Moka Only facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Moka Only
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Moka Only in 2015
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| Background information | |
| Birth name | Daniel Denton |
| Also known as | Moka, Moka O, Moke, Ron Contour, RonCon, Dokta Swatch, Flow Torch, Torch, Tank Gawd, Kareem Serene, Durable Mammal, Gargoyle, The Most Prolific |
| Born | November 14, 1973 Langford, British Columbia, Canada |
| Origin | Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada |
| Genres | Hip hop, Underground hip hop, alternative hip hop, Hip-hop soul, Jazz rap, Instrumental |
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| Years active | 1989–present |
| Labels | URBNET Records, Beautiful Records |
| Associated acts | Torchlight Commission, Swollen Members, Lord Diamonds, Len, Nowfolk, Abstract Rude, Factor Chandelier |
Daniel Denton (born November 14, 1973), known by his stage name Moka Only, is a Canadian hip hop artist and music producer. He grew up in Langford, British Columbia, where he developed a love for hip hop. As a teenager, he started as a graffiti artist before deciding to make music his career.
In 1995, Moka Only teamed up with Madchild and Prevail to form the hip hop group Swollen Members. He even came up with the group's name. He left the group to work on his own music but rejoined for a short time in the early 2000s. With Swollen Members, he won three JUNO Awards and five MuchMusic Video Awards.
Moka Only is known for being incredibly productive, having released over 100 albums and projects. He has also worked with many other artists, including MF Doom and Del the Funky Homosapien.
Contents
Music Career
Early Life and Swollen Members
Moka Only began his journey in the arts as a graffiti artist in his hometown. He soon switched to music and moved to Vancouver to pursue his dream. His big break came when he co-founded the famous Canadian hip hop group, Swollen Members.
Even though his time with the group was on and off, their work together was very successful. They won several major Canadian music awards. Moka also made a brief appearance with the band Len and can be seen in the music video for their hit song "Steal My Sunshine".
Solo Work and Other Projects
As a solo artist, Moka Only has explored many different sounds. He is famous for his album series based on seasons and themes. For example, he released the spring-themed Airport album in 2007 and followed it with a winter-themed project called Martian Xmas the same year. The Airport series continued for six years, and the Martian Xmas series has over 18 releases.
He has also released music under different names, or aliases. His most famous alias is Ron Contour, who has a more quirky and funny style.
Musical Style
Moka Only is a multi-talented artist who can rap, sing, and produce his own beats. He is known for mixing clever, fast-paced raps with smooth, sung choruses.
How He Makes His Music
While he has worked with famous producers like J Dilla and Madlib, Moka produces much of his own music. He prefers using analog equipment like classic keyboards instead of just computers, which gives his music a warm, unique sound. His beats often include elements of jazz and soul music.
His love for trains often appears in his music. He has used train sounds in his instrumentals and titled albums like The Station Agent and Bridges. He also loves coffee, which is where the "Moka" in his name comes from.
Selected Discography
Moka Only has released a very large number of albums. Here are a few of them:
- Upcoast Relix (1995)
- Lime Green (2001)
- The Desired Effect (2005)
- Airport (2007)
- Martian Xmas (multiple years)
- Bridges (2012)
- Concert for One (2017)
- It Can Do (2020)
- In and of Itself (2023)
- Arbutus Canyon (2024)
As Ron Contour
- Moka Only Is ... Ron Contour (2001)
- Saffron (2010)
Awards and Recognition
Moka Only has won several awards, mostly for his work with Swollen Members.
- Juno Awards
- 2001: Best Rap Recording
- 2002: Best Rap Recording
- 2003: Rap Recording of the Year
- MuchMusic Awards
- 2002: Best Rap Video ("Fuel Injected")
- 2002: Best Director ("Fuel Injected")
- 2002: Best Independent Video ("Fuel Injected")
- 2003: Best Rap Video ("Breathe")
- Western Canadian Music Awards
- 2003: Outstanding Rap/Hip Hop Recording (Monsters In The Closet)
- 2003: Outstanding Video ("Breathe")
