Blueprint’s Vessel Tour hit Boise | hosted and DJ’d by The Mighty DeltaOne at Neurolux.
On August 27 2025, Neurolux in downtown Boise became the latest stop on Blueprint’s Vessel Tour. The hip‑hop veteran, better known as Printmatic; promised a “roller‑coaster” of a set with special guests and a celebration of independent culture, and he delivered. The show was presented by Rix Entertainment; and the energy in the room was priceless. As an Idaho native and staple DJ in the “City of Trees,” I (The Mighty DeltaOne) had the honor of hosting and spinning that night.
Blueprint’s Masterclass: Ownership, Sobriety and Storytelling
Blueprint is an underground legend. The Columbus, Ohio MC and producer rose up with the Greenhouse Effect crew, formed the duo Soul Position with RJD2 and went on to release acclaimed solo albums like 1988 and Adventures in Counter‑Culture. Beyond his discography, the rapper is a fierce advocate for creative independence. In an interview leading up to the Boise show he stressed the importance of owning your masters and knowing the business side of the game, reminding artists that “he who pays the piper picks the tune”. His mantra of “staying hungry”; listening to all kinds of music and constantly refining his craft, was apparent as he bounced between new songs from Vessel and classics from his two‑decade career.
Blueprint’s sobriety also shaped the evening’s tone. Sober since May 15 2009, he explained that cutting out alcohol helped him appreciate time more deeply; when you’re sober, you’re not “trying to kill time,” you’re “trying to preserve it”. That philosophy translated into a show structured like a three‑act story: a warm opening to introduce himself, a tension‑building middle section and a feel‑good resolution. Act one set the stage with introspective tracks and a reminder of his journey; act two built momentum with uptempo cuts like “Black Plates” and “Let ’Em Know,” while act three ended on an uplifting note, leaving the crowd energized and inspired.
Hosting as Collaboration: The Mighty DeltaOne Experience
As host and DJ, I approached this event not just as a gig but as a relationship. I’m a long‑time Boise DJ who keeps turntablism alive, and I see each show as a chance to build community. Before Blueprint took the stage, I warmed up the room with a curated set that blended golden‑age hip‑hop, neo‑soul and future funk; paying homage to the classics while nodding to modern production
What made this night extra special was the synergy. Blueprint’s messages resonated with Boise’s spirit; his call for artists and listeners alike to embrace each moment. It wasn’t about the clock—it was about creating memories.
Why Boise Loved the Vessel Tour
Boise’s hip‑hop community is small but fiercely supportive, and Blueprint’s stop felt like a family reunion. Independent artists, local producers and longtime fans gathered to absorb lessons on self‑sufficiency and to witness a master at work. The show underscored how relentless creativity can fuel a sustainable career. For younger acts, it was a blueprint (pun intended) for navigating the music industry without compromising integrity.
From a DJ’s perspective, hosting the Vessel Tour stop was more than a booking; it was an alignment of values. Blueprint’s dedication to independence and community mirrored the ethos we champion at 5th Empire: bridging past and present, empowering artists and turning events into relationships. If you missed the Boise show, catch the Vessel Tour on one of its remaining dates and experience for yourself how independent hip‑hop can transform a room.
While not only a Boise, Idaho DJ, Mike Gradian has been a staple DJ in the “City of Trees” for decades. He continues to grace venues across the state keeping the art of turntablism alive!
