HEADS KNOW TAPE 031: Hu Dat
An interview and DJ mix from the LA native DJ, event producer, and artist manager.
Photo: thecobrasnake
HEADS KNOW TAPES is the mix and interview series curated to introduce you to the most interesting innovators, selectors, and artists from New York City and beyond.
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The devil works hard, but Kim Hu works harder. Although born, bred, and based in Los Angeles, the fashion and music mainstay has been leaving her mark across as a Hu Dat, a DJ and event curator. You’ve probably seen her behind the decks for artists like Chief Keef, Doja Cat, Megan thee Stallion, and Rico Nasty, or spinning at parties around the world.
In recent years, Hu Dat has been using her industry prowess for good, doing the hardest job in the business: managing artists. “I know it sounds fun, but it’s also a lot of work and time and energy,” she admits. But that still hasn’t stopped her from doing more. Her latest venture? Co-creating a new artist collective called SOFTSTATIC to create a safe space for LGBTQIA+ communities and people of color.
Roll the tape for Hu Dat’s eclectic freestyle mix and read on to learn more about her blogging beginnings, how she came to love hip-hop, and the pros and cons of both coasts.
It was cool to read you used to run a music and fashion blog. What kind of things would you write about?
Yesss, I was inspired by the music blog era (ThisSongIsSick, Pigeons & Planes, 2DopeBoyz, etc.) and my blog was called Caviar Sounds. I wrote about music, fashion, and art, and separated them into categories. I wrote articles about brands like Goyard and Celine, producer Honorable C N.O.T.E.’s top songs, my artists to watch lists (I had artists like Lil Uzi Vert back in 2014), and current art exhibits around the world. Unfortunately I didn’t have social media back then so it was just kind of hard to market and find motivation to keep it going, but it was a great experience.
Fashion and music have such a beautiful, symbiotic relationship. Are there any tells of what music someone listens to by their fit?
Oooh, I like this question. I agree that music and fashion go hand-in-hand. And you can guess what someone is listening to by their fits for sure — starting with the shoes, then the bottoms, then the accessories. Music and fashion are both expressions of self and creativity, so the way you express your style is probably the type of music you like to listen to, too.
Is there a current trend you’re seeing that you feel the need to rant about right now?
In music: I’m not the biggest fan of RAGE music that’s common in rap right now, they all kinda sound similar and the mix crunchy. I still love PLUG music though. Bring back plugggg.
In fashion: Not a fan of purposely dirty clothes, like Balenciaga’s mud stained hoodies and pants. I don’t understand people paying $900 for clothes that look dirty.
Why do you think you were so drawn to hip-hop music from a young age?
Lowkey, I listened to a lot of Eminem when I was young and was drawn to his lyricism. I would read the lyrics in the CD pamphlets and memorize them, lol. Also I was obsessed with “The Crossroads” by Bone Thugz-N-Harmony because I really liked their melodies and singing intertwined with deep lyrics. 50 Cent’s Get Rich Or Die Tryin’ was my favorite CD too at one point. I think I just liked the attitudes of these rappers and their style. I was a big basketball fan and player too, and all the basketball players would listen to rap.
You’ve said the art of storytelling is something you love about rap. Do you approach your sets with a storytelling approach?
Yes, I always like to say I take listeners on a musical journey, although I never really plan my sets. I do try to incorporate a variety of genres throughout especially in club settings so that every one is happy, but [I play] mostly upbeat [music] to keep the energy up. My personal style is more geared towards underground music, dark heavy bass, and girl artists. People always tell me they shazam my set.
Asian-Americans have strong ties to the beginning of hip-hop, especially when it comes to DJ culture in California. I know you’ve spoken about feeling the need to prove yourself as an Asian-American woman in the scene, but in a weird way, do you feel like this path was somehow destined for you?
I’ve never really thought about my destined path, actually. I just always knew I had a purpose, but I am super grateful and appreciative of how welcoming the hip-hop culture as well as the Asian culture have been to me. I think I’ve just put in my hours and have always been solid and putting POC artists and DJs on, so everyone recognizes that my consistent contribution to the cultures are genuine. Lately, though, I am super happy I get to be a part of Gold House and 88rising events. They are two amazing asian companies who have really supported me and the community and I always feel so honored and fulfilled to work with them.
I’ve always been inspired by you and what you do. Were there any Asian women you looked up to when you first started?
Thank you. You are so amazing as well! When I was younger I really appreciated TOKiMONSTA, and not a woman but MC Jin was an asian artist that inspired me too. I would watch his BET 106 and Park Freestyle Fridays. Honestly, I didn’t know too many Asian women artists back then, but now I’m really happy to see girls like Audrey Nuna, Luna Li, Rina Sawayama, SAILORR, [and others] receive their shine. There’s still a barrier Asian women artists have to fight through to get on what’s considered a more “mainstream” level, but the barrier is getting smaller and smaller as the years go on.
Is there any advice you’d give me?
You are on the right aligned path! Everyone sees what a genuine music lover and supporter you are and all the Heads Know events and content are super important, keep killin itt
I’m curious, why did you decide to leave New York and go back to LA?
It was just during a really hard time with the pandemic and my personal life, and NY was feeling extra depressing. I wanted to just go home for a bit and reset and be with my family. I ended up loving LA again, so after a month I went back to NY and packed all my stuff and moved. You just can’t beat LA weather, along with having my family and car. It was a wrap for NY.
What are your favorite and least favorite parts about both scenes?
LA
Favorite: Rooftops, the weather, hip hop culture, and 420-friendly.
Least Favorite: Generic music taste and influencer culture.
NY
Favorites: Easier to party hop all night, people are more open to music styles, and style/fashion.
Least favorite: The weather and clout culture.
Photo: Kevin H Lorenzo
Could you describe the kind of person who would thrive in New York and how that might be different from someone who’d do better in LA?
Yesss, the classic case of NY and LA. If you thrive in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment, NY will really be stimulating for you. Everyone is out there hustling aggressively and competitive. There were so many events, I was getting booked 4-5 times a week and I would also stay up mad late a lot of the nights. In LA, it’s a little more health-conscious. People are drinking matcha, doing pilates, hiking; there’s more time to breathe out here.
A lot of New Yorkers who move out here hate it, and a lot of LA people who move out to NY hate it there, haha. It’s just a funny dichotomy. I’ve learned to embrace both cultures and I have so much love for both, but since I am older now I do appreciate having a car and the nice weather and nature in LA.
A lot of people get into artist management, not knowing the full extent of what it takes to do such a big job. What do you think the most important thing people should know before playing around with someone’s future?
I know it sounds fun, but it’s also a lot of work and time and energy. It’s a 24/7 commitment where you’re on-call all the time since your artists have the freedom to hit you about anything at any time. It’s a committed relationship: you end up caring about their health, mental health, family, and you also have to be really good with honest and open communication. The main thing is having faith; just really believing in the artist will keep you going. Celebrate all the wins, big or small, along the way and definitely gotta be ready to put in the time and consistent effort.
All that’s to say, working in music isn’t easy. What helps you stick around?
My passion is to make an impact in music and I want to show that kindness and compassion can win in the industry. There’s still so much to be done especially for POC women and Asians. There are times I’ve been so over the music industry and the people, but you gotta just keep grinding and believing in your purpose and path. Don’t let how people treat you or what they say about you define who you are. The industry can be super grimy, but stay true to yourself.
Which 7 people should heads know?
Nebula , R!R!Riot, Bbyafricka, Baabylili, EsDeeKid’s accent is fire, and also producers Tay Dex, Wes, and Producer Mayday.
What can we expect from this mix?
As always, it’s a freestyle mix. This one doesn’t have a specific theme, but features some of my recent favorites ranging from girl rap to footwork to gqom. Buckle upppp for a ride.
Is there anything I haven't asked you that you want to talk about? Anything you want to promote?
I’m really excited about this new collective I have called SOFTSTATIC with my partners Nebula and PrincessGollum :) We are cultivating a safe space for POC and LGBTQ communities, highlighting fire creatives and also creating memorable experiences through our events. We have a lot of amazing upcoming plans so follow our page and stay tunedddd
Support Hu Dat on SoundCloud and Instagram.
This interview has been edited for clarity.
