Blueprint

Blueprint, born Albert Andrew Shepard in 1974, is a respected rapper and producer from Columbus, Ohio, known for his thoughtful storytelling and versatile musical style. He first gained underground attention as a member of the hip-hop collective Greenhouse Effect and later reached wider recognition through his collaboration with producer RJD2 as one half of the duo Soul Position. Over the years, Blueprint has released several solo albums, including *1988* and *Adventures in Counter-Culture*, and is the founder of Weightless Recordings. Beyond music, he also hosts the podcast "Super Duty Tough Work" with fellow Greenhouse member Illogic, discussing hip-hop, art, and business topics.

Blueprint's work stands out for its range of subjects and styles, showcasing his distinctive voice and sharp freestyle skills—he placed second in the Scribble Jam freestyle competition in 2000. Early in his career, Blueprint balanced his music ambitions with a full-time job but quickly embraced the life of a professional artist, seizing every opportunity to build his career. His dedication and prolific output over time have made him a notable figure in the underground and independent hip-hop scenes.