Eyedea: Freestyles

Friends and family of Eyedea recently posted a collection of live freestyles by the tragically deceased rapper. It's a well-produced 4-track collection that showcases the brilliance and talent that Eyedea demonstrated so consistently at his shows. The songs are available on Eyedea's Bandcamp page, and can be downloaded on a pay-what-you-want format.

Eyedea: Freestyles

EYE Will: A Michael "Eyedea" Larsen Benefit Art Show

A Celebration of Micheal "Eyedea" Larsen (Video)

Via Rhymesayers, who also has a photo slideshow from the event on their website:

Last Tuesday, November 9, 2010, a capacity-filled crowd gathered at First Avenue to celebrate the life of Mikey "eyedea" Larsen. The evening spanned five hours to which many people donated their time, energy and talent. It was a dedication in its truest form and a tribute that will not be forgotten. The Fans, friends, peers and family joined together in the First Avenue main room to show their support, love and dedication to a person we all miss dearly.

Rembering Micheal "Eyedea" Larsen

Rhymesayers officially made a statement on the passing of Micheal "Eyedea" Larsen this morning. The website is full of beautiful quotes from the many people whose lives were affected and impacted by Larsen. Along with that, a few different events are being held to celebrate and memorialize the individual who was not just an immensely talented and influential artist, but clearly a dear friend to many. I will repost that information below, once again, via Rhymesayers.

On Saturday, October 16, 2010, we lost our beloved friend, family member and artist Micheal “eyedea” Larsen at the age of 28. Eyedea, who was most notably known for his music with Eyedea & Abilities, Oliver Hart, Face Candy and Carbon Carousel, was an artist in its truest form. He will be deeply missed, but never forgotten. In the days to come, we feel the focus should be on Micheal’s life, music and legacy. Let’s celebrate his life, remember his music and never forget what he has given us all.

We miss you. We love you. And, you will not be forgotten.

Micheal “eyedea” Larsen 11.09.81 – 10.16.10 R.I.P.

All donations can be directed to Micheal’s Mom, Kathy Averill: https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=JV8PPC8RE66MU

Public Wake:
Micheal “eyedea” Larsen Memorial
Date: Thursday, October 28, 2010
Public: 7:30 – 10:00PM
Location: Crowne Plaza St. Paul Riverfront, Minnesota Grand Ballroom
Address: 11 East Kellogg Blvd., St. Paul, MN 55101

Sending Flowers: If you are interested in sending flowers for the memorial, all deliveries must be made to arrive on Thursday, October 28, 2010. Please make deliveries to arrive prior to 12:00PM CST.

Send to: Crowne Plaza St. Paul Riverfront, Minnesota Grand Ballroom, c/o Micheal Larsen Memorial, 11 East Kellogg Blvd., St. Paul, MN 55101.

A Celebration of the life of Micheal “eyedea” Larsen
Date: Tuesday, November 9, 2010
Location: First Avenue Mainroom, 701 1st Avenue North, Minneapolis, MN 55403
Doors: 5:00PM
Ages: All Ages
Donation: $20

Tickets will be on sale: Monday, October 25, 2010 at 5:00PM CST

Tickets will be available at Fifth Element, 2411 Hennepin Avenue South, Minneapolis, MN 55405. For those of you that are not in the Twin Cities area; a limited amount of tickets will be available online at Etix.com.

There is no guest list. All donations will go to the family of Micheal “eyedea” Larsen.

RSE Radio Tribute:
Join us this Saturday, October 23, 2010 at 9:00PM – 11:00PM CST on RSE Radio to remember our dear friend and brother Micheal "eyedea" Larsen. We'll be playing music and sharing memories with some of Mikey's peers. We would love to hear from all of you that loved and supported Mikey's art over the years as well. If you would like to share a special memory or experience you had please leave them at: www.twitter.com/rseradio, www.facebook.com/rseradio or radio@rhymesayers.com and we will be randomly selecting your comments to read on the air throughout the night.

You can tune into RSE Radio at 90.3FM in Minneapolis, 106.7FM in St. Paul or online at www.rhymesayers.com , www.facebook.com/rseradio or www.kfai.org

Possible Last Recording of Eyedea (Video)

Eyedea and Joe Horton (aka Eric Blair of No Bird Sing) performed at McNally Smith on October 8, 2010 for Soundcrawl. Minnesota Public Radio suggests that this could be the last live recording of the tragically deceased artist. RIP.

Rest In Peace Eyedea

The report that Micheal Larsen, better known to most of us as local rapper Eyedea, passed away yesterday was shocking and tragic, to say the least. I first discovered the news through social media sites like Facebook and Twitter, where fans and friends of Eyedea gathered to grieve and pay homage to the deceased artist. I refrained from providing any personal commentary, partly because I couldn't find the right words to say without allowing some time for the terrible event to sink in. However, one thing is particularly clear: hip-hop and the local music scene lost an immensely talented artist.

I speak of Eyedea only in terms of his professional career, because that was the only outlet through which I knew him. I was initially introduced to Eyedea from a friend who lent me E&A. I became an immediate fan, Eyedea was nimble on the mic, cleverly and effortlessly rapping intricate rhymes that would prove beyond the capacity of even the most talented emcees. Below, I'll post one of my two favorite YouTube videos of Eyedea. The first is of a younger Eyedea and Slug on the Wake Up Show, where they take part in a mind-boggling freestyle session. Eyedea's first two minutes of rapping are truly something that needs to be heard to be believed. Few emcees have such pure skill. Amazing stuff.

My other favorite YouTube video featuring Eyedea is the music video for my favorite Eyedea & Abilities song, "Smile", off of their latest LP By The Throat. I thoroughly enjoyed the progression of Eyedea's artistry apparent on By The Throat. Eyedea successfully transitioned from a suave and polished battle rapper to being self-aware and socially conscious, able to assess complex societal issues with level-headed commentary. And he did this all without compromising his flair for breathtaking and innovative lyricism. In my opinion, he never did it better than on "Smile", a beautiful rap song and amazing video.

Eyedea will be missed. May he rest in peace.

Kristoff Krane: "Savior Self ft. Cas One, Alexipharmic, Sadistik & Eyedea"

Kristoff Krane put this together with some of his rap friends while on tour out west. You can follow the link to stream and download the track.

Kristoff Krane: "Savior Self ft. Cas One, Alexipharmic, Sadistik & Eyedea"

Eyedea: UGHH Interview, Pt. 2 (Video)

Hey, they're sitting up now! Here's part 1 of the interview, in case you missed it. Via Undergroundhiphop.com:

Eyedea discusses the identity crisis he faced touring the country with Atmosphere at age 17. Referred to by Slug as a child prodigy, he discusses the book he co-wrote with Abilities' brother Derek before finishing high school: the main character having spawned his alias Oliver Heart. Heartbreak, addiction, death, regret and... dealing shrooms to his boss back when he worked as a medical records clerk form the underpinnings of a life Eyedea claims to be book worthy. Will there be an Eyedea autobiography in the near future?

Eyedea: UGHH Interview, Pt. 1 (Video)

Good lord, Eyedea sure is a quirky dude. By The Throat is in stores now. Props to Underground Hip-Hop.

One half of the duo Eyedea & Abilities, MC Eyedea lies down (literally) on the grass with UGHH's Van Stylez (no, yes, maybe homo) for a conversation, which immediately veers away from music and into the metaphysical. The time-space continuum, existence, the afterlife, the soul and energy are all pondered in this offbeat discussion.

Atmosphere: Live at New York City's Webster Hall (Videos)

Via URB:

Here are some videos from the Atmosphere show last night at Webster Hall in NYC. Above is a freestyle Slug did on stage during his set with opener Eyedea, and "Guarantees" (with a new third verse) and "F*@k You Lucy" are below.