UNI (The Mixtape): Copta Album Review

Okay so just in case you are now hearing about him, Copta is one of the newest additions to the legendary Skillions Records. Having been endorsed by the likes of heavyweights such as M.anifest and label boss Jayso himself, Copta is largely considered the future of the GH Rap movement. His debut tape, Little Drops dropped December 2012. UNI thus marks his sophomore release. UNI is a 10-track mixtape with production credits going to Epidemix, Jayso, AfroDistrict and Uche B.

The tape spots an interesting album art where Copta introduces us to the idea of a dual-personality, Copta the student and Copta the rapper – I believe. A concept of dilemma and inner-battle he first hinted on the joint Answers, off his debut tape. Every artiste has an alter ego these days, which ultimately serves as an outlet for them to push their artistry to another level.

The tape opens with Aame produced by Epidemix which is more or less a sequel to the aforementioned Answers. Answers is based on his transition after graduating high school, being faced with crucial life and career decisions. Aame continues where Answers left off, a decision has apparently been made, Copta raps about gaining admission to Legon (University of Ghana).

Old World Monkeys is another personal favourite. It plays on the age long “Monkey dey work baboon dey chop” adage. This joint was produced by Epidemix and has this trappy vibe you cannot help nodding your head to. It features Kwame Nsiah who in my books walks away with the best guest verse.

Know me the first single to be released off the tape and one of my personal favourite features a guest verse from KCMG’s Kwame Jhosef. Here Copta tells the story of every underground artiste, having to fight for support and loyalty in breaking out from the walls of the underground into mainstream recognition.

The title track Uni continues with the general theme of the tape, with Copta rapping about University life and its struggles. This joint was produced by UcheB who was a pleasant surprise (having not heard much about him). He brought a different sound, breaking the monotony and breathing some freshness into the tape.

“This is real life talk, this is real life rap// some people no go barb cos they ain’t real like that” Copta is undoubtedly one of the realest rappers you could ever encounter. You hardly hear him rap about money, girls, fast cars and the usual braggadocio which features prominently in the lyrics of his contemporaries. There is variation in his subject matter, which range from his educational life, career decisions to young love.

His lyrics are undoubtedly inspired by true life events. A point he reiterates on the joint This Side where he teams up with his usual collaborators O.T.I and K-Spoons.

Copta seems to have it all, a unique style, an impressive pen game and the ability to switch up flows and build his own hooks. The vibe and sound on this tape is however quite monotonous. He needs to work on his overall musicality as an artiste, which may come along with maturity.

Credit where is due, the tape is fairly enjoyable. Through his realness and relatability, Copta successfully builds upon the genuine connection he established with his fan base with his debut tape. UNI could someday be looked back at as an invaluable chapter in the birth of a hip hop heavyweight.