Like many of his contemporaries, The Kid LAROI opted to share his journey through a documentary. However, his motive extended beyond merely chronicling his rapid ascent to global stardom, Grammy nods, and chart-topping hits.
Instead, he aimed to craft a narrative resonant with those who have stood by him throughout his trajectory — to reassure them of their shared experiences and struggles.
Scheduled for release on Thursday, LAROI’s Prime Video documentary Kids Are Growing Up: A Story About a Kid Named Laroi, helmed by Michael D. Ratner, undoubtedly traces the 20-year-old sensation’s trajectory to fame. Yet, it delves deeper, exploring facets of his humanity.
As LAROI confides prior to the documentary’s premiere, playfully quipping that it’s “all lies,” his underlying aim was to reveal to fans that he shares more common ground with them than they might realize.
“The goal of the documentary — my take on it — was I just want to hopefully inspire people who might like my stuff and show people who watch me and support what I do, let them know that they’re not alone if they’re dealing with stuff,” LAROI says.
“I know sometimes things can look a certain way from a social media perspective or people can imagine that everything’s perfect in our lives or whatever, and I just want to show people that they’re not alone.”
“We’re all dealing with, not the same problems, but we’re dealing with the same stuff that goes on up here,” he says.
Within the film, LAROI opens up about his personal battles with mental health and the challenges he encountered along his journey, notably recalling a harrowing night when suicidal thoughts plagued him. He candidly reveals that this experience propelled him towards seeking therapy.
Reflecting on the segment in the documentary where he discusses his past struggles with mental health, exacerbated by his newfound fame, LAROI admits that it’s now “a bit of a tough watch” for him.
“It’s a tough thing to talk about,” he says. “I’m kind of a bit awkward as it is when I talk about stuff, and then talking about something like that is obviously, it’s not easy for me to go there. But the reason I did keep it in was because, if anything comes out of an experience like that, if I’m able to share it and maybe help some people or inspire some people, that’s what it’s about more than me looking back and just being like, ‘Ah.’ I would rather be able to help if I can.”
Regarding the benefits of therapy, LAROI discloses that having a non-judgmental confidant to be entirely candid has proven invaluable in his daily life.
“Naturally, [we] as humans have fried feelings or fried thoughts. And we’re all works in progress. No one’s perfect,” he explains. “So being able to voice that without being judged is really cool. I got blessed with having a really good person. Someone who’s really wise and listens. That’s not everybody’s experience, but once you find the right person and the right fit for you, it’s a life changer, for sure.”
Beyond LAROI’s exploration of mental health, *Kids Are Growing Up* delves into the Australian musician’s relationships with collaborators like Justin Bieber on “Stay” and his late mentor Juice WRLD, as well as insights into a past romantic involvement and pivotal moments like purchasing his first home. Additionally, it sheds light on the lessons gleaned from family over the years.
Produced by OBB Pictures and Amazon MGM Studios, the documentary provides fans with behind-the-scenes glimpses of LAROI’s inaugural world tour, his Video Music Awards performance, and more.
In one poignant moment, LAROI reflects on the wisdom imparted by his father, Nick Howard — a renowned producer and engineer who achieved pop stardom in the ’90s.
Despite past acclaim, Howard, who later worked at a gas station, emphasized to his son that fame is fleeting, as revealed in the documentary.
“I think that’s really cool that I get to have that to see and understand that things could all just be done by tomorrow, and it’s time to focus on what really matters,” LAROI says.
“That’s the biggest take away, focusing on the things that really matter while we have them,” he adds. “And not being focused on something that can very easily be taken away or just not there anymore.”
LAROI also dedicates a segment of the documentary to detailing his close relationship with his younger brother, Austin Howard, a music producer who earned credits on his older brother’s debut album, The First Time, released in November.
Describing their creative connection as a unifying force, the Grammy nominee emphasizes its significance in their lives.
“It’s been cool that we can do that,” he says. “I’m just really proud of him. It’s crazy to watch him. I’m a very honest person, especially when it comes to people in my family. I would tell him if I felt like he sucked, but he doesn’t. He’s incredible. It’s so cool to see him passionate about something.”
Kids Are Growing Up: A Story About a Kid Named Laroi is available now via Prime Video.
