Columbus, Ohio emcee/producer Blueprint returns 6 years after his 10th full-length studio album Monster with 2 heads releasing his 5th EP. Beginning in 1997 forming the Greenhouse trio with Inkwel & Manifest, he would later become their only remaining original member until 2009, following the other 2 leaving and Illogic taking their place since then. Regarding his solo production: Printmatic started in 2003 The Weightroombut his 3rd LP 1988 backed by Rhymesayers Entertainment would become his most recognized work a few years later and then my introduction to him. I also enjoy his work with RJD2 as the Soul Position duo, the experimental one Adventures in Anticivilization & even Greenhouse's 3rd album Bend but don't break equally and personally. However, only a day later Respect the Architect celebrated its 10th anniversary, Blueprint is back rolling Fall down.
“Fix Your Own Plate” is a dusty boom opener with some piano chords bragging about being the coldest in town and being in the lab with his hands dusty late at night, while the title track has a slightly more jazzy undertone. stuck outside trying to find an open door. “Bad Boy Bill” works in some horns showing off the bills he's got for a few minutes, while “It's Over” has that solemn sample addressed to a woman he used to see finding someone else. “Tough Times Don't Last” concludes the EP with keys, kicks and snares providing upbeat lyricism.
Little did I know that Blueprint has struggled and gone through financial disaster, relationship turmoil, depression and even a lost sense of direction during these past 4 years, really starting when the COVID-19 pandemic shut down the entire world. After all, what we have all along Fall down unites Vitamins and minerals and Vigilante Genesis is among the best EPs of his career. He returns after so long giving listeners an inside look at what it feels like to be down and trying to find that inspiration to get back up.
Rating: 8/10
