The Kid LAROI photographed for his new documentary, ‘Kids Are Growing Up’.Photo:Adam Kargenian/Prime Video
Adam Kargenian/Prime Video
Like many of his peers,The Kid LAROIdecided to tell his story in a documentary. But his decision wasn’t just about recounting his whirlwind rise to international fame, Grammy nominations and No. 1 singles.
Instead, he wanted his narrative to be for those who’ve supported him throughout the journey — to show them that they aren’t alone.
“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.
The Kid LAROI performs onstage at the Sahara tent during the 2023 Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival.Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty
Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty
In the film, LAROI gets candid about his own experiences with mental health and hardships that he’s faced along the way, particularly a difficult night when he had thoughts of suicide. That night, he shares in the doc, brought him closer to therapy.
“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.”
Courtesy of Prime Video
As for how therapy has benefited him, LAROI reveals that “having somebody to just be completely raw and honest with” without judgement has ultimately been beneficial in his day-to-day 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.”
Never miss a story — sign up forPEOPLE’s free daily newsletterto stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.
The Kid LAROI performs with Justin Bieber.Patrick Gray/WWD/Penske Media via Getty
Patrick Gray/WWD/Penske Media via Getty
Beyond LAROI’s journey with mental health,Kids Are Growing Upalsodetails the Australian musician’s friendships with “Stay” collaboratorJustin Bieberand his late mentorJuice WRLD, a past romantic relationship, the moment when he purchased his first home, and what he’s learned from his family over the years.
The movie — which also offers fans some behind-the-scenes glimpses of LAROI’s first world tour, Video Music Awards performance, and more — is a product of OBB Pictures and Amazon MGM Studios.
At one point in the documentary, LAROI shares some lessons that he’s taken away from his father, Nick Howard — a producer and engineer who foundmainstream popstardom in the ’90s. Howard, who years later was recognized for his past successes while working at a gas station, would tell his son that fame wasn’t “forever,” per the doc.
The Kid LAROI.Frazer Harrison/Getty
“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 spends a portion of the doc describing his relationship with his younger brother,Austin Howard, a music producer who, in November, landed credits on his big brother’s debut albumThe First Time. As the Grammy nominee describes it, their creative bond is “something that brings us together.”
“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.”
source: people.com
