Moka Only is one of the most prolific artists working today. One advantage to working in this fashion is that when one album falters, as did his collaboration with Ayatollah earlier this year, he can redeem himself only a few months later with a fantastic album. This time, he comes back with the latest installment of his Airport series, inspired by his life on the road, namely the time you have to yourself while waiting in airport terminals. You’d think after five volumes, he might have run out of things to say, but this album sounds as fresh and inspired, I’m already looking ahead to volume seven.

One of the first things that hit me about Airport 6 is how sexy the album is. Moka’s production is incredibly warm and intimate, while also retaining a certain playfulness that makes the album immediately accessible. On top of this great production work, Moka delivers some of his best lyrical work as well. The record is full of heartfelt relations of experiences from the road and inspection of personal relationships, all combined with clever wordplay and humor that really make for a fulfilling listening experience. His delivery is laid back and effortless, and has a great sense of melody to it as well. Moka Only has always worn his Native Tongues influence on his sleeve, and having Plug 2 from De La Soul guest on “Mr. Megahustle” adds a nice touch to the album with a track that sounds like it could easily be at home on Stakes is High. My personal favorite section of Airport 6 starts with “Ain’t Broken,” which makes great subtle use of steel drums to flavor the soundscape of a very gentle song, and continues into “Back Back,” which just shifts the tone ever so slightly with great use of some Beach Boys/Doo-wop background vocals as Moka lays some great verses about feeling nostalgic. There’s not really a weak point on the album - everything flows perfectly from one song to the next, and each song has the potential to be a new favorite.

Moka Only has recorded over fifty albums in the last twenty years, and this just might be his best to date, or at the very least has to be in the discussion. He’s not re-inventing the wheel with Airport 6, but he is delivering the best version of the style of hip hop that suits him. His production and rhymes are heartfelt, personal, fun, and moving, making for an album that will sure to be in regular rotation amongst my personal library for years to come.