of being away from his family and adjusting to life in a new country. However, his drive to succeed outweighed the difficulties, and the move was instrumental in solidifying his place as one of the hottest young artists in the world.

11. He Draws Inspiration from Personal Losses

The Kid LAROI’s music is deeply personal, often reflecting the pain of loss he’s experienced throughout his life. One of the most significant losses was the death of his close friend and mentor, Juice WRLD, who passed away suddenly in 2019. LAROI has also been open about the impact of losing his father figure, his uncle, who was murdered when LAROI was just 4 years old. These experiences of grief and loss heavily influence his music, giving it an emotional depth that resonates with fans around the world. Songs like “Tell Me Why” and “Without You” are raw expressions of LAROI’s pain and vulnerability, making him stand out in a genre often dominated by bravado. His willingness to be so open about his emotions has endeared him to fans who connect with his honesty and the catharsis found in his music.

12. He's One of the Most Streamed Artists on Spotify

In just a few short years, The Kid LAROI has become one of the most streamed artists on Spotify, a remarkable feat for someone so young. With billions of streams to his name, LAROI’s music has reached a global audience, cementing his place as a dominant force in the streaming world. His songs, particularly hits like “Stay” and “Without You,” have been played millions of times, making him a staple on playlists worldwide. His success on streaming platforms like Spotify and Apple Music reflects the changing landscape of the music industry, where young artists like LAROI can rise to prominence without traditional radio play or physical album sales. His ability to connect with a younger, digital-first audience has made him a streaming powerhouse, and his numbers continue to grow as more fans discover his music.

From his early days writing music in Sydney to becoming a global music sensation, The Kid LAROI’s journey has been nothing short of remarkable. His resilience, dedication, and raw talent have helped him break through the barriers of the music industry, making him one of the most exciting young artists of his generation. Whether he’s honoring his Indigenous heritage through his stage name, or reflecting on personal losses in his music, LAROI’s authenticity shines through in everything he does. He’s not just a rising star—he’s a force to be reckoned with, and it’s clear that his career is only just beginning. With billions of streams, major collaborations, and fans worldwide, The Kid LAROI is set to continue redefining the future of music.

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