Eyedea Passes Away at 28

The Hip-Hop world is still in shock following sudden passing of underground emcee Eyedea last night (October 17). The 28-year-old rapper had no known medical conditions and was only 28 years old.

Eyedea (Michael Larsen) had been a staple of Hip-Hop’s underground scene since the late 90s. He first gained national recognition by winning several high-profile freestyle competitions in Scribble Jam ’99, and Blaze Battle 2000. He used that momentum to link for touring dates with Atmosphere, and later signing on the  Rhymesayers label with childhood friend DJ Abilities (Eyedea & Abilities). The duo produced three albums, including last year’s By The Throat, which saw them experimenting more with live rock instrumentation to compliment Eyedea’s dense lyrical content.

Eyedea also was a part of the rock collective Carbon Carousel (who released 2007’s The Some of All Things or: The Healing Power of Scab Picking), and the freestyle rap/free jazz quartet Face Candy, who released a 2006 full-length (This Is Where We Were), and had tentative plans for a new project called Waste-age Teenland.

Eyedea’s mother has set up a Facebook page for memorial fund donations. She did not confirm the cause of death, but asked that fans and media respect the family’s privacy during this time of anguish.

“It is with great pain and sadness that I tell you my son Mikey (Eyedea) has passed away,” she explained yesterday on her son’s Facebook page. “At this time we kindly request your respect and our privacy as we process this devastating loss. On behalf of Mikey’s family, close friends and fans, thank you.”

Beats, Boxing and Mayhem sends sympathies to the family, friends, and colleagues of Michael Larsen aka Eyedea. Rest in peace.

Eyedead & Abilities “One Twenty”

Eyedea & Slug Wake-Up Show Freestyle

Eyedea & Abilities “Smile”

Eyedea at Blaze Battle Final (Eyedea vs. Shells)

Eyedea vs. Murs (Freestyle Battle)