In 1996 Royal met composer/pianist Wendy Loomis and together they formed the ensemble COPUS - an acronym for Creation Of Peace Under Stars. The group has had members from every age group, ethnicity, religious and political belief, musical training environment, and sexual orientation. COPUS has performed throughout the U.S., recorded works, created both an internet radio show and live house concert series to promote developing artists, and hosted numerous benefits and free workshops for young people.

Newsflash! In August track LIGHT from THE ASSIGNMENT won 'Best Soundtrack Video' from the Indie Music Channel Awards - and in September the full album won 'Best Spoken Word With Music Album' from the Clouzine International Music Awards.

In addition, COPUS has earned awards and nominations from ASCAP, Clouzine International, W.A.M., Indie Music Channel, and Hollywood Music in Media.

In October 2024 Royal Kent passed away. From the stack of his hand-written journals, Wendy typed up his unpublished lyrics and poetics. From there she divided them into 6 themes, selected 6 Bay Area poets, composed a piano score around all of it, and recorded and produced the album THE ASSIGNMENT.

The 6 poets are Clara Hsu, Daniel Yaryan, Genny Lim (current San Francisco Poet Laureate), Richard Loranger, McTate Stroman II, and Wendy Loomis.

COPUS is proud of being part of the implementation of the ‘Best Spoken Word Album’ category by the Recording Academy/GRAMMYs. As a voting member Wendy Loomis submitted a proposal in 2022 outlining the necessity of separating the art of spoken word and music from audiobooks. Wendy and Royal were part of the Academy’s open forum held later that year. In 2023 the first award in this category went to Chicago-based poet JIvy; he also earned the award in 2024. In 2025 Tank & the Bangas earned this acclaim. In 2026 COPUS has its hat in the ring for consideration of THE ASSIGNMENT.

Poet Royal Kent was influenced by the messages of Bob Marley, Bob Dylan, and Jimi Hendrix. Rising above financial, societal and racial restrictions, Royal was able to create a legacy of poetic works that will stand the test of time.

THE ASSIGNMENT album addresses issues of peace, human dignity, mental health, civil rights, anti-bullying, communities in need, inequality, homelessness, personal safety, and education access.

THE ASSIGNMENT is on the Recording Academy/Grammy ballot in the Spoken Word category. Track LIGHT is being considered for the 'Harry Belafonte Best Song for Social Change Award.'

Besides listening here, you can also listen to THE ASSIGNMENT on all streaming platforms.

"The Assignment" were the last words poet Royal Kent spoke on this Earth. COPUS is forever.

"It is my belief COPUS could become legendary ..." ~Michael Allison, Music Reviewer

"I listened through The Assignment and found it incredibly inspiring. The way the poetry and piano intertwine feels so evocative of our times. The track "Lunacy" especially stood out to me, given everything happening in the world right now—it really resonated. Congratulations on such a powerful and beautifully crafted work. Spoken word is such a vital art form, and you've honored Royal Kent's legacy in a moving way." ~Tara B., Musician/Recording Academy Member

"SCORE/Excellent: The Assignment is an excellent album: its sprawling lyrics are the main draw, and the vocal performances immerse the listener in multiple worlds. COPUS has done a commendable job of keeping Royal Kent’s legacy alive." ~Music Review World