As a fan/ follower of The Kid LAROI since the release of his 2018 breakthrough track 'Blessings' and subsequent rise to fame, this occasion – at Brisbane Entertainment Centre (14 November) – to see LAROI perform his refined and near-perfected craft was a blessing.
Only two years since his last visit down under, in the fast-paced career of a young and ever-emerging artist, a lot can change – from musical style, ethos, and style.While The First Time tour is undeniably The Kid LAROI show, a moment of acknowledgement needs to be given to the rambunctious and world-class acts accompanying him on this national endeavour (albeit without the inclusion of Quavo, who was unable to perform due to travel-related issues).
Not everyone's cup of tea – be it for their gun-toting, violence-filled lyrics, controversial run-ins with law enforcement, or their early adaptation of a polarising sub-genre of hip hop – ONEFOUR have been crowned by many as the kings of Australian drill (in this moment in time, at least, although I'm certain they will remain iconic to the history of hip hop and drill in Australia for years to come).
Like LAROI, the chance to see this outfit perform at all, let alone to this magnitude, is something that several years ago would have been shut down immediately (like it was in 2022).
LAROI acknowledges "how cool it is to see these guys live," later in the evening when bringing them onstage to perform 'My City' in a fantastic moment. The platform LAROI has offered ONEFOUR multiple times to date to perform their exciting and aggressive style of hip hop has only solidified their standing in the modern Australian hip hop scene.
The Mt. Druitt drill-kings performed with energy, flair and execution from the moment they burst onto the stage to 'In The Beginning'. While the act is most known for their aggressive flows over heavy basslines with syncopated and layered vocals – executed fantastically to allow for breathing space at the end of bars – they blessed the Brisbane Entertainment Centre with the smoother, R&B-style of 'Comma's' – a highlight of their set list, and of the entire evening for this reviewer.
The Kid LAROI - image © Jayden Guarnaccia
Without further ado, to an ecstatic crowd, the man of the hour takes to the stage in full flight with 'Sorry' by way of a quick, dramatic, and explosive stabbing of his DJ's sample pad. Within seconds, it's obvious this man's short time on earth has seen him dedicate and honour his talent with practice, precision, and passion to his craft.
Touting a live band, who were later paid their dues and introduced to a very receptive crowd (I'm looking at you Handsome Jeff’, a reinvigorated composition of some of his familiar tracks brought an air of freshness to some of these songs, albeit unnecessary.
LAROI is prompted to apologise to the Gold Coast audience (the only show prior to Brisbane on this current tour) as "[Brisbane] is the first opportunity we've had to have the full production". The Kid's production included a relatively intimate stage lit from top and bottom creating an almost cage effect surrounding the performers, fire cannons, strobes, giant back screens, and confetti cannons.
The Kid LAROI - image © Jayden Guarnaccia
While there's no doubt that LAROI's talent alone would have been more than enough presence to engage fans without all the bells and whistles, the high-quality stage production obviously enhanced the evening.
With a substantial set list, LAROI rewarded his loyal (and massive) fanbase with a wide array of tracks from his recent full-length album, while still offering a healthy mix of his back catalogue.
Fans were even treated to his brand-new single 'Aperol Spritz' via a charming introduction from the now 21-year-old citing that if it wasn't the beginning of the tour, he'd be down for a drink now that he's 'old enough'. Don't worry, he still remembers that down under we're on the piss a few years earlier, but in his own words now hes a "proper adult".
The Kid LAROI - image © Jayden Guarnaccia
Ranging from party anthems such as 'What's The Move', 'Diva', 'Girls' and 'Stay' drenched in LAROI's already signature and oh-so-casual high-velocity energy powered with his iconic 'F... Love' aura; through to the vulnerable, moving and at times heart-wrenching renditions of the likes of 'Deserve You', 'Go', 'Bleed', 'Love Again', 'Without You' and 'Thousand Miles', LAROI did not miss a beat.
As a young man who, very evidently, has a huge amount of respect for the artists that have assisted him in his monumental climb to fame, both JUICE WRLD (RIP) and Justin Bieber were given props by LAROI for their contributions and the opportunities they have presented the Kid Throughout his career, before launching into his collaborative efforts of both artists.
There's something to be said for someone so young, being so established, and performing to such a high calibre that is truly in a class of its own. You don't need me to tell you of the talent that oozes from LAROI, but the professionalism he has exhibited regarding his career is undeniable (having mentioned in multiple interviews about his desire to remain fit and healthy to perform to the highest calibre of his ability).
The Kid LAROI - image © Jayden Guarnaccia
The effort, dedication, physical conditioning and straight-up hard work that has been injected in this phenomenal artist's approach to remain at the top of his game is evident through his live delivery (if you weren't already convinced through his exceptional catalogue of award-winning and industry and peer-recognised creations).
If you're on the fence and the opportunity to see this phenomenal Australian export arises, I can assure you, you will not be disappointed and will be a convert without a shadow of a doubt.
More photos from the concert.
