Carter, who struggled with addiction, had said he was five years sober earlier this year. He was the brother of Backstreet Boys singer Nick Carter. The singer-turned-actor-turned-rapper was known for his early 2000s hits “Aaron’s Party (Come Get It),” “I Want Candy” and “That’s How I Beat Shaq.”
He released his first solo album in Europe on Dec. 1, 1997, six days before he turned 10 years old, The Washington Post reported. The album sold 1 million copies around the world, a signal of his early ascent to stardom.
Carter’s second album, released in 2000 and titled “Aaron’s Party (Come Get It),” was certified triple-platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America, and its title song reached 35 on the Billboard Hot 100 list. He was also known for “I Want Candy” from that album and “I’m All About You” from his 2001 album “Oh Aaron.” His 2001 single “That’s How I Beat Shaq” included the titular NBA player in a video on a park’s blacktop court and featured preteens dancing along to the bubble gum pop hit.
He made several appearances on television, including in an episode on the first season of “Lizzie McGuire,” in a Christmas-themed episode titled “Here Comes Aaron Carter.” In 2001, Carter debuted on Broadway in the cast of the musical “Seussical,” Billboard reported.
One of five siblings, Carter co-starred in the family’s 2006 reality television show, “House of Carters.” The show followed the siblings as they moved in together and attempted to work through their issues. It ended after one season of eight episodes.
In a statement Saturday, Paul said many people didn’t know how “tender-hearted” Carter was.
“He genuinely cared for others, and the love he felt for those around him was immeasurable; so much so, that we believe it’s safe to say its transcending timelines,” the statement said. “We can still feel his presence and warmth around us.”
Carter is survived by Nick Carter and sisters Angel Carter and Bobbie Jean Carter. He also has an infant son named Prince, the Los Angeles Times reported last month. His sister Leslie Carter died in 2012, The Post reported at the time. His father, Robert Gene Carter, died in 2017, Variety reported.
“We are sad to have to let him go, and we’ll miss him tremendously,” Paul’s statement said.
In 2013, Carter declared bankruptcy, the Tampa Bay Times reported, and a representative for the musician told the paper that a majority of his $2.2 million debt was from when he was a minor and not in control of his finances.
At the time, Carter was on his “After Party” tour, which he embarked on after a years-long hiatus in music to rejuvenate his career and release new songs.
Asked what it was like to perform in 2014, while he was trying to reestablish himself on the pop scene, Carter told The Post: “People lose their minds. It’s just cool to show them that I’m that guy still.”
This is a developing story that will be updated. Avi Selk contributed to this report.
