Send "Blueprint " Ringtones to your Cell 
| Absolutepunk |
 When the topic of underground hip-hop artists is brought up, there are always a few artists that seem to be overlooked. For whatever reason, Blueprint falls into that category way too often. This competent rapper-producer from Columbus has built up an incredible discography over the years, solo as well as part of groups such as Greenhouse Effect with Illogic and Soul Position with RJD2, and flexes both sides of his artistry with each and every release. This is showcased most perfectly on his latest release, an ambient trip through Blueprint's thoughts on society, the music industry, and what kind of future both can look forward to.On Adventures in Counter-Culture, Blueprint seems to have embraced a more sci-fi, electronic sound that pops up every now and then within the album's production, mixing with his typical funk-influenced beats in a very creative way. The first actual song on the album, “Go Hard or Go Home,” opens with a repeating radar sound effect that makes its presence known throughout the beginning of the song until Blueprint himself begins to rhyme. His flow is reserved, but the lyrics are anything but. Urging up-and-coming artists to push and push until they reach the apex, Blueprint combines personal experiences with a no-nonsense approach to making music that's impressive, especially in today's scene. “Mind, Body & Soul” continues this trend with help from vocalist Angelica Lee, whose voice is modulated ever so slightly to match the robotic backing vocals. Blueprint's lyrics detail his love for music and all it's given him over the years. Each word is feels trustworthy and heartfelt, and it's readily apparent that music is truly Blueprint's mind, body, and soul. Adventures also showcases Blueprint's competent vocals, especially in the single “So Alive.” While it would be a stretch to call this track a hip-hop song, it fits perfectly on the album and forms a strong starting point for the second half. Driven by simple claps, rocking drum rolls, and a surprisingly straight-forward guitar riff, “So Alive” is one the best examples of Blueprint's evolution on his latest release, and proves that his talents are as abundant as any artist in the game today. “Stole Our Yesterday” is an even better look, as Blueprint croons emotionally about constantly losing time in our lives without any way to stop it. While only the choruses feature his vocals, they form a nice segue between the intense verses and lyrics....full text |
| Hiphopdx |
| Columbus, Ohio's Blueprint has delivered some of the most thought-provoking Hip Hop from the underground throughout the 2000s. As one half of Soul Position, 'Printmatic's wisdom has permeated his lyrics, while his wide array of production abilities made solo releases like 1988 major bridges in the gap between Technics and iPods. A lover of concept and message, Blueprint's sophomore Rhymesayers solo, Adventures in Counter-Culture is one of the best examples to date of a talented emcee looking for a call to action and walls to tear down. "Mind Body & Soul" is a prime example of the newfound dimensions in Blueprint's music. With an '80s Sci Fi film score-sounding synth, 'Print rhymes particularly slow and carefully, speaking to the stifled dreams of the independent emcee. Hip Hop to Blueprint is a labor of love, but as he chronicles the sincerity of his rhymes and the intensity of the process, it's apparent that it's hardly a choice. With Angelica Lee's smoky singing, the song, despite its subject matter, veers away from Hip Hop. Instead, 'Print combines an Electronic background, a jazzier chorus with his poetic pontifications to be something all its own. Deeper in the album, "Fly Away" also pulls from an '80s source. The keyboard drums may hint towards a Breakfast Club library montage, but the words are crying for escape. One of the most unique voices in Rap, one that often sounds like pained proclamations, takes on that of a menial job worker, looking to leave it all behind at any cost....full text |
| Hiphopsite |
| Critically acclaimed mc/producer and Soul Position frontman Blueprint (link artist page), returns with his highly anticipated sophomore solo release Adventures in Counter-Culture. Experimenting with synths, keyboards, and drum machines, Adventures in Counter-Culture touches on Blueprint’s cynicism with the world, his disdain for pop culture, the state of politics and an apathetic, uninspired society. The album encompasses every facet of music Blueprint knows. It blurs genre lines and connects his hip hop pedigree with his early days in the church choir, to the R&B bands he was a part of in high school, to his new found interest in rock and electronic music. After a five year musical journey, Blueprint has emerged with his greatest effort to date. A culmination of self discovery and societal critique, Adventures in Counter-Culture is just that. The adventure begins March 1st, 2011....full text |
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