By: Tom Roth

Taken literally, “grinding” fails to inspire much awe. The word conjures up images of mortars and pestles; molars and axes. However, ask Columbus rapper, Blueprint about grinding, and you’re likely to be regaled with talk of entrepreneurialism, dedication, and the perks of being a balls-to-the-wall power in the world of independent hip-hop.

With an impressive resume of solo releases (19, at my last count) not to mention his collaborative work as one-half of Soul Position, ‘Print knows his way around a rhyme. Lyrically, he is not afraid to remind complacent listeners about what some roll-up-your sleeves, character building, hard work looks like. Exhibit A comes from “The Clouds” off of 2011’s Adventure’s in Counter Culture: “While you was out there chasing girls, drinking beer/somebody else was out there really getting theirs”. Then, of course, he reminds us, “I don’t care about the after-party that you hosting/I don’t care about the softwhite and who snorts it/I don’t care about the fist fight and who caught it/Cause at the end of the day, man that’s all gossip”. Nothing like some brutal honesty to bring to mind the pettiness that has infected hip-hop.

Print’s latest release, Deleted Scenes, is further proof that, for Print, true “grinding” is less Jeezy’s Snowman and more busting your ass as an unsigned, management-free, independent artist; closer cousins to 50 Cent’s entrepreneurial 50 Cent Vitamin Water, than to Rick Ross’ cocaine braggadocio.

Fans of Blueprint’s gritty style can catch him in Seattle on Friday, March 1st at Nectar Lounge. Tickets are available here.

Be sure to follow ‘Print on his (very active) Twitter account, @printmatic and on his (very insightful) blog.