Standing 6'5, he's a personable man, lavish when interested, but more intrigued with everyday detail than paparazzi fodder. A resume of considerable note with a residency that stretches more than 10 years in the music industry, West Coast artist Moka Only is far from new to this. If anything he's proven that the proverbial last man standing isn't necessarily the last place you'd want to be. Reunited with the spirit of his earlier solo work, Moka returns to the vibrancy of his past as he forges a new path towards the future of music. The direct result - his debut cd, The Desired Effect. A concise 14-track collection that captures the beautiful collaborative fervor Moka has long likened to his Jazz-adored take on life.
"Forget what you think you know about Moka Only from the Swollen Members and get ready to be surprised" (Canadian Music Network)
The Desired Effect, which hits the streets August 16th, features guests MF Doom (Madvllian) production by Jay Dee (Tribe Called Quest/De La Soul/Slum Village) OH NO (Stones Throw) Sixtoo (Ninja Tune), and J Rawls (Lone Catalysts). Look for a gang of tracks also produced by Moka Only who is earning a reputable name for himself right now as producer in certain well established circles.
Moka pontificates, "Musicians are like the last standing prophets, the last people you could count on to have the power to change the way people feel." Having sipped from the grail of huge success over the years, he remains further grounded than ever before, creating The Desired Effect as not only a straight forward hotstepper, but a dutiful nod to his recent acclaim.
"An unmatched talent in the industry for over a decade. Moka is a songwriter and producer in a most timeless vein." - Peter Agoston (URB Magazine)
Early on in his life, Moka Only discovered his love for the manipulation of the English language. Growing up he hit every mic available, rocking house parties and ciphers alongside his partner in rhyme, Prevail (Swollen Members). Together they recorded some demo tracks that got out on tape, progressed to hooking up some shows, but continued to focus most of their energy on freestyling as the mainstay in '94. The two moved to San Diego on a whim and hooked up with other rappers.
In 1995, Moka and Prev returned to Vancouver traveled and well-seasoned in the arts of rhyme and reason. Soon after, they met Mad Child, another up and coming Vancouver-based MC. While at a Denny's in a late night session after a party, the trio formed the Swollen Members crew, and the beginning of what would become Battleaxe Records.
The mid-to-late '90s saw Moka independently releasing over a dozen solo full-length tapes, a slab of vinyl, and performing countless shows, all of which contributed to his critical acclaim in underground circles, and made him a well-respected part of the hip hop community.
From 2002-2004 as part of the multi platinum group Swollen Members, Moka Only has received three consecutive Junos (Canadian Grammys) and sold over 400,000 records independently worldwide. 2005 marks the year of Moka Only independence with the release of The Desired Effect.
"It’s cool to accept your place, it's Ok. There will always be different people drifting over the lines and confines,” he realizes. Having tasted the fruits, Moka calmly breathes, "I want to be happy in life." This is his Desired Effect. |
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