The Kid Laroi: Who is He and Why Kids Love Him in 2024

The Kid Laroi is Charlton Kenneth Jeffrey Howard, an Australian singer and rapper born in 2003, who became a global music sensation by blending melodic trap, pop, and R&B. Kids love his music because it tackles relatable themes like heartbreak, growing pains, and mental health with raw honesty and incredibly catchy hooks.

Key takeaways:

• The Kid Laroi is an Australian artist, born Charlton Kenneth Jeffrey Howard in 2003.
• His music blends melodic trap, pop, and R&B, often featuring emotional lyrics.
• He gained massive fame with songs like "Without You" and "Stay" (with Justin Bieber).
• Kids connect with his authentic, vulnerable lyrics about youth and struggles.

Who exactly is The Kid Laroi?

The Kid Laroi is an Australian artist whose real name is Charlton Kenneth Jeffrey Howard. He was born on August 17, 2003, in Waterloo, Sydney, making him 20 years old in 2024. He adopted his stage name from the Kamilaroi people, an Indigenous Australian nation to which his mother belongs. Laroi started rapping at a young age, gaining traction locally before catching the attention of bigger artists and labels.

What kind of music does he make?

He primarily makes melodic trap, pop, and R&B music. His sound is characterized by a mix of singing and rapping, often over melancholic beats. He's known for his ability to craft incredibly catchy melodies that stick with listeners. Think emotional lyrics paired with a modern, polished production style.

Why do kids and teens love The Kid Laroi so much?

Kids and teens gravitate towards The Kid Laroi because his music feels incredibly authentic and speaks directly to their experiences. He sings about themes like first loves, breakups, feeling misunderstood, and dealing with anxiety, all of which are highly relatable for younger audiences. His lyrics are straightforward and vulnerable, which resonates more than overly complex or abstract songwriting. The fact that he's also young himself, barely out of his teens, makes him feel like one of them, not a distant pop star.

When did he get famous?

The Kid Laroi started gaining significant traction around 2019 and 2020. His breakthrough came with his song "Without You," which became a global hit in late 2020. This was followed by the massive success of "Stay" with Justin Bieber in 2021, which topped charts worldwide, including the Billboard Hot 100 for seven non-consecutive weeks. He was notably mentored by the late Juice Wrld, which also helped boost his profile early on.

What are his most popular songs?

His biggest hits include:

• "Without You": This melancholic track was his first major international solo hit.
• "Stay" (with Justin Bieber): A hugely successful collaboration that propelled him to superstardom. It has over 2.7 billion streams on Spotify alone.
• "Go" (featuring Juice Wrld): An early collaboration that highlighted his potential.
• "Thousand Miles": A popular single released in 2022.

These songs showcase his signature blend of emotional lyrics and catchy pop hooks.

Is he still popular in 2024?

Yes, absolutely. The Kid Laroi maintains a strong presence in the music industry in 2024. He consistently releases new music and collaborates with other artists, keeping his fan base engaged. His streaming numbers remain high, and he frequently trends on social media platforms like TikTok, which is a major indicator of youth popularity. He's not just a passing trend; he's established himself as a significant artist.

What's his background story?

Laroi had a challenging upbringing. He grew up in a public housing estate in Waterloo, Australia, with his mother and younger brother. Music became an escape and a passion early on. He started recording raps on his mother's phone and uploading them online. His talent was discovered through local talent competitions and online buzz, eventually leading to a record deal. His journey from humble beginnings to global fame is part of his appeal, showing a rags-to-riches story many find inspiring.

What's one honest drawback about his music?

Honestly, some critics argue that while his music is catchy and emotionally resonant, it can sometimes lean into a repetitive formula, especially lyrically. The themes of heartbreak and angst are central, which can feel a bit one-note for listeners looking for more thematic variety. His sound, while popular, also fits within a very specific subgenre that might not appeal to everyone.

How does he compare to other artists kids listen to?

The Kid Laroi fits into a popular niche alongside artists who blend pop and hip-hop with emotional depth.

While artists like Post Malone share the melodic hip-hop blend, Laroi's younger age and specific focus on early adult/late teen anxieties give him a distinct edge with that demographic. Billie Eilish and Olivia Rodrigo also tap into youth emotions but with different musical styles and thematic approaches. Laroi's blend of rap credibility with pop accessibility makes him uniquely positioned.