Making his name as the MC half of Canberra hip-hop duo Koolism, along with DJ/producer Danielsan, Queanbeyan-born Hau was at the forefront of the evolution of Aussie hip-hop throughout the 90s and noughties, always contributing good vibes and positive lyrics to the culture. Since 2008 he has held the reins of the Triple J hip-hop show, and now Hau has broken out on his own, with his solo EP Football, Feasts and Funerals.

The radio show, says Hau, is still a lot of fun. "I still thank my lucky stars that I get to work with a great team. It's pretty much the dream job outside of making music. I'm grateful."

Gratitude and joy are themes that run through Hau's entire creative output. He explains that it's extremely important for him to deliver a positive voice in the hip-hop he creates. "There's enough negativity out there without me adding to it. I had a great upbringing and I had great role models growing up so I guess that's why I can afford to have such a positive attitude.

"In saying that, it's important to have a balance in music. Like we have so-called conscious MCs such as Common, and Yasiin Bey, but we also have the flossy rappers like French Montana and Rick Ross and all types in between. That's important to me. How boring would it be to just listen to one style of hip-hop? Sure, I'd like to feed my brain when listening to music, but there are also times when I just want to hear some gangsta shit!"

Hau's solo stuff is definitely more on the conscious tip than any gangsta shit. Football, Feasts and Funerals is a similar vibe to Koolism, he says, "in the fact that it is unique, uncompromising and very progressive and soulful. I guess because that's the music I always want to make and did so with Daniel. But in saying that, it's different enough to say it isn't just Koolism part 2."

Working as a solo artist now without Daniel, Hau jokes he can be selfish again. "The whole recording and writing process for this EP and forthcoming album have been some of the most inspiring and most fun I've had throughout my career. Working with Sensible J & Dutch, who produce most of the album, was awesome. Not only are they great at what they do, they are great human beings. I'm very thankful to have had them bless my project."

He'll be heading out on tour to spread the word of Football, Feasts and Funerals very soon and admits that, despite having toured for 20 years with Koolism, he's actually quite nervous this time around. "I've obviously toured nationally with Koolism in the past and as a solo artist, I've toured nationally twice, once with Briggs and recently with Remi. But yes, this is my first headlining tour and I'm feeling a lot of things – nervous, anxious, excited and joy."

No doubt Koolism fans will be all over Hau's solo material, and this tour will be all about Hau's solo stuff, he says. "As much as I love the Koolism jams, unfortunately I won't be playing any of them. It just wouldn't be the same without Daniel."

HAU

Where: Transit Bar, Canberra City

When: Friday, July 31

Tickets: $15 available from moshtix.com.au 18+