Album Review: Self Confidence by Can't Be Copied

 

Self Confidence

By

Can’t Be Copied

 

I don’t always know which review will round off the year for me, sometimes I do get to plan ahead but, 2024 has come with a lot of challenges towards the end with some cancelled reviews, and so it came down to the last two and the first that I receive of those was Self Confidence from Can’t Be Copied aka K.A.O.$ Da Rowdy MC and Mr Roka. It is a pleasure to round off another year of reviews with these guys.

Now, it has been a while since this one came my way and so it gave me a chance to just check out their website before I got into this. CBC note that the album is a “declaration of the confidence in our ability to create new and meaningful Hip Hop”. Now, I have to say that the guys never disappoint in the music they create and messages they give, and they do all that without the need for offensive language or cursing.

So, I won’t keep you hanging around but, get straight into this album, which is some 19 tracks deep, consisting of ten full tracks and nine skit’s, so let’s go…

 

The guys kick it off in style with a heavy pounding beat and these electronic background sounds which get you head nodding from the get-go on Flowcresent. This one goes in hard looking at gun violence while also being a huge statement on the confidence that the guys have together. In fact, just as an after thought here, there could be an analogy here between the power that a gun has and the power of words and music. Guns give some confidence but, here CBC show that you don’t need that, use the talent’s you were born with and crafted from hard work to bring you that confidence. Next up is Skit 1, where we find K.A.O.$. speaking on how CBC does everything themselves so there is no need to wait on anything, this gives them more freedom to create their vision. Mr Roka provides wicked backdrop with cuts, a dope beat, and this synth vibe that has a John Carpenter feel to it. There is no time to dwell to much on that thought as more synth vibes, cuts, and another sweet beat drop in, getting you bouncing for Can’t Take It. This one really seems to define how having that self confidence can really boost the steps you take on your life’s journey, and when that happens there will be many around you who simply can’t take that energy. It’s all about keeping that confidence and cultivating the drive it gives you to succeed in life.

Skit 2 takes us backstage with K.A.O.$. Da Rowdy MC checking that everything is ready for the live show while Mr Roka is setting up on-stage and providing a little background bass notes to keep things moving. Now that everything is ready for the show, its time for CBC to give you What The Crowd Like, as Mr Roka drops some funky bass infused beat, with some slick background cuts, to get you rocking. K.A.O.$. gives us exactly what crowd likes, with a dope display of lyrical wordplay as he spins bar after bar to get your adrenaline levels pushing into the red. Skit 3 brings a pounding beat from Mr Roka as K.A.O.$. lays the cards on the table. This is CBC and this is that real Hip Hop boom bap sound and not just some average sound; this proves one thing, which is that CBC has No Competition. The beat hits hard getting you moving while Mr Roka’s cuts keep sucka’s at bay. K.A.O.$. brings the bars as hard as the beat hits, unloading the kind of lyrical flows that scream that real Hip Hop vibe from the roof tops, that’s it, this is the realness…

Skit 4 has this almost LoFi sound that just drifts through your awareness as K.A.O.$. reinforces the importance of self confidence by telling you not to let others on the outside influence what you do. You can listen to what others have to say but, when it comes down to it, it is the strength of your own convictions in your own talents that will win out. Just go with what you feel inside, that’s the key. Shouldn’t Have brings a banging beat with organ sounds and so much more it gets you fired up right out the gate. The message here is pretty simple when it comes down to it, as the focus is one things that shouldn’t have been done and a few things that should be done. This is the kind of thing that we go thought life experiencing, knowing that there are so many thing people shouldn’t have done to us, and its not just those close to us or around us but, those who govern or sit in a place of power, and at times the shouldn’t haves seem to out weight should haves. Skit 5 has this funky little beat where the bass and synth really pop out. This has a real tongue-in-cheek feel to it too looking at an artist trying to be something they aren’t and not being authentic.

Talking of being authentic its time for CBC to show their level of authenticity with Ready For Me. Mr Roka brings us this real funky vibe that has these piano and organ vibes that really tweak at your nerves. All the while K.A.O.$. is dropping bars that go hard on those who don’t perform with any level of real authenticity. There is not much more you can say here except, being authentic brings a different energy and allows you to create something that your audience will always remember and that breeds your confidence on so many levels. With Skit 6 its all about the fact that CBC do what they do, that’s it plain and simple, and straight from mouth of K.A.O.$. Mr Roka provides this electronic vibe that just sits in the background, giving you a light level of anticipation for what’s next; which is Only Here. This track sees Mr Roka bringing a guitar infused sound, using sampled guitars to create this energetic sound that fuses with the beat to be strangely infectious. Similes and metaphors about here as K.A.O.$. spits some venom on the mic. It’s all about the fact that CBC are here to do what they do, bring the real Hip Hop sound; its not about making a name or being one of the greats, but if that comes to pass, it’s all good. Really its more about the music that the rewards.

Skit 7 a nice funky beat that gets your head nodding along while K.A.O.$. notes that something does not feel right and time to step back for a bit. Giving yourself some time to kick back allows you time to Visualise, and here Mr Roka brings a proper boom bap beat that is mixed with bass, and keys to give you this chilled space to sit in. K.A.O.$. speaks on some different stories that might be happening anywhere right now, and as you become aware of what is going on around you, it makes you think about how things might affect you if you were there. When you visualise these things, it often gives you a different sense of perspective on your own life too. Skit 8 brings a sound that has this percussion sound that has an echo vibe and a deep feel to it. This one is just about inviting someone to come backstage and speak on their view of CBC.

Mic-ful brings to life that backstage chat about CBC and K.A.O.$. speaking on lived experiences alongside more on what CBC is all about. Mr Roka drops a heavy drum beat that is backed by piano and guitar notes with a sound that feels like all this information is slowly drip-feeding into your mind as to listen along. The penultimate track here is Skit 9, with a LoFi background sound that seems to mirror the ambient outdoor noise, we find a tired K.A.O.$. waiting for a bus which leads us into our final track Observation. The drums pound heavy here with an electronic element that gives this one a subtle electro vibe. This one continues perfectly from the previous skit as K.A.O.$. speaks openly on his observations on Hip Hop and its impact on the world around him. I have to echo so much of what is said here and I think that any real Hip Hop head will agree with me…

 

 

There is always a pleasure and flow when I am writing to what I hear from the CBC boys, and this album is no different. The notion of this album encompassing their self confidence in their crafts and Hip Hop in general is only too apparent here. It flows in true abundance and that dedication to bringing the listeners a form of Hip Hop that is deep and says so much but, is also a form of Hip Hop that you can play anywhere strikes a different chord. It speaks to you on many different levels with intensity but, a different level of intensity that you might feel when explicit language is used. Not that I have an issue with the use of course language but, sometimes it is just a breath of fresh air to hear Hip Hop on this level without dropouts or rewinds to cover up certain words.

Now, I know there are a lot of skit’s in this one and there are a lot of you out there who do not like these but, each one does lead into the following track and gives you a bit of breathing space between tracks. I’m certain that should you chose to listen to the album with or without the skit’s it will not change your listening pleasure but, I would suggest you give it at least one go in its original format.

All-in-All Self Confidence is another quality release from CBC and one that further cements their dedication to bringing that real Hip Hop music to the listener. Every track here has its foundations in the true Hip Hop sound and as such it brings a special vibe to those of us who grew up with Hip Hop and those whose love of Hip Hop has taken down a road of discovery through the history of the Hip Hop sound. CBC truly do keep live the heart and soul of that true Hip Hop sound; of that I have no doubt.

Self Confidence is available now exclusively from the Can’t Be Copied Hip Hop website.

Go grab it if haven’t already.

See you sometime in the New Year,

Have a good one.

Steve

LINKS

Get your copy of the Album exclusively from the CBC Website (All social links are here too):

https://cantbecopiedhiphop.com/home

EP Review: Summer Vibes EP by Can't Be Copied

 

Summer Vibes EP

By

Can’t Be Copied

 

It is always a pleasure to have these guys submit something to the blog and this will be the third release in a row that I have brought to you. Initially, I was not sure what to think when Mr Roka said that this one had a different vibe from the previous two albums that he has put out with partner KAO$ Da Rowdy MC. However, following an initial listen, I knew that this was one I had to really wrap my ears around.

So, grab yourself an ice-cold beverage or something similar and join me for the Summer Vibes EP…

It all kicks off with Mr Roka on a jazzy Hip Hop vibe of keys, alongside a solid drum beat, on Stay Fly. Here we find KAO$ taking us back to the 90’s and giving the lowdown on Hip Hop fashion and what it was to be Fly. It you are not familiar with the term Fly, it was all about looking your best, with best threads and freshest trainers, sneakers or kicks. KAO$ drops a ton of names here, which will take a lot of us back in the day, and there is not much more to say. Enjoy Life sees Mr Roka giving us a fresh beat with jazzy keys and Sax that puts you in mind of ATCQ and the like, as you nod ya head along. KAO$ gets busy on the track, giving us words that speak openly on enjoying what you have in life. It might take you a while and there will be challenges but, always do your best to enjoy every moment that you get the chance to, as it will help uplift your life. Energy levels ramp up a bit on Just Does, where Mr Roka gives us drums, horns and keys that he spins into the kinda feel good vibe that is highly infectious and gets you bouncing. KAO$ brings us wealth of lyrics that are infused with more feel-good vibes that are aimed at lifting you up, just because it feels so good.

Like Who has Mr Roka giving us a more bassy sound that is mixed with horns but, still keeps you moving. KAO$ brings that classic Hip Hop braggadocio air to things as he asks who can do it like he can. Emcees bigging themselves up has been a stapple of the Hip Hop sound for years and goes all the way back to the early days and beyond. An emcee had to prove they were worthy, by battling others and throwing down, showing that they had the skills. You don’t see so much of this these days but, it still happens but, more on the underground scene. Mr Roka continues to ramp up the bass vibes on Who Else, where he mixes a pounding beat with an electronic bass sound, which gets your head moving in a different way. KAOS brings us more of those uplifting words by showing that none of us are alone in what we are going through But, more importantly, you will never be alone once you take the stress away, and what better way to do that than by getting down to CBC. Before you know it, you’re already at the last track, wondering where the last quarter hour just went? But this last track has the Vibe Coming and that sees Mr Roka switching things to a more mellow grove. The chilled drumbeat is backed with keys, bass and more as you get the chance to kick back while still nodding your head along. KAO$ takes us on a reflective journey though his life, looking back at his life and family, the kind of experiences that shape you as you walk the path of life. It can be very therapeutic to look back as see how far you have come, it gives you a sense of purpose and makes you proud of the person you have become.

 

It really seems that CBC have this kind of Midas touch with what they do, and the Summer Vibes EP goes along way to proving that point. Now, it might not be full of those classic boom bap Hip Hop beats but, what it is jammed full of is a fresher, uplifting sound that is so perfect for the summer months and beyond, because this one will definitely help to bring light and warmth to those dark winter days.

Mr Roka’s production brings us this lighter more uplifting sound that mixes jazzy vibes with Hip Hop and more. It shows that he has the talent to mix it up a bit while still keeping his sound rooted in the classic Hip Hop sound. KAO$ Da Rowdy MC shows his prowess as an emcee as he brings us some classic lyricism, mixing up the wordplay and giving us tracks that have a solid entertainment level; still keeping us engaged with a mix of lived experience and classic rap vibes that keep you rocking while still being relatable.

This is definitely one of those releases where I don’t have to be so in-depth because the Summer Vibes EP is there to be enjoyed and sometimes, I can just as much by saying less. This one can be enjoyed anywhere but, it does give you the feeling of warm summer evenings and BBQs, whether that is sat at home, in the park or on the beach. Put the Summer Vibes EP on and let the good times roll.

My thanks to Mr Roka and KAO$ Da Rowdy MC for giving me the opportunity to do my stuff with this one.

The Summer Vibes EP is out now, so what you waiting for?

I’ll see ya next time,

Steve.

LINKS

The EP is available exclusively from the CBC Website:

https://cantbecopiedhiphop.com/

CBC on Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/cantbecopiedhiphop/

CBC YouTube Channel:

https://www.youtube.com/@CANTBECOPIEDHIPHOPCOM-zs8ri/featured

 

 

Album Review: Invest In Your Ears by Can't Be Copied

 

Invest In Your Ears

By

Can’t Be Copied

 

I reviewed the debut release Real Art Real Experiences by Can’t Be Copied back in January of this year, and I was so impressed by what K.A.O.$ Da Rowdy MC (vocals), Mr Roka (production) with Stanton Miles (cuts) had achieved with that release, that when they recently dropped their sophomore album, Invest In Your Ears; I had to invite them back to the blog.

Once again, you will find that Invest In Your Ears is not available on any streaming platforms and the only place you can find it is via the crews website. The only difference this time around is that Invest In Your Ears features just K.A.O.$ Da Rowdy MC and Mr Roka, who also handles the cuts on this one.

If you read my review of Real Art Real Experiences, you will know what to expect from these guys. However, if you are new to Can’t Be Copied, I can tell you right now to expect nothing less than real Hip Hop vibes without the profanity, and a sound that crosses all boundaries and bring a real sound mixed with all the realness of true-life experiences.

So, I’m not gonna keep you hanging around no more but, help you to Invest In Your Ears…

 

CBC gets your head nodding from the get-go with a solid boom bap beat and a plethora of sounds that combine to get you moving and smiling for the Future Of Hip Hop. Here, K.A.O.$ Da Rowdy MC lays it all on the table, showing not only what is at the core of Can’t Be Copied but, also what the focus has to be for Hip Hop artists as we look to the future of the scene. It’s all about keeping it real, speaking from the heart with the truth and staying faithful to roots of the culture. You might well be listening to this now but, this is the blueprint for what’s to come. The drumbeat takes the forefront on I’m Just Saying but, Mr Roka mixes in some bells, guitar, and other sounds to keep the vibe going and the heads nodding. This one really takes the core of what CBC are about and lays it out in one track. CBC are about real Hip Hop that can be listened to be all ages, they take the old skool foundations of the sound and bring them into the present, delivering the realness in a way that speaks to new and young alike, setting standards for the future while giving the older Hip Hop generation no cause for concern. Heavy drums and horns form the basis for the sound on What Do You Bring, where we find CBC asking a question of all those other Hip Hop acts out there. That question is what do you bring to the game that adds authenticity and is not just a clone of those who walked the stage before you? This is as much a statement as a question because, in order to make it, you need to have an element about your sound that is authentic and relatable, don’t speak on things you have no knowledge of and don’t lie to your audience because you think you know what they want to hear.

Life Support finds drums, bass, and horns as the foundation but, the electronic beeping and cuts give this one a vibe that has a sound mimicking a pulse monitor, which might be lost on you as your too busy bouncing. Listen to this one and you get the impression that it is the real Hip Hop vibe and sound that is the life support of all real Hip Hop artists out there; There are many fake emcees out there masquerading as real Hip Hop with beats and lyrics that have no foundation in the culture. Those who are true to the game have Hip Hop running through their veins and don’t need to step outside that sound by dipping into other genes just make more money. With that thought running through you head K.A.O.$ Da Rowdy MC steps up as the Flowologist as Mr Roka brings a heavy bass sound with electronic elements that toy with your nerves. This one is all about K.A.O.$ showing exactly why he is the flowologist. There is no need for me to elaborate any further here as K.A.O.$ speaks for himself here so, tune in, soak it up and enjoy. Mr Roka switches it up once more with the drum beat almost taking a back seat at times as bass, guitar takes over on Different. The vibe might be different on this one but, it is the perfect canvas for K.A.O.$ to flow over and give you a demonstration of his rhyming skills, showing just what he can do when he feels like it.

Time to funk things up a bit on Much More but, that funk vibe has some elements that take you back to the electro sound, creating a vibe you can’t help but groove to. K.A.O.$ brings us a track that takes a look into the mind, body and soul of an emcee. There is that air of braggadocio at times that was a big element of the early rap days as emcee’s were out to show who was the best with rhymes and flows. Mr Roka’s heavy drumbeat, bass sound and horns take the forefront on Beatastic as K.A.O.$ slows things down a bit. This one really makes the beat the focus of the track both in sound and in the lyrics. That is only right because what would Hip Hop be without the beat; Well, it wouldn’t be Hip Hop for a start, and here we see just how important the beat is, just as important as the vocals. Pen & Pad finds Mr Roka dropping a solid boom bap sound on us, mix that with those multi-element sounds, and this one has the speakers blowing up. What I like about this one is that it shows that an emcee has to be two things; they have to be a freestyler and able to write rhymes down and that is really where this one took me, reminding me that an emcee is always writing; yes, they might be out there on the street corner, or deep in freestyle battle mode but, behind that the emcee is always writing creating bars and verses that are the core of their craft.

Before you know it, you are listening to the penultimate track, Pet Peave, which starts with a bassline sound before the beat really kicks in and that bassline vibe fades into the background. The sound gets you up and jumping around, wanting the take the roof of this sucka. K.A.O.$ Da Rowdy MC takes on a journey through some of the things that are his pet peave’s, the things that upset his equilibrium and might throw his day into disarray. This is not him complaining, its just life, these things happen to us all. Suddenly you realise that you’re at the last track and wishing there was more to come but, all good things come to an end and here it’s with They Sold Us A Story. Mr Roka brings a nice funky beat with piano vibes and cuts, getting the head nodding along. K.A.O.$ takes us to the streets with some stories about just how brutal life is out on the streets. With everything that has gone before now, this is a sobering note on which to end the album but, it is no less real that all the fun and games out there. We don’t always get to hear the stories of real people’s experiences but, here we are reminded that the tough stores we see going on internationally also have a shadow side that goes on in the alley ways and on the street corners of the towns and cites in which we live, and it's no less painful for those caught up in it…

 

What Can’t Be Copied have done with Invest In Your Ears is to give us something that is not just a musical album to be put on an enjoyed, it is so much more than that. Invest In Your Ears is a statement that says to each and every one of us that if you really want to here the truth, in many different ways, then switch of the TV, turn off the news and Invest In Your Ears by switching on this album because, as this album creatively displays, music can speak the truth to you on many different levels. Music, in this case that real Hip Hop music, can bring you the truth on what’s going on outside your door but, also bring you uplifting vibes that show that there are silver linings to those storm clouds, it can all be brought to you in a way that does scream of frustration and anger at what is going on in the world. Sometimes you just have to hear it in a way that echoes the family sitting round a table and talking openly about things, things that might be tough but, can just as easily bring smiles and laughter.

Invest In Your Ears displays all the qualities that go into creating a solid Hip Hop album, that has one foot rooted deep in the foundations of real Hip Hop, while demonstrating that you can bring in other influences to the sound which do not take away that homage to the original sound and vibe.

Mr Roka perfectly crafts these Hip Hop soundscapes in such a way as to show that they are unashamedly Hip Hop but, at the same time, have these additional elements and influences that make the Can’t Be Copied sound unique, which is exactly what it needs to be, because Can’t Be Copied are not anyone else and they sure can’t be copied in any way…

K.A.O.$ Da Rowdy MC once more delivers a wealth of flows and rhyme styles to suit exactly what needs to be said and in a way that is authentically his own. There is no copycat flows or styles here just one emcee with his own style created from years of constantly honing his craft.

I really don’t want to say too much here because Can’t Be Copied are not individuals but, a collective, a crew, who work together to create a sound that and style that make many of us reminisce back to the eighties and early nineties but, at the same time they also set a standard to those up and coming artists out there that says ‘this might be a blueprint for the sound or the vibe of what is Hip Hop but, be unique and authentic in all you do, because that is the mark of a true artist’.

All I can say is that if you really want to know what I’m talking about here then Invest In Your Ears and grab the album direct from Can’t Be Copied and see exactly what all the fuss is about and rest assured, this is one you don’t have to worry about playing in front of anyone.

Invest In Your Ears is out now exclusively available from the Can’t Be Copied Website.

 

Time for me to be out,

I’ll See you next time.

Steve.

LINKS

Get your copy of the Album exclusively here:

https://cantbecopiedhiphop.com/home

Can't Be Copied Socials:

https://cantbecopied.bandcamp.com/

https://www.instagram.com/cantbecopiedhiphop/

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61553637398444

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCeXOLyeS1iQkOErAt0vENRQ

 

VIDEO

Invest In Your Ears - Promo

 

Album Review: Real Art Real Experiences by Can't Be Copied

 

Real Art Real Experiences

By

Can’t Be Copied

 

It’s unusual, in this digital age, to find a debut release that is not available on all the regular streaming platforms but, the debut release from Can’t Be Copied is one of them. Real Art Real Experiences is only available from cantbecopiedhiphop.com (link Below).

So, lets learn a bit more about Can’t Be Copied; CBC is K.A.O.$. Da Rowdy MC, Mr Roka and Stanton Miles who are dedicated to the foundations of Hip Hop. Both being parents they point out that they will not need those Parental Advisory labels but, at the same time, they also don’t promote any BS.

K.A.O.$ Da Rowdy MC from Charlotte North Carolina, originally from Newark New Jersey, started writing at the age of 7 and had been performing since he was 14. His name K.A.O.$ stands for Killing All Opponents $wiftly and it was his childhood friends who named him KAOS when he was 13, the name stuck, and he kept it due to the fact those who gave him the name are no longer with us. He has been influenced by many different genres of music but, with Hip Hop the influence came from 80’s and 90s, which helped him shape his own expression of Hip Hop, while still staying dedicated to its true foundation. A dedicated father, he writes about his own experiences and how he views life, using personal and meaningful lyrics. He also produces and prides himself on being versatile and different.

Mr Roka hails from County Durham in the UK and uses his skills to make the kind of music that he wants to listen to. Most of his inspiration has come from buying records during the 90’s and early 2000’s. Since that time, he has remained an avid music fan, drawing inspiration from everywhere. The labels that have been the biggest inspiration to his music are the likes of Mo Wax, Grand Central, Ninja Tune, Wall of Sound and Def Jam, to name a few. The biggest inspirations on his production style come from Mark Rae, Pete Rock, DJ Premiere, Q-Tip, DJ Spinna, Lord Finesse, Diamond D, Todd Terry, and The Bomb Squad.

Stanton Miles is from Newcastle UK and started out as the DJ for the first UK Hip Hop group to rap in ‘geordie’ accent, the New Avengers who hailed from North Tyneside. Back then he went under the name DJ Murder One. Since 1991 he has held residencies in nightclubs and bars in the area and has also put out a few radio shows along the way, including The Scratch show he currently presents on Method Radio.

With all that said, it is obvious that there is some major Hip Hop blood running through the veins of Can’t Be Copied, which leads you to get some hefty anticipation over what you are about to hear. Real Art Experiences is sixteen tracks deep, six of which are skits, and also features the turntable skills of one DJ Stanton Miles on four of those. Now, before I get into the album, here is what the guys have to say about what you are about to hear “The album paints a picture of the life and influences of K.A.O.$. Da Rowdy MC and Mr Roka. The album shows both sides hip hop, as it aims to uplift as well as show values of the culture and where they came from. The group believes Hip Hop has foundations and principles from its inception and they want to show they believe them all”.

 

So, lets get into it…

 

Kicking off with Skit 1, bass and drums form the sparse background sound for this intro as K.A.O.$ really sets the scene for what’s about to come before Soulatified really kicks things off with keys, bass and drums, bringing an infectious funk vibe that will have you moving from first note. K.A.O.$ opens proceedings with a blistering display of intricate and intelligent wordplay that flows through your awareness at such a pace you need to take a deep breath. Luckily there is a brief pause with Skit 2 as drums and keys form funky little background for K.A.O.$ to grab some hater spray before continuing with Hitting Hard, the first track to feature Stanton Miles on the cuts, has a proper boom bap sound drums, bass and some interesting little electronic sounds and samples; mix all that with the classic samples and cuts and this one will have you bouncing. Here it’s all about taking that Hip Hop energy to the live stage with a dope beat from Mr Roka for K.A.O.$ and the crowd to react back and forth. Hard rhymes and hard beats, this is Hip Hop and this is what it’s all about right…

The turntable trickery of Stanton Miles takes centre stage on Skit 3 over a heavy beat from Mr Roka as Can’t Be Copied celebrate the Hip Hop DJ. Stanton Miles keeps the turntables buzzing for Reup Pt 2 as Mr Roka brings a pounding beat with some keys and electronic elements that have you thinking of warm summer nights rollin’ deep but, keeping a low profile and getting everything, you need but, keeping your wits about you, not attracting attention, never regretting your actions, and doing what’s best. Power To Change drops with more of a jazz influence with keys, drums, and heavy bass aspect. The message on this is an uplifting one that looks at how you are the one that has the power to change all those struggles and hurdles you face in life. It’s all about changing your perspective on what is in front of you and always finding the positive part, the learning that you can take from it. Do that and you will never become bogged down by life’s negativity. Heavy bass, drums, occasional horns and etheric strings form the backdrop to the Struggle, all of which combines to bring deep vibe that touches you. This one really continues the message from the previous track, it’s all about recognising that we all go through some tough times, it’s a part of life but, our strength and resolve carries us through these times towards light and the sunshine that is always there, behind the clouds.

 A short interlude with Skit 4 finds us carried on a dope beat with hand claps while K.A.O.$ points out that its best to be independent out there these days, not relying on others but, to make those moves and do it yourself. Boom bap drums, bass and horns are the main components to Mr Roka’s beat on Figure It Out. With that funky beat getting you out your chair, K.A.O.$ speaks on never losing sight of your dreams; it’s all about putting in the work on whatever is your passion and making those dreams a reality. If you have the seed and a dream, all you need to do is plant the seed, nurture that seed and learn how to help it grow and one day all that hard work will pay off when the reality of your achievement is finally realised. Skit 5 brings another element of the Hip Hop culture to the forefront as K.A.O.$ takes on the role of a graffiti writer. The heavy beat almost fades into the background, echoing that feel of being out in the train yard attempting to get up before the cops spot you. The graffiti theme continues with Vandals as K.A.O.$ relates some slick tales of his exploits as a writer. Mr Roka provides a pounding beat that is drum heavy with some keys that gives this one a solid Hip Hop vibe that not only feels at home with the graffiti vibe but, also has a sound that would work so well for the breakers too.

One last interlude with Skit 6 which has a proper funky little beat from Mr Roka and see’s K.A.O.$ reminding MC’s to never get too cocky and try to be something you’re not, and to always keep it real. The Student takes it to the classroom as K.A.O.$ speaks on what it is to learn from those who have gone before. If you are making Hip Hop music, then you have to know the history of the music and know those who laid the foundations of sound you now call your stage. Mr Roka brings a real heavy sound here with drums, heavy bass, keys and more which really serves to cement the message this track brings. The penultimate track is the last to feature the talents of Stanton Miles, Say It Phunky has a proper funky Hip Hop vibe with drums, bass, horns, and cuts bringing an injection of energy that has a real party vibe to it. While your head nods from front to back and side to side, its all about keeping it phunky in whatever you say. You can speak on any subject, serious or just for fun but, whatever you say just keep it phunky, that way you can’t fail to rock the party. All too soon we are into the final track of the album, Speak My Mind, which has a more mellow feel with laid-back drums, keys, and horns, bringing the kind of vibe you just wanna kick back to. Here K.A.O.$ draws on more of those personal life experiences to paint an audible picture of what he sees going on in the world around him. When you feel with your heart and speak that from your mind, it will be you that speaks those words, and they will not be coloured or influenced by others.

 

As Debuts go Real Art Real Experiences easily stands tall and proud among recent releases. Can’t Be Copied seamlessly mesh the Real Art (Hip Hop) with the Real Experiences (K.A.O.$.’s Life Experiences) which brings a real feel of authenticity to the entire project; you can really feel the desire to bring that authentic sound, a true view of what life is, and the passion for what Hip Hop culture truly is. You feel that within these guys beats those hearts that have a true desire to bring something different to the scene, something that can be heard by any audience and that will speak to them all. It’s almost like there is an unwritten rule here that says it is important for the music of Can’t Be Copied to be heard by all, including the children, because they are our future after all and the earlier, they can begin to digest the truth and how to convey that truth to others, it can only be a good thing.

Without a doubt Real Art Real Experiences is a true Hip Hop album. Mr Roka’s production is solid and consistent from beginning to end creating the sound to fit the mood but always keeping an element of uplifting vibes and energy. You can feel the influence of those producers and labels, mentioned above, running throughout the album but, the sound has an element that says, ‘this is my sound, no matter the influence’ and it is that uplifting element that has does it and does bring a vibe that is still authentic while retaining that link to the roots of real Hip Hop.

K.A.O.$. Da Rowdy MC makes his mark here by not just showing his pedigree as an lyricist by mixing up flows and styles but, by bringing complex and intelligent rhymes that seem to keep you hanging on his every word, and not just that but, he does what few emcees do, by delivering every single bar without a single curse word, and there are not many out there who chose to do that these days but, it does open up the music of Can’t Be Copied to a whole different audience and allows it to be played on the radio without the need for editing (something that will make my upcoming community radio show easier).

The appearance of the UK’s Stanton Miles on the decks for the group is also a true pleasure here as it puts the icing on the cake of a true Hip Hop album. I know I have said this a number of times, and probably will again but, having a scratch DJ on an album or track just adds to that authentic Hip Hop sound. I mean, Hip Hop began with the DJ and the emcee, two turntables and a microphone, these are the true roots of the culture’s musical element and, perhaps, the roots of the culture itself, and Stanton Miles brings that element to life here, displaying his credentials on the decks to great effect. While I’m speaking of Stanton Miles, I’d like to take this opportunity to thank him for bringing Can’t Be Copied to my attention, as without him this one might have slipped under my radar, so my humble thanks to Stanton Miles.

Overall, Real Art Real Experiences is solid Hip Hop album that draws on and gives thanks to the true Hip Hop culture, not just the music but all the elements. You might not think that there is not so much mention of Breaking but, it is there, and you can feel it in the music as well. It is an album that is a true joy to listen to and one you won’t have to turn off when the kids come in the room, or you can bump in the car safe in the knowledge you won’t offend anyone (insert smiley face here).

Real Art Real Experiences is available now from CBC Hip Hop, link below…

If you subscribe to the mailing list you will get The Student track free too, that's a bonus...

On That Note,

I’ll see ya next time,

Steve.

LINKS

Can't Be Copied Official Website (Get the Album here exclusively):

https://cantbecopiedhiphop.com/home

Can't Be Copied Social Media links:

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61553637398444

https://www.instagram.com/cantbecopiedhiphop/

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCeXOLyeS1iQkOErAt0vENRQ

VIDEOS

Hitting Hard

The Student