Daniel Denton (born November 14, 1973),[2] better known by his stage name Moka Only, is a Canadian rapper and singer. He has won three JUNO Awards, five MuchMusic Video Awards, and has been nominated for 11 Western Canadian Music Awards.[3] Originally from Langford, British Columbia, near Victoria, he began his musical career in Vancouver. He was previously part of the hip hop group Swollen Members, and was briefly part of the band Len. Moka has released albums through Feelin' Music, Legendary Entertainment, Battleaxe Records, Domination Recordings, Camobear Records, Wandering Worx and URBNET Records.[4][5]
In October 2018, Denton announced his retirement from rapping; however, he returned to instead expand further into jazz and instrumentals, in addition to rapping. His 2020 single, "Easy Street" (Christopher eSX) led up to his debut extended play (EP) Microphone Deflection (2020); under the alias Tank Gawd, produced by Kutmasta Kurt, and featuring appearances by Kool Keith and Del the Funky Homosapien[6]
Won "Most Fabulous Canadian Man" Award in 2009, given by Livia Murray Incorporated.
Style
Moka is a versatile emcee and producer with many different unique techniques. His earlier works follow a more traditional hip hop formula, but throughout the years he has refined and evolved his sound with a number of distinct styles. At any given moment he can rap fast with precision, slow and graceful, crack a joke or sing.
While other artists have certainly mixed elements of rapping and singing. Mok sets himself apart by not sacrificing his rap prowess for catchy hooks. The listener gets the best of both worlds, quick-witted verses and smooth choruses on projects like “Lowdown Suite”, much of his work with Swollen Members & many more.
Moka’s alter ego Ron Contour takes a more eccentric and quirky approach to making tracks. Many of songs under the Ron Con name feature more outlandish themes, comical lines and references to food (including debut album “Hot Dog”).
Moka O has worked with a number of talented producers such as J Dilla, Ayatollah, Fat Jack, Deceo Ellipsis and Factor Chandelier, though the majority of his music is self produced. Much 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.
He loves transit/trains and has lots of lyrics about them, even including a song named “My Trains” in his 2006 album “Airport”. Also in that year, releasing an album named “Station Agent”.
↑ 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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