While he may not be a household name, legendary hip-hop producer and MC, Blueprint, has been crafting lyrics and putting out beats since the 1990s.
On Saturday, June 27 at The Blue Lagoon, Blueprint, will join forces with local Emcee, Eliquate, to celebrate his latest EP release, “Perfunctory”.
Hailing from Columbus, OH, Blueprint (born Albert Shepard) first discovered hip-hop in elementary school and while in high school, would freestyle for fun, but it was not until he went off to college at Wittenberg University that his hip-hop career really took off.
During that period, the young performer participated in open mic nights, MC battles, and talent shows, forming connections with lyricists, Inkwel and Manifest, who would all later form the Greenhouse Effect.
A pivotal moment came when Blueprint attended the Columbus Hip-Hop Expo in 1996, where he made contact with artists, MHz and Brothers Grimm. He came away from the experience determined to learn how to produce and become a “real” hip-hop artist.
Within a year, he saved up money he earned from local DJ gigs at clubs and parties to buy his first sampler and musical workstation.
After obtaining his degree in computer science, Blueprint founded Weightless Recordings in 1999 and released Greenhouse Effect’s first record, Up to Speed EP. Through the success of the Greenhouse Effect and producing for Weightless MC and friend, Illogic, Blueprint raised his profile in independent rap circles and began constructing beats for storied underground legends, including Vast Aire, Murs, and Aesop Rock.
Blueprint’s public profile continued to grow as he released albums, The Weight Room (2003) and Chamber Music (2004), where his forward thinking and next level production style really shine.
Many years and many albums after those first open mic nights in the Midwest, Blueprint continues to push the envelope with his production and lyrical skills. His new album, “King With No Crown,” which came out earlier this year on Weightless Recordings, shows that this ‘old dog’ keeps coming up with some of the newest and best tricks in the industry.
SantaCruz.com recently caught up with Blueprint as he makes his way through a 54-date national tour in support of “King With No Crown.”
Since your first album “Weightless” came out in 2003 you have released 8 full-length albums and 3 EPs, not to mention a plethora of guest tracks and features. How was working on “King With No Crown” in the studio?
BLUEPRINT: Technically, I think I have all the production tricks down to execute an idea. However, I still have a lot to learn in terms of instrumentation. I am a novice in terms of tracking and transferring ideas with live instruments, which is a very complicated process. But as for the mechanics of producing a hip-hop record, I’m in a pretty good spot.
You are currently on a massive nation-wide tour. How has touring changed for you as your career has progressed?
BLUEPRINT: I do enjoy it for different reasons now. In the beginning, I quit my job and it was an escape from the daily grind and “real life.” Now that music is my job, I enjoy it because it’s the one time of the year I actually get to meet my fans. It validates all the work I put in to it.
Over the years, Weightless Recordings has worked with an impressive roster of artists, including Illogic and DJ Rare Groove. Are there any Weightless or local Columbus artists you’re stoked on right now?
BLUEPRINT: After the new album and this tour the only thing I’m working on right now is another record with Illogic. I’ll be producing his next full-length album, which we will release on Weightless.
The last time I saw you in Santa Cruz was in the winter at Moe’s Alley. This time the sun should be shining a little brighter.
BLUEPRINT: I’m stoked to be on time, so I can see the city. Last time we were running a little late and I didn’t have much time to check out the town before sound check.
Info: Blueprint, joined by local Emcee, Eliquate, at “Perfunctory” EP release party, with Supastition and DJ Rare Groove. 9 p.m. Blue Lagoon. Tickets: $5.
