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Poll: Can you live without television?

Posted on 3 September 2010 | View Comments

I’ve noticed quite a few changes in myself in the three months that I’ve went without alcohol.  Increased productivity, considerable weight loss, and better eating habits to name a few.  But one additional side-effect I’ve noticed is that I’ve started to watch less and less television as the weeks go by.  At first I assumed it was because I was reading and working out more and just didn’t have time for it, but as the days have passed I’ve started to feel that maybe it’s got more to do with an increased respect for how my own time on earth is spent and my current desire to learn more. I guess it goes without saying that television isn’t the greatest teacher.  Truth be told, I’ve actually started to feel like I might be getting dumber just by watching television–if that’s humanly possible. So as a result, I’ve become more and more disconnected from it as of late.

While i can still watch a good sporting event, documentary, or movie, I’m finding it increasingly difficult to watch almost anything else.  My television has started to routinely go 3-4 days at a time without being turned on. Read more

Blueprint interview on AudibleHype.com

Posted on 2 September 2010 | View Comments

Audible Hype is really good blog.  I was put onto it maybe 9-10 months ago and read it faithfully.  Naturally, it’s a huge compliment for me to be featured on the website and contribute to its main focus, which is to provide tools and insight for independent artists.  Please check it out the interview, and if you’re an independent artist of any sort it wouldn’t be bad move to subscribe to the site via RSS.  In fact, it would be a good move.

Word is blog

DOWNLOAD: “Best of Blueprint” Mix

Posted on 1 September 2010 | View Comments

This past weekend I played at a festival called Tribez Vibez in Bellefountain, Ohio. It was a really cool experience and I was able to make some new fans there. In fact, I think the feedback I got after I got off the stage was some of the most inspiring feedback I’ve heard in years–really positive people!  At any rate, while I was selling some CDs I realized that (as an artist that has released a lot of music over the years) sometimes it’s very hard for me to tell somebody what album to start with. So I came home determined to put together a free mix of songs that people tell me are their favorite songs from my catalog. I figure that’s better than when you buy a best of cd from the store and only realize that some major label asshole decided to only put 2-3 good songs it.  If you’re new to my music this should be a perfect introduction.  If you’re coming out to any of the shows on this upcoming tour then these songs should serve as a refresher for you.  It’s 17 tracks long.

If you like it, feel free to share it with your friends.

Thanks for the support.

Random Facts About Touring #1

Posted on 1 September 2010 | View Comments

1. There are people who have to tour all year long, just so they can afford to live where they do for a few months out the year.  Obviously, this depends on where you live and how expensive it is, but the irony can’t be ignored.  Having to be gone all the time just to be able to be home a little bit of the time is a fucked up situation.

2. The best time for touring is the Fall and the Spring. In general, summer (except big festivals) and winter are to be avoided.  The holiday season isn’t that great either.  But the fall and spring are where it’s at. Read more

What the hell happened to my living room?

Posted on 31 August 2010 | View Comments

Apparently some unknown force transformed the space that used to be my living room into a stock room of some sort.

Rap life.

Blueprint performing at the Ohio Tribez Vibes festival Aug 28th

Posted on 26 August 2010 | View Comments

If you live in the Central-Ohio area, please mark your calendars.  On Saturday August 28th DJ Rare Groove and I will be performing at the Tribez Vibez festival in Bellefountain, OH along with a TON of other good acts.  We play at 10:15 pm sharp.  Full-sized flyer w/ full line-up after the jump:
Read more

This is why it’s all worth it

Posted on 24 August 2010 | View Comments

There are times when everybody has moments of self-doubt.  Lord knows I’ve had mine.

But it seems like every time that self-doubt starts to get the best of me I’m brought back to reality by the people that have allowed me to do this in the first place–the fans.  Whether it’s one person or a room full of people, the result is the same–you are humbled and reminded why you go through what you do–because you love doing it, and because the people who support you give you the encouragement to continue.

Well, this weekends show at the Hip-Hoppers Holiday event in St. Louis was another one of those moments when I was reminded why it’s all worth it: Read more

Why does this exist?

Posted on 24 August 2010 | View Comments

I was in the grocery store today, picking up the normal stuff (eggs, bread, milk, etc.) when I came across this.  It’s called Pickled Rope Bolonga.

I beg of you…please explain this ungodly creation to me…I’m still trying to wrap my brain around it.

Why does this exist?

Ceelo Green – F*@k You

Posted on 23 August 2010 | View Comments

Based on the fact that when I saw this song on Friday it had about 30,000 views on Youtube, and three days later it’s got over 1 million already, I think it’s safe to say Cee-Lo’s got a hit on his hands.  Deservedly so because the song is great.  If you haven’t peeped it already, get up on it so your friends don’t make fun of you. Read more

Electric Purgatory – Tour Edition Artwork

Posted on 21 August 2010 | View Comments

To continue with the theme of getting ready for tour, one decision I didn’t have a difficult time making was to bring a Greenhouse CD with me. Actually, I did have a hard time choosing between volume one and volume two, but then I decided to make it a double-cd and bring both–problem solved.  As an opener on a tour like this they give you a set amount of merch you can bring (only x amount of t-shirts and only x amount of CDs), so you have to be very selective about it and bring what you think makes the most sense.  In the past i had brought the Iron & Niacin and Vitamins & Minerals CDs, but this time around I’ve decided to make a special 2-CD version of the Electric Purgatory CDs, with completely different artwork and everything. I got a copy of the artwork last night and I think the graphic designer did an amazing job so I wanted to post the artwork:

If you’ve got some time check out my dude’s design blog TheDigitalArmory.  He’s a good dude and does really good work.

Word is Blog

Geico – Bird In Hand Commercial

Posted on 21 August 2010 | View Comments

This commercial is funny.  That’s all I got.

Word is Blog

I Need Your Endorsement

Posted on 20 August 2010 | View Comments

It just dawned on me that people don’t use the word endorse enough.  We talk about what we like or dislike, what we do or don’t do, but we never say the word endorse.  The only people who really use it are politicians and business leaders.  I think I’m gonna bring the word endorse back to the people.  Probably not in a song, but definitely in my everyday conversations.

“What do you think about my Earrings, Al?“

“I don’t endorse those. Put on a different pair”

That kinda shit.

It’s safe to say that using the word endorse makes you sound real official, like you really put some thought into your decision, when you probably didn’t.  That’s why I like endorse. Read more

Greenhouse feat. Aesop Rock “Keep it Live”

Posted on 20 August 2010 | View Comments

Just in case some of you missed it a few weeks back, check it out:

Electric Purgatory Part Two by Greenhouse is out now. Available at Weightless Recordings.

Thanks for the support

Another Kind of Genius

Posted on 19 August 2010 | View Comments

I was talking to this cat the other day about music.  This cat is also a musician. Not that my opinion matters, but I’ve never thought he was particularly talented–at least not to the point where I think he’ll make a career out of music or a big impact.  Everything he’s done has been kind of average, and the response to everything he’s done to this point has been average or below average.

Anways, during this conversation I started thinking to myself, “damn, why am I always getting wrapped up in these conversations?” At first I didn’t have an answer.  Maybe I was in the wrong place at the wrong time?  Maybe I’m just a nice guy?  Then it dawned on me that I always end up talking with him about his music, even when I had no absolutely desire to talk to him about his music. 

I was taken aback. Read more

Help me decide on these t-shirt designs: please vote

Posted on 18 August 2010 | View Comments

While I don’t typically get nervous on stage, I do experience a decent amount of anxiety about going on the road, which I’m set to do in 3 weeks. Most of this anxiety revolves around being as prepared as possible for everything. Making sure your stuff at home is handled (grass cut, mail held, bills paid, etc.), and the other part is making sure you’ve got merch to sell (CDs,t-shirts, etc).  To be honest I’m always kind of uneasy about the t-shirt part of it.  I’m no graphic designer and I don’t pretend to know what people respond to or want to see.  It goes without saying that while I do have a good amount of creative ideas, I feel much more comfortable about all things music-related.

At any rate, I have been working with a graphic designer on several designs; some for tour and some that will be sold exclusively on this site when I reopen the webstore in a couple weeks.  Instead of trying to guess what everybody likes, it seems to make more sense to just ask you all directly.  So, here’s five t-shirt designs.  Have look and let me know what your favorite three are. You can vote for three of the five.  This will help me a great deal, so thanks in advance for your help. Read more

Camu Tao – King of Hearts Release/Listening Party

Posted on 16 August 2010 | View Comments

Tonight in Columbus, OH the life and music of Camu Tao will be celebrated at Skullys.  If you live in Columbus, you should try to make at out as this is a very worthy cause and event.  Here’s a description:

Join us Monday, August 16th to help celebrate the long awaited release of Camu Tao’s(RIP) solo album “KING OF HEARTS”. The night will be hosted by EL-P (Def Jux/Company Flow) who will be playing the album in it’s entirety starting at midnight (*album will also be for purchase). In addition, there will be early dj sets courtesy of Dj Carol, True Skillz, Pos2, Detox, Drastic & Scheme

We will be asking for a $5 suggested donation fo…r this event. ALL PROCEEDS will be going to the James Cancer Hospital.

 

Hope to see everybody out.

Mike Tyson on Mel Gibson, Love, & MMA

Posted on 15 August 2010 | View Comments

As many of you know, Mike Tyson is one of my favorite personalities in the world of sports and entertainment.  If he were on Facebook, I would send him a friend request.  If he were on Twitter, I would follow him.  It’s that deep.  Well, as a fan of MMA I stumbled on this new Mike Tyson interview where he talks about his favorite fighters in Mixed Martial Arts, his opinion on love, and gives his thoughts on the many meltdowns of Mel Gibson.  At one point Tyson says “and to think, I almost looked up to him…he could’ve been my guru“.  It’s hilarious and worth a listen. Read more

Mo Better Blues

Posted on 13 August 2010 | View Comments

For some reason I’ve been thinking it was a day earlier than it was all week and I just realized that today is Friday.  So here’s some Friday music.  The song is called “Mo Better Blues” by Branford Marsalis.  It’s the theme song to the classic flick Mo Better Blues by Spike Lee.  This is the kinda song that feels good to throw on after you get off work and you’re ready to take your mind elsewhere.  Enjoy!

http://www.divshare.com/download/12259429-4cb

Have a good weekend!

To Drink or Not To Drink Part Two: My Regrets

Posted on 12 August 2010 | View Comments

 

In a few days it will be almost 3 months since I decided to try to stop drinking.

A lot of people have asked me if I’m ever going to drink again.  I always have a hard time answering that. Mostly because sobriety is a day-to-day thing.  Drinking was a day-to-day thing as well.  The problem wasn’t that I actually put drinking on the agenda, it was that I never put anything else worthy of my time on the agenda, so it was an easy victory for drinking.  So I’m not going to sit here and say that I will never drink again.  That would be self-righteous and complete bullshit.  But what i will say is that the bad taste in my mouth is still very fresh, and that makes it very difficult for me to consider it right now.  So in my attempts to make sure I never forget why I stopped drinking in the first place I’ve found it helpful to write down all the things I regret.  I figure if I write them down, then they become real, and if they’re real then I have to account for them.

Some of my regrets are small things that I don’t think anybody ever got too bent out of shape about, and others are things that definitely didn’t go over too well. But regardless of the results I still have a certain level of guilt about all of them.  So here is my list of regrets:
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More pics from “Radioinactive” video shoot

Posted on 12 August 2010 | View Comments

Well, we finally wrapped up shooting for the “Radioinactive” music video on Monday night.  My job as a rapper is done, and now it is the hands of Bangland media to turn our vision into a reality, then turn that reality over to the good folks at Rhymesayers Entertainment.  Here’s some a few more pics from the last part of the shoot for you all to check out.  I’m pretty excited about this one getting finished.

 

Word is blog

Blueprint to appear at Hip-Hoppers Holiday Festival in St. Louis, MO

Posted on 11 August 2010 | View Comments

Date: Saturday, August 21st

City: St. Louis, MO
Venue: The Atomic Cowboy/Foxhole
Ages: All-Ages Welcome
Time: 4pm-3am
Cost: $10/$20

I’ll update this post when I know my stage time.  From how it looks I’ll be playing right before The Cool Kids, which i imaging will be somewhere around midnight.

Thanks for the support!

Classic Video: Xzibit “What you see is what you get”

Posted on 11 August 2010 | View Comments

Just like a lot of cats that came up when i did, I’ve got a lot of nostalgia about it.  Not necessarily on some everything was better back then type of shit, because technically I think there are better rappers out right now–but when I think back to how dope and creative hip-hop music videos used to be, it’s hard to not think that current videos have taken a step backwards.  You would think that since the cost of technology has decreased that we would see an increase in creativity, which may be the case in terms of output, but I’m personally having a hard time finding the same level of creativity that was around in 90s hip-hop videos.

Case in point, Xzibit “What you see is what you get”.  It’s a shame that a lot of younger people only know Xzibit as the man from the Pimp My Ride show, because at one point dude was a very serious and credible hip-hop artist, with two really good albums under his belt.  What You See is What You Get was the first single from his sophomore album, and boy did he come out swinging.  The video is probably one of the best hip-hop videos of all time, and it was shot 12 years ago.  The biggest testament to it’s impact is how many times newer artists have tried to copy it lately (i.e. J-Cole twice), yet the original is still more creative and better executed.  And let’s not forgoet, the song is dope.

Video & Directors Notes after the jump:
Read more

FREE DOWNLOAD: Latimore Platz – Smokey Part 1

Posted on 10 August 2010 | View Comments

(click album cover to download)

Latimore Platz – Smokey Part 1

The debut instrumental project by producer Latimore Platz, ‘Smokey Part 1′, is a tribute to the work of Motown legend Smokey Robinson and is now available for immediate FREE download.  Click the album cover to download. 

Peep the trailer:

You like Smokey Robinson…you like hip-hop…makes sense to me.  Check it out.

Word is blog.

Blueprint Video from Carabar 5-year Anniversary Show

Posted on 9 August 2010 | View Comments

‘Twas a good night all around.

Word is (video)Blog

Poll: Song Lyrics

Posted on 7 August 2010 | View Comments

The other night I had a conversation with a cat about artists and song lyrics, and how few hip-hop guys have their lyrics available anymore. This is especially noticeable in this day and age where album packaging isn’t as important anymore.  Artists used to put time into making sure that the lyrics were printed inside the record sleeve or the cd insert, but nowadays that’s hardly the case.  Part of me wonders if this is caused by the popularity of downloading music and artists and labels giving up, or if the downloading is because the people see that the artists and labels gave up and find less value in the packaging?

Either way, I’m not sure.  But what the conversation made me think about was adding my own lyrics to this site, and if that’s something that people want to see or care about it.  My initial response was that as a fan i don’t necessarily go looking for lyrics but I’m always curious to read them, but then I realized that I have actually searched for the lyrics to songs by bands i really like in the past, and if I did it then  maybe it could be a cool thing to add to this site.

So let me know whats up.  Depending on the responses I might try to make it happen:

Thanks for your input!

 

If you need a laugh watch this video

Posted on 6 August 2010 | View Comments

If you’ve been having a bad day and need a laugh, watch this.  if you don’t laugh then your heart is made of solid stone.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X7thFxCukmA

Word is Blog

Kanye West “Power” video clip

Posted on 6 August 2010 | View Comments

Whether you like Kanye’s music or not doesn’t matter.  What matters is that the dude has an eye for art and this video is amazing.  Will replace this with the full-length one soon as I find it on youtube.

Good googly-moogly. Can’t remember the last time i rewinded a music video multiple times.  For some reason I doubt this is even supposed to be on youtube yet, so I’m gonna enjoy it for the moment.

EDIT: I knew i recognized this style of video from something somebody posted on their facebook page a while ago, and did some research. The creators name is Marco Brambilla.  He has a piece called “Civilization” that I saw that will fuck with your head as well.  Peep it after the jump

Read more

Weightless Recordings website relaunch

Posted on 4 August 2010 | View Comments

Hello Friends.  As many of you know, I run an imprint called Weightless Recordings.  We recently redesigned our website and are relaunching it today.  Please stop by and check out our artists and releases.  If you were familiar with the old site then this definitely looks different, but we believe it will allow us to update it much easier and provide more useful information on our releases and artists (myself, Illogic, Greenhouse, Envelope, Zero Star, DJ Raregroove, etc.). 

Thanks for your support!

A Day of Frugality: PC Monitor

Posted on 3 August 2010 | View Comments

I had a pretty nice monitor in my studio. Flat screen, beautiful display.  Probably cost me about $150 a couple years ago, right when the price for a flat screen monitor was dropping. 

A couple days ago I started noticing a little flickering and thought nothing of it.  I turned it off and on and it went back to working.  Then I started noticing it going black for no reason.   And finally today it wouldn’t come on at all.  To say the least I was pissed and a little distraught because I’ve got a lot of work to do and need it to work.  I’ve had it over two years so i already know that the manufacturers warranty isn’t an option, plus i tend to think warranties are rip-offs anyways.  My first instinct was to check prices at microcenter and staples for a new one: $119, $129, $150, etc.  Not trying to spend that right now.

Then it dawned on me that I should hit the salvation army up.   I drove out there this morning and found this joint: Read more

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