Hau Opens Up On The Nebulous 'Crossroads' Of Separating Troublesome Artists & Their Art

Since its origin, hip hop has always revolved around iconic tastemakers that moulded and crafted the scene. In a broader sense, music in general has always focused on who you sound like, the dress sense you identify with, and who you (generally) consent to influencing your personality.

But can this influence be dangerous in its nature? I wonder if there's a cost involved in investing your passion in an artist's "product". That is, can you like Chris Brown just for his music? If one enjoys his songs despite his much-publicised personal transgressions, does that mean they're okay with compromising our values for the love of music? This week, I went to one of these tastemakers — from a hugely successful solo career to hosting triple j’s Hip Hop Show — Hau, who chatted with me about idolising MCs.

"As a young kid, I would listen to whatever was on the radio," he tells pRhymeTime AEST. "Michael Jackson, KISS, Hall & Oates, AC/DC etc. It wasn't until I saw the Rock Steady Crew on Countdown that I felt that this music and culture was specifically for me. I was amazed. It was weird, it was beautiful, it was different, it was powerful, it was young and it was rebellious."

I love how his reminiscent vocab is so eloquent, almost as if it was "the good old days". Clearly, influence isn’t necessarily always a bad thing…

By idolising an artist, we create an emotional connection with them, through escapism or relatability, for example. What were the artists back then that made the rapper and radio host want to pick up a pen?

"For me, 1987 to 1994 was my golden era," he explains. "Artists like LL Cool J, Ice-T, Big Daddy Kane to X-Clan, Public Enemy, Nas — they all, in one way or another, would inspire me to be better. It wasn't until later artists like Che Fu, King Kapisi and Boo Yaa TRIBE made me really feel like, as a Polynesian, I could really do this. They showed me that you could be yourself, include your culture in your writing and music, and still be successful." 

As I mentioned previously, musicians, stature, fame or maybe just a fuckin’ "banger" can allow us to ignore some questionable behaviour or even crimes associated with an artist — something Hau is all too aware of as a fan of a lot of historic rap and a contemporary music consumer.

"A lot of my favourite artists and songs came out of the Ronald Reagan/crack era," he reflects. "Some were for-real dealers and gangsters. Such an unfortunate time in the urban communities of America; however, it did spawn a lot of dope music. I guess much the same as jazz in the '60s and soul music in the '70s.

"I find myself at a crossroads when it comes to separating the music and the artist. Like when you heard about Dr. Dre assaulting [fellow rapper] Dee Barnes. What do you do? You're so invested in them, it's hard to stop listening to their music. In saying that, I have stopped listening to anything by [accused child molestor Afrika] Bambaataa."

So, just how far does this rabbit hole go? Particularly in adolescence, we often replicate attitudes, beliefs and behaviours portrayed to us. Is that damaging when hip hop is so commonly associated with social taboos (unjustly or otherwise)? Hau openly admits that he felt that he and his social group were guilty of indulging in such perpetuation and emulation in his career’s early development.

"I always wanted to try 40-ounce beer because rappers from both east and west coast would constantly talk about it as their alcohol of choice. Clothes and shoes was and is a big thing. If it wasn't for hip hop, I wouldn't have 100 pairs of shoes," he laughs.

"But, that said, hip hop also taught me a lot about American history from an African-American's point of view and experience. I learnt about the Nation of Islam. I learnt about politics. I learnt about gang culture. I learnt about the importance of representing yourself and your community. I learnt about what the meaning of 'stereotype' was and brought it up in my English class, to the amazement of my teacher. Hip hop and its culture is a beautiful thing."

Let me remind you that Hau is the host of one of our country’s most successful hip hop shows. That means when we talk about ‘iconic’, chances are he had a pretty solid contribution to their positioning. When I asked him about who he lends this label to I was somewhat surprised at his response.

"Man, there are so many," he muses. "AC/DC to Archie Roach to Jimmy Barnes to Olivia Newton-John to Renee Geyer to Powderfinger to Paul Kelly…"

(I guess I was expecting rappers but fuck, you can’t argue with those names!)

"I'm not sure if we have a hip hop icon yet," he continues. "The [Hilltop] Hoods would definitely be in the front running for that honour. I think there’s also a lot we don’t acknowledge enough. We need to support the women in this male-dominated industry... Especially those who have paved the way for us!"

In this chapter of my life (writing pRhymeTime) I feel like the issue is constantly raised that hip hop “champions” or at times “romanticises” controversial issues such as drug abuse, misogyny and violence. But Hau isn't sure about — or particularly comfortable with — the idea that there’s a way in which we can encourage MCs to steer clear of this.

"I am conscious of telling an artist what they can or can't say," he offers. "Hip hop has always been about self-expression and saying things unfiltered.

"What I will say, though: say whatever you say, but you will have to cop the backlash it may cause. Just be yourself."

So what is it, then, that continues to motivate and inspire the prolific artist to write?

"Man, anything and everything," he says. "I'm in a fortunate position where I can draw inspiration from everyday things and turn it into a concept, a rhyme, a visual, an idea.

"What motivates me is my family, my fear of failure and my stubbornness to be the best I can be."

I suppose, if I was to sum this up, I would absolutely encourage you to question your moral compass on who you look up to… but I’ll also say that music is unique, it is subjective and how it makes you feel is not up for debate. I think we’re all so easily influenced because it’s so hard to be ourselves. Hip hop respects originality and authenticity, so try not to follow "tastemakers" — try being one.

It's worked out well for Hau; he's as busy and as respected as ever and, from the sounds of things, we're nowhere close to being through hearing from him yet.

"The last thing I appeared as a guest on was on the AB Original album and, man, I’m so stoked to have been involved in something as powerful and game-changing as that release," he marvels. "I also recently combined powers with Perth producer Rob Shaker for an EP titled The Pocketful EP.

"It was such an awesome experience working with him. Very effortless, stress-free and most importantly, fun. It gave us both a chance to work on something outside of our usual comfort zones. Now, I am working on something big. Something I'm really focusing on and am really excited about… All will be revealed soon!"