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Host Hau Hangs Up Hip Hop Show Headphones Holding Head High In Heralding History

Updated: Nov 3, 2022

Ok... Alliteration may not be my strongest suit, but it seems them damn rumours are true… After a remarkable 14-year residency, Hau Lātūkefu aka “Hau”, “MC Hau”, or affectionately “Hauie” has stepped down from hosting the iconic Triple J Hip Hop Show.


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Yeeeaup… This news hits every Australian Hip Hop Head right in the heart, Hau has always been highly regarded as one of Australia’s most influential and inspirational Hip Hop figures - no doubt. All reports suggest this move is what Hau wants, even though his loyal fans will miss his humble insights, incredible ear for talent, and vibrant presence over the show’s airwaves.


But before we all mope and despair at the prospect of a replacement with gigantic shoes to fill. According to Triple J and mediaweek Hau will mentor new residents in this transition and continue with his dope AF mixes on Double J’s Sky High every Friday from 5pm… Phew… Let’s all breathe for a second and let that sink in…


KING: Life, Death and Hip Hop


Ok, if that sigh of relief wasn’t enough, hardcore heads and new heads alike will be happy to hear Hau is going to pass on more than just the hosting torch but drop some serious knowledge, sharing his incredible journey with the release of his very own memoir!


Entitled ‘KING: Life, Death and Hip Hop’ is co-written with journalist Christopher Riley and is now available through Penguin publishing as of November 1st 2022. The 384 pages of wisdom, personal history, and invaluable advice for the aspiring artist will be available in Paperback, Ebook, and Audiobook (Narrated by the Hip Hop Legend himself)!



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Image: ‘KING: Life, Death and Hip Hop’ (Official Book Cover - Sourced From Penguin Books Australia)


My tip… For the avid collector and student of Hip Hop, this is truly an unmissable artefact of Australian Hip Hop culture and history for one… And two, although not strictly described as an educational piece this memoir will undoubtably hold some of the secrets to Hip Hop mastery as taught by one of the OG wizards of the scene. Look, I don’t know about you… But I will be ‘copping a copy’ of this magical tome – straight up.



History - The Quick Scoop


According to Wikipedia:

  • Hau Lātūkefu was born in Queanbeyan N.S.W Australia in 1976

  • By 1995 he and DJ Danielsan (Daniel Elleson) formed the duo Hip Hop group “Koolism”

  • 5 Albums and 6 EP's to date

  • In 2004 Koolism won an ARIA Award for 'Best Urban Release', for their album Pt. 3 - Random Thoughts.

  • By 2008, Hau took over the Triple J Hip Hop Show from Maya Jupiter (another accomplished veteran in the Australian Hip Hop scene), and hosted for 14 years.


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For anyone that might be a little younger than myself, or newer to the scene, any web search for the group “Koolism” will return a brief history and link to some nostalgic tunes. But if you want the real scoop I think you can't go past Hau's new memoir. The collector ought to also do themselves a favour and grab a copy of the 2010 album The ‘Umu or the 2004 ARIA Awarded Pt. 3: Random Thoughts album if you can find it! - Classics...



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My favourite ‘Koolism’ tracks:



My favourite ‘Koolism’ collabs:



It’s extremely difficult to imagine who Triple J will install next that can live up to impact Hau has had on the scene… But hey look, they have got it right this far… So, I am hopeful for the future.


So who do you think should be the next Triple J Hip Hop Show host and presenter?


Leave your comments below and drop some Koolism classics you love!


Peace to the OG Hau!



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