Daniel Denton (born November 14, 1973),[2] better known by his stage name Moka Only, is a Canadian hip hop artist and producer . He is originally from Langford, British Columbia, where he cultivated a deep passion for hip hop. Later, moving to San Diego to progress his career. In his late teens, he started out as a graffiti artist before switching to music. In 1995, along with Madchild and Prevail, the trio formed the hip hop group Swollen Members, Moka conceiving the name. Though, he left soon after to pursue solo efforts (eventually joining again shortly in the early 2000’s). As a part of the group, he won three JUNO Awards, five MuchMusic Video Awards, and was nominated for 11 Western Canadian Music Awards.[3]He was also very briefly featured in the band LEN, even making a cameo appearance in the music video for the groups hit song “Steal My Sunshine”. In addition to these groups, he also paired with artist Ishkan to create Nowfolk. Their first album together “Style Gangsters” released in 1999, followed by “The Moon” in 2002. Later in 2016, two more Nowfolk albums released, (Magnesium Opium & The Winter. From 2001) after both being shelved for a number of years. In 2007, Moka released “Airport”, a spring themed album. Later in the same year he released “Martian Xmas”, a winter themed project. He continued the “Airport” series, releasing annually, for six years. His “Martian Xmas” series, has totaled 18 releases and still releases every December. Denton has also released music under different aliases, most notably Ron Contour. Other notable collaborations include MF Doom, Del the Funky Homosapien and Kool Keith.
Moka’s hard work and productivity, diverse skillset as an emcee/producer helped him establish a reputation in the rap scene. He has released over 100 projects through multiple different labels, including Feelin' Music, Legendary Entertainment, Battleaxe Records, Domination Recordings, Camobear Records, Wandering Worx and URBNET Records.[4][5]
2009 - Won "Most Fabulous Canadian Man" Award, given by Livia Murray Incorporated.
Style
Moka is a versatile emcee and producer with many different unique techniques. Throughout the years, he has refined and evolved his sound with a number of distinct styles.
While other artists have certainly mixed elements of rapping and singing. Mok sets himself apart by not sacrificing his rap prowess for catchy hooks. He effortlessly intertwines quick-witted verses with smooth choruses on much of his work.
Moka O has worked with a number of talented producers such as J Dilla, Madlib and Ayatollah, though the majority of his music is self produced. Through not exclusively used, he prefers analog equipment over digital, and has a large personal collection of keyboards and other musical instruments. His production includes elements of jazz & soul. Aside from his own projects, he has produced for other artists as well like Gabriel Teodros, Lil B, & Lord Diamonds.
Moka’s alter ego Ron Contour takes a more eccentric and quirky approach on songs. Many tracks under the Ron Con name feature more outlandish themes, comical lines and references to food (including debut album “Hot Dog”).
He loves trains and often mentions them in tracks, even sampling their sounds for instrumentals. The most notable example is the song “My Trains”. Transportation has also played a role in the titles of his albums like “Station Agent”, “Bridges”, “Road Life” and the “Airport” series.
The “Moka” in his name comes from his love of coffee. He is also a fan of skateboarding.
↑ Bliss, Karen (2005). "Moka's desire: ex-Swollen Members rapper/singer pops back into the mainstream". Canadian Musician. 27 (6): 38+ – via Gale OneFile: CPI.Q.
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