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Moka Only's last album, The Desired Effect, was a commercial flop. It was also critically known as the "not-so desired effect." But now that he's free from contractual obligations and sporting a new album called Vermilion, Vancouver's hardest working rapper is finally able to explain just what the hell happened.
"Vermilion is the original Desired Effect, at least that's what I wanted it to be. I had too many people on my back going, 'Change this, change that,' and I was like, 'You know what? I'm not going to be stubborn for once. I'm just going to see this through and get it over and done with and I'll have free creative reign from here on out.'"
While that might sound like a lame excuse, now that Only's on a new label (Urbnet) and writing and producing his own music, he says it's not about hype anymore. It's about making good music — period.
"I'm a 33-year-old male. I've been kind of through the ringer. I know what I want, and radio play doesn't really govern what I'm going to do with my life and my music, you know what I mean? I exist really good on the underground level… and it's a beautiful thing, the realization that you don't have to chase the formula."
Only was so excited about his newfound freedom that he included a hidden remix of "Head Over Heals" by Tears For Fears, just because.
"I did that just to trip people out and also… real hip-hoppers, we're not prejudiced when it comes to other forms of music — classic or not," he says. "I dare you to find somebody who's a real music enthusiast in the hip-hop community who didn't like Tears for Fears… like, the shit was dope.
Tears For Fears is some of the best writing in pop music ever, and that was one of my favourite songs that came on the radio in 1985, you know? So I was like, alright, I just wanted to see how it would come out."
If that track still leaves you unconvinced about Only's singing ability, the one thing you can't really complain about is his rap skills. But in case you have the inclination to do so, he has a plan to handle potential haters.
"If people really wanted to test, then I could tear a brand new bum hole in the rap scene, I'm telling you. I could really flip stuff if I wanted to, but it's not about that. I'm not trying to be the battle MC, although I've had a lot of pleasure doing rap battles in the past. I'm just trying to have fun with it and all. It is just documentation of life, and hopefully it's going to elevate some people. That's it."
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