Canadian wonder-MC, Moka Only (aka Ron Contour), has been doing his thing as a rhyme-sayer and microphone master for more than a decade strong. And I mean strong - like army strong. The veteran of the rap circuit has found his way into the hearts and ears of the toughest rap critics, spent time with Canadian pop group Len ("Steal My Sunshine" fame) and ran deep with Canadian powerhouse hip-hop clan, Swollen Members.  Finally, after all of his career moves and movement, the well-traveled Langford, B.C., native will make his debut appearance in Olympia during the Fake Four Summer Tour, July 8 at Olympia's Royal Lounge - which will also include performances from Ceschi Ramos, Olympia favorites Night Fox and Open Mic Eagle.

Moka Only is a hard worker - according to Wikipedia his solo discography includes more than 47 album releases, including his most recent work, Airport 4. Collaborations easily bring his total releases to more than 60.  With a Tupac-esque work ethic in the studio and a stage show that looks like a party at times and favors creative lyricism at others, the three-time Juno Award-winning MC will no doubt entertain the real party people when he stops in Olympia - as opposed to those who just like to stand around.

Along with Moka the award-winning Night Fox of Olympia will rock the spot with fellow opening act Ceschi Ramos, who is hailed as a force in the independent music scene. Also, don't sleep on Open Mic Eagle, part of the Los Angeles hip-hop scene and affiliates of the mighty Project Blowed conglomerate. 

‘Nuff said. The show is one to make.

ReaLit Radio

Tacoma's ReaLit Radio is back - for the summer, that is.

College radio can be a tortuous pleasure.  On the good side it delivers the best music first - before any commercial stations.  On the not-so-hot side, your favorite show can exist one minute and be canceled the next (because freshman DJ drops out, flunks out or transfers) and her show was the lick!  Anyway, there's no such problem in Tac-town. ReaLit Radio on KUPS 90.1 FM out of The University of Puget Sound is back on and poppin' every Thursday night at 10 p.m. 

Having been on hiatus for a few weeks because of college's summer break, it's good that the summer schedule of ReaLit Radio has kicked in. The show focuses primarily on West Coast hip-hop and has featured Wojack, The Realest, Josh Rizeberg and Jogota, among others, as in-studio guests. On the playlist you are likely to love hearing The Jacka, E-40, Husalah and others from The Bay to L.A. - and from right up your block too!  Hosted by Dubbloonatic, ReaLit Radio compliments the growing presence of independent Puget Sound hip-hop radio led by the likes of KBCS (Bellevue), KEXP (Seattle), KSVR (Mt. Vernon), KUGS (Bellingham) and KAOS (Olympia). 

The work of these stations is tremendous in providing an outlet for artists who (face it, fellas and ladies) will not make it into rotation at the corporate, orally-fixated commercial stations that repeat the same tracks hour after hour.  Coming soon in this column, look for a directory featuring stations, days and times where the spirit of independent and non-commercial hip-hop and soul can be heard in abundance.

Moka Only

The Fake Four Tour with Night Fox, Ceschi Ramos, Open Mic Eagle
Thursday, July 8, 9 p.m., $5
The Royal Lounge, 311 Capitol Way N., Olympia
360.705.0760