King: Life, Death & Hip Hop Book Launch

Hau Lātūkefu’s memoir, written in collaboration with Christopher Riley, delves into how he became one of Australia’s most influential artists, drawing on the legacy of his name (meaning King) in Tongan.

The son of first-generation Tongan immigrants, Hau was inspired heavily by urban America. Determined to innovate rather than imitate. He eventually formed the rap duo Koolism, which began a professional journey that would evolve over decades and play out over iconic albums. Since then, Hau has served as a radio presenter on triple j and Double J, created an imprint with Sony Music, and acted as a mentor and producer for up-and-coming Australian artists, most notably the group ONEFOUR. 

The memoir explores themes of family, loss of faith, the ramifications of prison and the tragedy of a life cut short.

About Hau

Hau Lātūkefu is one of the pioneers of Australian hip hop. One half of the iconic rap group Koolism, he went on to have tremendous success as a solo artist as well as becoming the longest-serving host of triple j’s hip hop show - a role he’s still in today. Now working with emerging artists through his imprint of Sony Music, Forever Ever Records, Hau has remained a central part of Australia’s music scene for the best part of two decades.

Christopher Riley is a freelance journalist, specialising in music, sport and fashion. He has worked as deputy editor of GQ, contributing editor for Men’s Health and as a columnist for T: The New York Times Style Magazine.