Allow me to reintroduce myself: Moka Only

Gain more insight into significant hip-hop figures by checking out their revealing answers to our questionnaire.

Vancouver's Moka Only is one of the world's most respected and prolific MCs, and he's keeping busy with some Canadian tour dates this summer in support of a new record called Airport 6. He's also one of many prominent Canadian hip-hop artists to be featured in the new documentary Hip Hop Eh, which is screening in Toronto on July 29. Just don't ask him to collaborate with any of them.

What was the first record you ever bought and where'd you get it?

The first album I ever bought is so foggy to me. It may have been Fantastic by Wham! Would’ve been around 1984. Prolly got it at Sam the Record Man in Victoria, B.C. Man, I loved that album.

Where did the name that you perform under come from exactly?

My stage name was given to me by Prevail from Swollen Members when we were teenagers. It simply means "moka," like coffee. I added the "only" to it later so I could claim being the "only moka." Simple as a dimple. Too bad I didn’t choose a name like "MC Hip-Hop Master" or somethin’ like that. Shame.

What was the last book you read and how was it?

The last book I read was Mr. Bear Squash-You-All-Flat. Timeless classic.

Where is your favourite place to eat on planet Earth and what are we having?

My fave place to eat in the world? That’s tough. Let's go with the Weigh West in Tofino, B.C. Best burger on Earth. I would have it flown in.

Which artist, living or dead, would you most like to collaborate with and why?

I don’t want to collaborate with anybody. I don’t like anybody. But it’s OK. I like me best. Sometimes I would rather just go fishing or do laundry. People are too limited, which makes me not want to mess with ‘em.

See Moka Only in a city near you this summer:

Aug. 3, Guelph, Ont., Biggies
Aug. 4, Kitchener, Ont., the Little Bean
Aug. 5, TBA
Aug. 9, Toronto, Ont., Rancho Relaxo
Aug. 10, St. Catharines, Ont., TBA
Aug. 11, Sarnia, Ont., The Stubborn Mule
Aug. 12, Belleville, Ont., The Belle Pub