Who is The Kid Laroi?
The Kid Laroi age and background information
Charlton Kenneth Jeffrey Howard, known globally as The Kid Laroi, was born on August 17, 2003. This makes him 22 years old as of late 2025. His birth year places him firmly in the Gen Z demographic, a generation that has profoundly shaped the modern music landscape. The Kid Laroi’s age is a significant factor when considering his rapid ascent in the music industry, demonstrating an impressive maturity and business acumen beyond his years. He hails from Australia, specifically growing up in Waterloo, New South Wales, a suburb of Sydney. His real name, Charlton Kenneth Jeffrey Howard, is a testament to his roots, while his stage name, ‘Laroi,’ is a nod to his Gamilaraay (Kamilaroi) Aboriginal descent, a heritage that deeply influences his identity and artistic expression.
Personal background and early life
The Kid Laroi’s upbringing in Waterloo, New South Wales, provided him with a unique perspective that would later infuse his music. Born to Nick Howard, a music producer and engineer, and Sloane Howard, a talent manager and record executive, he was immersed in the music industry from a young age. This familial connection to the arts undoubtedly played a crucial role in his early development and access to the world of music production and promotion. He also has a younger brother named Austin Howard. Despite attending the Australian Performing Arts Grammar School, The Kid Laroi ultimately made the bold decision to drop out to fully dedicate himself to pursuing his burgeoning music career. This early commitment underscores his passion and determination, setting him on a path that would soon see him gain international recognition. His connection to his Indigenous Australian heritage is a vital part of his identity, often influencing his lyrical content and his chosen stage name.
Kid Laroi’s musical journey and career development
His music journey and major hits
The Kid Laroi’s musical journey began in earnest at a remarkably young age, with him uploading raps to SoundCloud as a teenager. This digital-first approach allowed him to build an initial fanbase and refine his craft organically. A pivotal moment in his early career was his mentorship under the late, iconic rapper Juice Wrld. This relationship proved invaluable, providing guidance and inspiration that helped shape his sound and trajectory. His debut EP, ’14 with a Dream,’ was a significant milestone, released precisely on his 15th birthday, a symbolic gesture that marked the official beginning of his professional music endeavors. The mixtape ‘F*ck Love’, released in 2020, became a monumental success. It not only garnered critical acclaim but also achieved commercial triumph, reaching number one on the Australian ARIA charts. This achievement was historic, making him the youngest Australian solo artist to ever top the ARIA charts, a testament to his rapidly growing influence. The global smash hit ‘Stay,’ a collaboration with pop superstar Justin Bieber, further cemented his status as an international phenomenon, topping charts worldwide and becoming one of the most recognizable songs of the early 2020s.
Kid Laroi discography and chart success
The Kid Laroi’s discography showcases a consistent rise in critical and commercial success. His early work, including his debut EP ’14 with a Dream,’ laid the groundwork for his distinctive blend of melodic rap and pop sensibilities. However, it was his 2020 mixtape, ‘Fck Love,’ that propelled him into the mainstream. This project not only reached number one on the Australian ARIA charts, making him the youngest Australian solo artist to achieve this feat, but also garnered significant attention on international charts, including a strong performance on the Billboard charts in the United States. Following the success of ‘Fck Love,’ The Kid Laroi continued to release impactful singles and collaborations. His 2021 collaboration with Justin Bieber, the song ‘Stay,’ became an undeniable global anthem, topping charts in numerous countries and achieving widespread critical acclaim. Further collaborations with prominent artists such as Miley Cyrus and Jungkook of BTS have demonstrated his versatility and appeal across different musical genres and fanbases. His highly anticipated debut studio album, ‘The First Time,’ released in 2023, continued his chart dominance, solidifying his position as a major force in the contemporary music scene. The album’s success further highlights his ability to craft infectious melodies and relatable lyrics that resonate with a global audience.
Beyond the music: personal life and impact
Kid Laroi personal life and relationships
While The Kid Laroi’s professional life has been under a bright spotlight, his personal life has also garnered significant public interest. He had a notable relationship with TikTok star Katarina Deme, which spanned from 2020 to 2023. Following this, in early 2024, he was in a relationship with Canadian singer Tate McRae. This relationship, however, concluded in July 2025, marking another chapter in his personal journey. Despite the public nature of these relationships, The Kid Laroi has largely maintained a focus on his music and career. His upbringing in Waterloo, New South Wales, and his strong connection to his Gamilaraay (Kamilaroi) heritage remain foundational elements of his identity, often subtly woven into his public persona and artistic expressions. He also has a younger brother, Austin Howard, and his parents, Nick Howard and Sloane Howard, have been influential figures in his life, particularly given their backgrounds in the music industry.
Cultural impact and industry influence
The Kid Laroi’s impact extends far beyond his chart success; he has become a significant cultural figure, particularly for his generation. His ability to seamlessly blend hip-hop, pop, and R&B, coupled with his relatable lyricism, has resonated with a massive global audience. As a young artist of Indigenous Australian descent, he has also brought greater visibility to Gamilaraay (Kamilaroi) heritage within the mainstream music industry, serving as an influential role model. His collaborations with international superstars like Justin Bieber and Miley Cyrus have not only boosted his own career but have also highlighted the global reach of Australian talent. Furthermore, The Kid Laroi has embraced innovative platforms for engagement. His hosting of a virtual concert in Fortnite called ‘The Kid LAROI’s Wild Dreams’ in early 2023 demonstrated his understanding of digital spaces and his ability to connect with fans in new and immersive ways. His business ventures, such as the McDonald’s meal launched in Australia in May 2022, further illustrate his broad cultural influence and appeal beyond the music realm. His philanthropic efforts, including a generous donation of $100,000 to a youth service in Waterloo, also underscore his commitment to giving back to his community.
The Kid Laroi: current status and future prospects
Current status and recent developments (2025)
As of late 2025, The Kid Laroi, now 22 years old, continues to be a dominant force in the global music scene. His debut studio album, ‘The First Time’ (2023), has been a significant success, further solidifying his artistic maturity and commercial appeal. He has maintained a strong presence through ongoing touring and strategic collaborations, keeping him at the forefront of popular music. Recent developments indicate a continued focus on expanding his artistic palette, with hints of new musical directions and potential ventures beyond traditional music releases. His engagement with platforms like Fortnite for virtual concerts demonstrates his forward-thinking approach to fan interaction and entertainment. The launch of his McDonald’s meal in Australia in May 2022 also showcases his ability to leverage his brand into successful commercial partnerships. His commitment to his roots remains evident, with his Gamilaraay (Kamilaroi) heritage continuing to be a source of inspiration and pride.
Future prospects and legacy
The future for The Kid Laroi appears exceptionally bright, with a clear trajectory for continued growth and influence. His early career achievements at a young age, coupled with his consistent output of hit songs and successful albums like ‘The First Time,’ suggest a longevity that many artists strive for. His ability to adapt to evolving music trends, embrace new technologies, and connect with a diverse global audience positions him well for sustained success. Collaborations with artists across various genres are likely to continue, further expanding his reach and artistic exploration. As he matures, his lyrical depth and thematic content may evolve, offering new insights into his experiences and perspectives. His role as a prominent Indigenous Australian artist will undoubtedly continue to inspire and pave the way for future generations. The Kid Laroi’s legacy is already being shaped by his groundbreaking chart successes, his memorable collaborations, and his innovative approach to the music industry, marking him as a defining artist of his generation.
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