Hip Hop His Way

Columbus, Ohio-based emcee Blueprint, aka Albert Shepard, doesn’t pull any punches. Never the type to pepper an album with radio-ready “bangers,” Shepard is an artist who creates for himself. His lyrics are incredibly personal and real-to-life, sometimes isolating the casual listener because, let’s face it, most of us go to great lengths to avoid truly knowing ourselves.

Not Shepard. Soul-baring is an essential part of the package.

Having worked alongside renown producer RJD2 in Soul Position, as well as releasing solo records via Rhymesayers, Blueprint has collaborated with a multitude of artists including Aesop Rock, Eyedea & Abilities and Atmosphere.

Despite watching his peers achieve more mainstream success, Shepard seems undaunted. He continues crafting artful hip hop for his rabid fans. His new record, King No Crown (out now on his own Weightless Records), effortlessly ties together a 15-plus-year career of hip hop done Blueprint’s way, showcasing his skill as producer, musician, engineer and wordsmith.

Supastition, DJ Rare Groove and local rappers Sammy Warm Hands, The Architex and Ogar Burl join Blueprint 10 pm Wednesday, July 1, at Luckey’s; $5. 21-plus.

A Note From the Publisher

Dear Readers,

The last two years have been some of the hardest in Eugene Weekly’s 43 years. There were moments when keeping the paper alive felt uncertain. And yet, here we are — still publishing, still investigating, still showing up every week.

That’s because of you!

Not just because of financial support (though that matters enormously), but because of the emails, notes, conversations, encouragement and ideas you shared along the way. You reminded us why this paper exists and who it’s for.

Listening to readers has always been at the heart of Eugene Weekly. This year, that meant launching our popular weekly Activist Alert column, after many of you told us there was no single, reliable place to find information about rallies, meetings and ways to get involved. You asked. We responded.

We’ve also continued to deepen the coverage that sets Eugene Weekly apart, including our in-depth reporting on local real estate development through Bricks & Mortar — digging into what’s being built, who’s behind it and how those decisions shape our community.

And, of course, we’ve continued to bring you the stories and features many of you depend on: investigations and local government reporting, arts and culture coverage, sudoku and crossword puzzles, Savage Love, and our extensive community events calendar. We feature award-winning stories by University of Oregon student reporters getting real world journalism experience. All free. In print and online.

None of this happens by accident. It happens because readers step up and say: this matters.

As we head into a new year, please consider supporting Eugene Weekly if you’re able. Every dollar helps keep us digging, questioning, celebrating — and yes, occasionally annoying exactly the right people. We consider that a public service.

Thank you for standing with us!