The Kid Laroi, born Charlton Kenneth Jeffrey Howard in 2003, represents a generation of musicians who leveraged digital ubiquity to transition from a Housing Commission home in Redfern to global chart success. His artistic name is derived from his maternal ancestry with the Kamilaroi people, framing a career built on international collaborations and early exposure to hip-hop.
Early Development and Sydney Roots
Born in Waterloo, New South Wales, Howard moved to the rural town of Broken Hill at age seven before returning to Sydney in 2017. His early interest in music was fostered by his mother, who played records by Fugees and Kanye West. Before finding his path, Howard attended the Australian Performing Arts Grammar School, eventually leaving in year nine to prioritize his professional trajectory. He gained initial industry traction by recording on a phone and meeting established artists by waiting outside their hotel rooms.
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Howard signed a development deal with Sony Music Australia in 2017. He showcased his capabilities by performing at the Fernside Festival and releasing his debut EP, 14 with a Dream, in 2018. During this period, he garnered significant attention in the Triple J Unearthed High competition with his track, Disconnect. He shared stages with artists like Manu Crooks and Tkay Maidza, while actively seeking to establish himself as a peer among global hip-hop figures.
International Breakthrough and Chart Performance
In 2019, he secured a joint venture deal with Columbia Records and Grade A Productions, the label owned by American rapper Lil Bibby. His debut mixtape, F*ck Love, reached the top of the ARIA Charts, establishing him as the youngest Australian solo artist to achieve the feat. His commercial momentum continued with the 2021 release of the single Stay, a collaboration with Justin Bieber that topped charts in the United States, Canada, and Australia.
Studio Albums and Evolving Discography
The release of his debut studio album, The First Time, arrived in 2023, featuring collaborations with artists such as Jung Kook and Central Cee. He expanded his creative reach with a second album, Before I Forget, released in 2026. These projects reflect an ongoing refinement of his musical style, which blends elements of hip-hop, R&B, and pop, consistently performing well on both the Billboard 200 and the ARIA charts.
Fast facts
- Born: 2003, Waterloo, Australia
- Legal Name: Charlton Kenneth Jeffrey Howard
- Associated Acts: Juice Wrld, Justin Bieber, Swae Lee
- Record Label: Grade A Productions, Columbia Records
- Career Beginnings: 2015 with Dream$Team
- Major Achievement: Billboard 21 Under 21 (2021)
- Signature Mixtape: F*ck Love (2020)
- Occupations: Singer, rapper, songwriter, actor, record producer, fashion designer
Questions readers ask
What is the origin of The Kid Laroi's name?
His name is derived from his maternal great-great-grandfather, who was a member of the Kamilaroi people.
Who was his early mentor in the United States?
He was mentored by the American rapper Juice Wrld, with whom he lived in Los Angeles to study the recording process.
Achievements
- Genres: Australian hip-hop, contemporary R&B and pop music
