Review
Copywrite
God Save The King

Man Bites Dog (2012) — Jon E.

Copywrite – God Save The King cover artwork
Copywrite – God Save The King — Man Bites Dog, 2012

Copywrite is a rapper from Ohio. Having made his name along with his MegaHertz group (that included Rjd2). He became respected amongst the backpack underground hip hop fans in the late 90's. While since then Copy has maintained a solo career and created a couple classic singles and a LP that many in the underground may still consider a classic. So between that "classic" LP (that was originally released in 2002) the artist has seldom released proper LP's this being only his 4th official album.

When it comes down to it many of the aforementioned underground rappers went one of two ways, either overly lyrical relying on complicated rhyme schemes and questionable topics for sake of attention or guys who were genuinely good rappers without the budget to get the best beats or advertising to get the attention they may have deserved. It would be hard to deny Copy his abilities the man showed his skill on many tracks for for a long time with little notice. Instead he seems to almost rise above with this record.

The main thing to notice is the variance of the beats and guests. While the beats a generally snare heavy compositions there are more than a few moments of natural instrumentation, most notably guitar, showing up. When this trick is used the music is given an almost bluesy quality allowing the emotion of the lyrics shine through. When Copy relies on more basic production there is almost a forcefulness that comes to his voice making the songs alternate from soulful and emotional to aggressive. This is good as it gives a strong variance throughout the album and giving the listener a taste of what Copy has always been good at.

Overall this album could get Copy some new fans as underground rap in general seems to have almost dissipated in a sense. The internet allows new rappers to start getting attention faster and faster meanwhile they should be watching some of their elders. CopyWrite has put in his time and has managed to create a more complete album with stronger more personal lyricism without completely forgetting the vicious lyricism that got him noticed in the first place.

7.3 / 10 — Jon E. • February 20, 2012

Copywrite – God Save The King cover artwork
Copywrite – God Save The King — Man Bites Dog, 2012

Recently-posted album reviews

Roky Erickson And The Aliens

The Evil One (deluxe edition)
Fire Records (2026)

I feel very fortunate to have seen Roky Erickson perform live at SXSW backed by Okkervil River in 2010 or 2011. Erickson passed away in 2019 at the age of 71. For those of you who aren’t already disciples, Roky Erickson was the lead vocalist of legendary Texas psych rockers 13th Floor Elevators. Recorded after the breakup of the Elevators … Read more

Mike D

Thank You
Capitol (2026)

Beastie Boys were a huge part of my transition from teenager into adulthood. An album for every stage of their growth musically matched the many chapters of my own personal development. Ad-Rock, MCA, and Mike D were like cherished friends for my earholes. The world mourned together when we lost Adam Yauch to cancer in 2012 and were heartbroken knowing … Read more

Softjaw

Love Can't Kill You
Bachelor Records, Dandy Boy Records (2026)

I already wrote about these dudes in my mid-year top 5 since Oakland’s Dandy Boy Records released a compilation of their early digital singles back in April, and here they are following it up with a 12-song album of all new material! This second release proves Long Beach’s Softjaw have a masters in powerpop from the school of rock. I’m … Read more