St. Paul native Micheal Larsen, better known by his MC name, Eyedea, passed away this weekend at age 28. Larsen was a celebrated local hip-hop artist and served as half of Eyedea and Abilities, a hallmark act on the roster of the Minneapolis-based Rhymesayers label.
Larsen's mother, Kathy Averill, shared the news of her son's death via Facebook on Sunday, simply writing, "It is with great pain and sadness that I tell you my son Mikey (Eyedea) has passed away." She also asked that friends and fans respect the family's privacy and mentioned that a PayPal account has been set up to assist with the cost of Larsen's funeral services (donations can be sent here).
Larsen and his bandmate, Gregory "Max" Keltgen (DJ Abilities), released By the Throat in July 2009. Marked by the addition of Larsen's singing, the album was a perfect example of the duo's frantic, noir take on hip hop. Keltgen's intense beats and signature scratching complemented Larsen’s paroxysmal vocals, creating something completely unique: a rock-rap hybrid that not only worked, but seemed effortless.
Larsen had also collaborated with Carbon Carousel, Atmosphere, Sage Francis and Aesop Rock, and released solo work under the name Oliver Hart. This prolific artist will definitely be missed--musically and otherwise.
R.I.P. Eyedea
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