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

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