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Key Information

Micheal David Larsen[1] (November 9, 1981 – October 16, 2010), better known by his stage name Eyedea, was an American rapper. He was a freestyle battle champion and songwriter from Saint Paul, Minnesota.[2]

Larsen had appeared as a solo artist under the pseudonym Oliver Hart, and as the MC half of the duo Eyedea & Abilities (along with longtime friend and collaborator DJ Abilities).[3] He was first signed to Slug's independent hip-hop label Rhymesayers Entertainment before founding his own record label, Crushkill Recordings.[4]

Career

[edit]

Eyedea first stepped into the hip-hop scene battling against other emcees at notable freestyle competitions. Notable wins included a victory at Scribble Jam (1999) and the televised Blaze Battle sponsored by HBO (2000), which was hosted by KRS-One.[5] Following the win, he won an impressive portion of money, but was also offered a higher cut if he signed a record contract with hip hop mogul P. Diddy, to which he declined, instead helping build Rhymesayers Entertainment from the ground up.[6]

Notable hip-hop outlets have labeled Eyedea as a freestyle pioneer. Eyedea has released numerous albums alongside DJ Abilities where the two performed under the duo name "Eyedea & Abilities". In 2001, Eyedea & Abilities released their debut studio album First Born, which included their successful single "Big Shots".

The single was later chosen to appear on Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 4. In 2004, Eyedea & Abilities released their second studio album titled E&A, which included the singles "Paradise" & "Man vs Ape". In July 2009, Eyedea & Abilities released their third and final studio album called By the Throat, which was followed by highly acclaimed positive ratings. In 2014, Eyedea ranked #2 on Abbey Magazine's Top 25 'greatest freestyle emcees of all-time'.

Early life

[edit]

Eyedea grew up near Saint Paul, Minnesota, with his mother Kathy Averill, who gave birth to him when she was seventeen years old. He is of Irish and Lebanese descent.[7] He attended Highland Park Senior High School.[3]

Eyedea became known as a battle MC, touring the circuit between 1997 and 2001. During this time, he won top prizes at Scribble Jam '99, the Rock Steady Anniversary 2000, and Blaze Battle New York 2000.[8] These battles included him beating notable artists such as Immortal Technique, P.E.A.C.E and PackFM. In 1999, he made his first national appearance on the Anticon compilation, Music for the Advancement of Hip Hop.[9] He also toured extensively as second MC and support DJ for Atmosphere.

In 2001, he released First Born with his partner DJ Abilities (collectively, they were initially called the Sixth Sense, but later changed the name to Eyedea & Abilities). In 2002, under his pen name "Oliver Hart", he released the self-produced The Many Faces of Oliver Hart, or: How Eye One the Write Too Think. In 2004, he reunited with Abilities to release the self-titled album E&A.

All of Eyedea's releases have been on the Rhymesayers record label, with the exception of the Carbon Carousel EP, which was released on his own Independent music label, Crushkill Recordings. In addition to touring independently and with Rhymesayers labelmates and members of Face Candy, Eyedea & Abilities participated in the Def Jux-sponsored "Who Killed the Robots?" tour, titled by Eyedea.

Music career

[edit]

He was signed to Rhymesayers Entertainment and collaborated with Slug of the underground hip hop group Atmosphere as well as Sage Francis, Aesop Rock, and Blueprint. He was also a member of the hip hop collective and super group "The Orphanage" along with Slug, Aesop Rock, Blueprint, & Illogic. Although never releasing a full CD to the public, songs were recorded and released.[10]

After Eyedea released This Is Where We Were, recorded with his live freestyle rap/jazz group Face Candy, he created Carbon Carousel, an alternative rock band. They have released one EP, entitled The Some of All Things, or: The Healing Power of Scab Picking. This brought on speculation that Eyedea & Abilities were no longer together. However, in August 2007, the duo announced on their Myspace that they would be at the Twin Cities Celebration of Hip-Hop performing old songs and new material. In December 2007, Eyedea & Abilities embarked upon their Appetite for Distraction Tour with Crushkill labelmate Kristoff Krane and Minnesotan duo Sector7G.[citation needed]

In 2007, Eyedea created a book of poetry and art with painter Louis N. LaPierre, who is also responsible for Face Candy's 'This Is Where We Were' album art. The book was titled Once A Queen... Always A Creep. Only 80 copies were made.[11]

The summer of 2009 saw Eyedea & Abilities joining the touring hip hop festival Rock the Bells for a limited number of dates, performing alongside such acts as Sage Francis, Evidence, M.O.P. and the Knux. E&A also performed at the first Rock the Bells concert in 2004, infamous for being Ol' Dirty Bastard's last performance with the Wu-Tang Clan.[citation needed]

In 2011, an EP of 4 of Eyedea's freestyles, previously released in 2010 but only sold at live shows, were made available for 'pay what you want' download.[12] Guitar Party a group consisting of vocalist (and first grader) Mijah Ylvisaker, drummer J.T. Bates (Face Candy, Carbon Carousel, The Pines) and guitarists Jeremy Ylvisaker (Carbon Carousel, Alpha Consumer, Andrew Bird, The Cloak Ox), Jake Hanson (Halloween, Alaska), Andrew Broder (Fog, The Cloak Ox) and Micheal Larsen (Eyedea & Abilities, Carbon Carousel, Face Candy) released a recording of the only live show they had managed to play before Eyedea's death called 'Birthday [I feel Triangular]' .[13] The second Face Candy album was released on May 24, 2011, on Rhymesayers. This album was recorded in two days at the Winterland studios and one night in front of an audience at St. Paul's Black Dog Cafe.[14]

Style and influences

[edit]

Eyedea is widely known and praised for his battle rap skills. LA Weekly listed his 1999 Scribble Jam battle with P.E.A.C.E from Freestyle Fellowship as one of the greatest rap battles of all time.[15] Despite the aggressive nature of MC battling, his music is often described as thoughtful and philosophical, yet it still provides a live aesthetic.[16][17]

Death

[edit]

Eyedea died in his sleep on October 16, 2010, in his Saint Paul apartment.[18] He was found dead by his mother, according to a friend.[19] Cause of death was released November 18, 2010, and ruled an accident, from respiratory depression, caused by opiate derivatives, according to the Ramsey County Medical Examiner's Office. The specific drugs found in Larsen's system have not been revealed to the public.[20]

Various hip-hop artists went on their Twitter accounts to pay their tribute to him, such as Immortal Technique, Mac Lethal, El-P and P.O.S, among others.[21][22][23][24][25]

Legacy

[edit]
Eyedea & Abilities' star on the outside mural of the Minneapolis nightclub First Avenue

Eyedea & Abilities has been honored with a star on the outside mural of the Minneapolis nightclub First Avenue,[26] recognizing performers that have played sold-out shows or have otherwise demonstrated a major contribution to the culture at the iconic venue.[27] Receiving a star "might be the most prestigious public honor an artist can receive in Minneapolis," according to journalist Steve Marsh.[28]

On December 25, 2013, it was announced on Eyedea & Abilities' Facebook page[29] that a star was registered under the name Eyedea to commemorate Larsen on the web site Online Star Register.[30]

Fellow hip-hop artist and friend Murs paid homage to Eyedea on his track "I Miss Mikey" on his album Have a Nice Life. Also, the song "Flicker" from the album Southsiders by Atmosphere where Slug describes different sides of Eyedea and their relationship can be called a eulogy.[31][32] In 2013, The Uncluded, a collaboration between folk punk singer Kimya Dawson and hip hop artist Aesop Rock paid tribute to Eyedea in the song "Bats" from their album Hokey Fright.[33] Additionally, the songs "Micheal" from the album Flowers for My Father by Sadistik, "Toast to the Dead" from the album The Martyr by Immortal Technique, and "Great Eyedeas Never Die", from the album King No Crown by Blueprint, are also tributes to Eyedea.[34]

Discography

[edit]
See also: Eyedea & Abilities discography and Face Candy discography

Studio albums

[edit]

EPs

[edit]
  • The Whereabouts of Hidden Bridges (2000) (with Advisor, Crescent Moon, and DJ Anatomy of the Oddjobs)
  • The Sum of All Things, or: The Healing Power of Scab Picking (2006) (with Carbon Carousel)
  • Duluth Is the Truth (2009)
  • When in Rome, Kill the King (2010) (as Micheal Larsen)
  • Freestyles (2010)

Mixtapes

[edit]
  • E&A Road Mix (2003) (Eyedea & Abilities)

Live albums

[edit]
  • Birthday (I Feel Triangular) (2011) (with Guitar Party)
  • This Is Where We Were (2006) (Kristoff Krane, Carnage, Matza, Casey O'Brien- bass, JT Bates- drums) Face Candy
  • Waste Age Teenland (2011) (Kristoff Krane, Carnage, Matza, Casey O'Brien- bass, JT Bates- drums)

Singles

[edit]
  • "Pushing Buttons" 12" (2000) (Eyedea & Abilities)
  • "Blindly Firing" 12" (2001) (Eyedea & Abilities)
  • "Now / E&A Day" 12" (2004) (Eyedea & Abilities)
  • "Carbon Carousel Single Series #1" (2007) (Carbon Carousel)
  • "Nervous" (2007) (Carbon Carousel)

Collaboration albums

[edit]
  • First Born (2001) (as Eyedea & Abilities)
  • E&A (2004) (as Eyedea & Abilities)
  • By the Throat (2009) (as Eyedea & Abilities)
  • Grand's Sixth Sense (2011) (with DJ Abilities, as Sixth Sense [recorded in the 1990s, posthumous release])
  • Sector 7g- scrap metal (December 1, 2007) (with DJ Pseudonym, Ecid, Kristoff crane, Eyedea and David mars) Produced by Ecid
  • self-titled- Saturday Morning Soundtrack, Eyedea (November 15, 2006) Produced by Ecid

Guest appearances

[edit]
  • "Best Kind" by Slug of Atmosphere (1997)
  • "Native Ones Live @ The Entry" by Atmosphere on Headshot: Vol. 6: Industrial Warfare (1998)
  • "Monster Inside" by Anomaly on Howle's Book (1998)
  • "Savior?" by Sole, Slug and Eyedea on Music for the Advancement of Hip Hop (1999)
  • "Embarrassed" by Sage Francis on Sick of Waging War (2001)
  • "Even Shadows Have Shadows" on rap sampler We Came From Beyond (2001)
  • "Gotta Love Em" by Slug & Eyedea on DJ Murge Search and Rescue (2002)
  • "The Stick Up" by Atmosphere on "Headshots Se7en" (2002)
  • "More From June" by Deep Puddle Dynamics on "We Aint Fessin" (2002)
  • "We Aint Fessin (Double Quotes)" By Deep Puddle Dynamics on "We Aint Fessin" (2002)
  • "Miss By A Mile" by Aesop Rock, Eyedea & Slug on We Came From Beyond, Vol. 2 (2003)
  • "Play Dead Til They Kill You" By Saturday Morning Soundtrack on Saturday Morning Soundtrack (2005)
  • "Quality Programming" by Booka B on Basementality (2005)
  • "L-Asorbic Acid" by The Crest & Eyedea + Carnage on "Skeptic" (2005)
  • "Everything's Perfect" by Awol One on "War of Art" (2006)
  • "Frisbee" by Abstract Rude (2006)
  • "Dopamine" by Playaz Longue Crew on Hype Hop (2007)
  • "Thanks But No Thanks" by Sector 7G on "Scrap Metal" (2007)
  • "Head Tripping" by Kristoff Krane on "This Will Work For Now" (2008)
  • "Is It Right" by Kristoff Krane on "This Will Work For Now" (2008)
  • "Dream" by No Bird Sing on "No Bird Sing" (2009)
  • "Best Friends" by Kristoff Krane on Picking Flowers Next To Roadkill (2010)
  • "Dead Wallets" by Sinthesis Feat. ECID on "Movement 4:6" (2010)
  • "Rockstars Don't Apologize" by ECID Feat. Awol One, and Kristoff Krane on "Werewolf Hologram" (2012)
  • "Purest Disgust" by Debaser on Peerless
  • "Cataract Vision" by Eyenine on Afraid to Dream
  • "Perfect Medicine" by Serebe
  • "Savior Self" by Sadistik Feat. CasOne, Kristoff Krane, and Alexipharmic
  • "Thorns" by Aesop Rock, Slug, & Eyedea
  • "Chemical Burns" by Sadistik on Ultraviolet (2014)
  • "Burn Baby" by COOLETHAN on You Can Never Go Back (2024)

Other media

[edit]
  • In 2016, Brandon Crowson released a documentary based on Micheal Larsen's life called The World Has No Eyedea.[35]
  • In 2025, Parker Pubs (in collaboration with Eyedea's mother Kathy Averill) released a book called The Many Facets of Eyedea: Selected Writings & Oral History.[36]
  • Eyedea was featured in the storyline of the main character in Nobody's Hero, an independent novel by Melanie Harvey, p. 164 (2010)

Rap battles

[edit]
Year Competition/Event Opponent Result Notes
1998 Scribble Jam Slug Loss
1999 Unseen Win
Optimus Prime Win
Otherwize Win
P.E.A.C.E. Win won the tournament
2000 Rocksteady Anniversary PackFM Win
Immortal Technique Win won the tournament
HBO Blaze Battle Ali Vegas Win
E-Dub Win
RK Win
Shells Win won the tournament
Scribble Jam Propane Win
Brother Ali Loss
2001 Cactus Club Mic T None verdict unknown
2004 Scribble Jam Murs None unjudged battle

References

[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Eyedea

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Micheal David Larsen (November 9, 1981 – October 16, 2010), better known by his stage name Eyedea, was an American rapper, lyricist, poet, and multi-instrumentalist from , widely regarded as a prodigy and visionary in the underground hip-hop scene. He rose to prominence as a freestyle battle champion, winning major competitions including Scribble Jam in 1999, the Rock Steady Crew Anniversary in 2000, and the Blaze Battle in 2000, where his rapid-fire delivery and sharp-witted wordplay established him as a dominant force in hip-hop battles. Eyedea's career spanned innovative solo projects, collaborations, and experimental groups, blending abstract lyricism, jazz influences, and introspective themes that challenged conventional rap structures. He first gained widespread recognition with the duo , releasing their debut First Born in 2001 on , which showcased his technical prowess and thematic depth on tracks exploring personal growth and societal critique. Under the alias Oliver Hart, he followed with the solo The Many Faces of Oliver Hart or: How Eye One the Write Too Think in 2002, a critically acclaimed work that delved into psychological and philosophical concepts through dense, stream-of-consciousness rhymes. Later endeavors included the band Face Candy and the outfit Carbon Carousel, highlighting his versatility as a , , and vocalist beyond hip-hop. Tragically, Eyedea's life was cut short at age 28 due to an accidental overdose, as ruled by the Ramsey County , though his family emphasized he was not a habitual user or addict. His influence endures in the indie rap community, with posthumous releases like The Many Faces of Mikey in 2015 and a 2024 book, The Many Facets of Eyedea, cementing his legacy as a groundbreaking artist whose work continues to inspire Midwest hip-hop and beyond.

Biography

Early life

Micheal David Larsen, better known by his stage name Eyedea, was born on November 9, 1981, in Saint Paul, Minnesota. He was raised primarily by his mother, Kathy Averill, in a nurturing household near downtown Saint Paul that fostered creativity and artistic expression. Averill often provided support for her son's interests and even welcomed his friends, including future collaborators, into their home, creating a communal space for young artists. From an early age, Larsen displayed a passion for writing and performance, particularly drawn to hip-hop through exposure to the vibrant local scene in the area. He began experimenting with rapping and freestyling in his early teens, around age 13 or 14, initially performing at school events and local gatherings. Larsen attended Highland Park Senior High School, where he continued to refine his lyrical abilities, participating in talent shows and open mics that helped shape his emerging style.

Death

Eyedea, whose real name was Micheal David Larsen, died in his sleep on October 16, 2010, at the age of 28, at the home he shared with his mother in . An autopsy performed by the Ramsey County medical examiner's office revealed that the cause was an accidental opiate overdose due to toxicity, with no signs of trauma or foul play involved. His mother, Kathy Averill, discovered his body and subsequently issued a family statement confirming the details while emphasizing that Larsen was not a habitual user, attributing the incident to toxic levels of prescription medications; she also requested media and public privacy to allow the family space to grieve and protect his legacy. Funeral arrangements included a private service for close family and friends, held prior to a public memorial wake to accommodate broader tributes while respecting the family's wishes.

Career

Battle rap beginnings

Eyedea, born Micheal David Larsen, entered the competitive rap scene in 1997 at the age of 15, performing and battling in local underground hip-hop circuits while still in high school. These early experiences in the ' vibrant scene allowed him to develop his raw talent amid a supportive yet challenging local community of MCs. In the mid-1990s, Larsen met aspiring DJ Gregory Keltgen, who adopted the stage name DJ Abilities, and the two began collaborating musically by 1997. Their partnership solidified after Eyedea's standout performances in major battles, leading to the formal formation of the duo in 1999. Eyedea's reputation escalated with his victory at the 1999 Scribble Jam MC Battle in , where, at 17, he defeated P.E.A.C.E. of in the finals through sharp, improvised verses that showcased his technical prowess. He followed this with wins at the 2000 Blaze Battle in , broadcast on and hosted by , and the Rocksteady Crew Anniversary battle in New York, solidifying his status as a freestyle prodigy. Throughout these competitions, Eyedea emphasized freestyle improvisation, complex , and direct crowd engagement, techniques that distinguished him in the high-stakes environment of underground and built his foundational skills as a performer. These victories drew attention from independent labels, paving the way for his transition into .

Recording and performances

Eyedea's professional recording career began in earnest when he signed with in 2000, a move facilitated by his rising reputation from underground victories. That same year, he partnered with turntablist DJ Abilities to release their debut single "Pushing Buttons," marking the start of their collaborative output under the moniker , which had formed in 1999. The duo's live performances quickly became renowned for their dynamic interplay, with Eyedea's intricate, freestyle-infused rhymes complementing Abilities' innovative and beat manipulation, creating a seamless synergy that elevated their shows beyond traditional hip-hop sets. In 2002, Eyedea established his own imprint, Crushkill Recordings, to support experimental and boundary-pushing projects outside the mainstream hip-hop framework. This period also saw him branching into side ventures that expanded his musical palette. He co-founded the improvisational jazz-rap ensemble Face Candy in 2005, which blended freestyle with free-jazz instrumentation until Eyedea's death in 2010, emphasizing spontaneous composition in live settings. , meanwhile, hit the road extensively, joining major tours such as the inaugural festival in 2004—where they shared stages with acts like and Redman—alongside performances supporting Atmosphere and on cross-country runs. By 2006, Eyedea further diversified by forming the alternative rock band Carbon Carousel, which fused hip-hop lyricism with noisy, grunge-influenced rock elements and remained active until his death in 2010. These endeavors underscored his commitment to live experimentation, often performing in intimate venues that allowed for raw, unscripted energy, while continuing to headline gigs that showcased their evolving turntablism-rap fusion.

Style and influences

Lyrical approach

Eyedea's lyrical approach was defined by intricate , including and internal schemes that created dense, intellectually demanding verses. His content often embraced philosophical and introspective themes, probing , societal disconnection, and existential questions about humanity and self-discovery. This poetic allowed him to blend sharp with profound reflections, as evident in tracks exploring mortality and personal growth. In transitioning from to studio work, Eyedea's style shifted from the raw aggression of freestyle bravado—characterized by quick-witted, ego-driven disses delivered in unaccompanied, rapid-fire flows—to more narrative-driven depth and abstract . Early battles showcased his improvisational prowess with fast-paced, delivery and playful jabs, while studio albums like First Born introduced varied flows, from quirky rhythms to dreamy narratives, emphasizing emotional range and a distinctive nasal tone. This evolution marked a move away from competitive posturing toward vulnerable, multi-dimensional expression. Thematically, Eyedea's work progressed from youthful bravado to raw vulnerability, culminating in By the Throat (2009), where he adopted a stream-of-consciousness style to confront personal struggles including , loss, use, control, , and isolation. Here, his peak lyrical abilities shone through vivid imagery, clever , and impassioned delivery, prioritizing introspective prose over traditional rap structures to convey alienation and inner turmoil. This maturation underscored his commitment to artistic depth over performative flair.

Key influences

Eyedea's artistic development was deeply rooted in the freestyle culture of the late 1990s, where he drew inspiration from pioneers like and , whose innovative delivery and crowd engagement shaped his early technical prowess and performance style. His exposure to foundational hip-hop acts such as instilled a sense of lyrical authority and social awareness, evident in Eyedea's admiration for the veteran rapper, whom he cited as a personal favorite after KRS-One hosted and announced him as champion at the 2000 HBO Blaze Battle. Similarly, Public Enemy's politically charged sound and production influenced Eyedea's commitment to conscious themes in underground hip-hop. The underground scene profoundly impacted Eyedea, particularly through close collaborators like Atmosphere's and on the label. As a teenager, Eyedea was inspired by Slug's expansion of hip-hop's emotional depth in tracks like "God's Bathroom Floor," which encouraged him to blend vulnerability with complex narratives in his own work. Brother Ali's passionate, introspective style further reinforced the local ethos of authenticity and community-driven artistry, fostering Eyedea's involvement in Rhymesayers' collaborative environment. Beyond hip-hop, Eyedea's influences extended to broader genres and intellectual pursuits, including punk rock's rebellious spirit and DIY ethic, which informed his experimental approach to music and performance. Philosophical texts and existential ideas permeated his songwriting, drawing from thinkers who explored human suffering and freedom, as reflected in his introspective lyrics. also played a key role, particularly in shaping DJ Abilities' production techniques and Eyedea's live improvisation skills; he often compared his stage presence to , emphasizing spontaneity and emotional flow in projects like the jazz-rap ensemble Face Candy. Personal experiences in served as a primary catalyst for Eyedea's innovation, compelling him to refine intricate rhyme schemes and adapt under pressure, which became hallmarks of his evolution from competitor to conceptual artist.

Legacy

Immediate

Following Eyedea's death on October 16, 2010, numerous peers in the hip-hop community expressed their grief through public statements and . , who had battled Eyedea early in their careers, tweeted a the next day, stating, "RIP Eyedea. Goodbye my old friend." of Atmosphere, a longtime collaborator and close friend, shared personal reflections during memorial events and later dedicated to him, emphasizing Eyedea's profound impact on the scene. , another frequent collaborator, joined and others for a radio broadcast on RSE Radio on October 23, 2010, where they reminisced about Eyedea's innovative spirit and shared stories from their shared tours. Public memorials in Saint Paul drew significant attendance from the hip-hop community, underscoring Eyedea's local roots and influence. A public wake was held on October 28, 2010, at the Crowne Plaza Hotel ballroom, attended by over 2,000 fans, family, and musicians including , , Murs, and Kristoff Krane, who performed an acoustic rendition of "I Wish You Well." The event featured shared stories and open-mic tributes, with Murs praising the "hometown love" and Eyedea's unmatched energy as a performer. Additional gatherings, such as a at First Avenue on November 9, 2010—Eyedea's would-be 29th birthday—raised funds for his family and included performances by Atmosphere and others to honor his legacy. Media outlets quickly highlighted Eyedea's talent and the shock of his sudden loss. NPR's The Current aired a segment on October 18, 2010, describing him as a "lyrical virtuoso" whose freestyle battles and introspective lyrics defined underground hip-hop. Minnesota similarly remembered him that day for his poetic depth and contributions to the indie rap scene. CBS reported on his passing, noting his reputation as a celebrated freestyle champion who died unexpectedly at age 28. In the months following, artists released dedicated tracks as early memorials. Copywrite issued "Numb" on October 18, 2010, a raw freestyle expressing personal loss and admiration for Eyedea's skill, though it sparked some debate over its timing. Murs honored him with "I Miss Mikey" on his 2015 album , a heartfelt reflection on their friendship and Eyedea's enduring influence.

Long-term impact

Eyedea & Abilities were honored with a star on the mural outside First Avenue in Minneapolis shortly after Eyedea's death in October 2010, recognizing their contributions to the local music scene. In 2016, the documentary The World Has No Eyedea premiered, chronicling his multifaceted career as a rapper, poet, musician, and philosopher, and highlighting his innovative approach to underground hip-hop. Eyedea's philosophical lyricism has continued to influence subsequent artists in the indie rap scene, with collaborators and peers citing his style as a benchmark for depth in hip-hop. For instance, and Kimya Dawson of paid tribute to him in their 2013 song "Bats," which grapples with grief and loss inspired by Eyedea's passing. Similarly, described Eyedea as a profound influence akin to a philosopher, shaping his own rejection of societal labels in rap. In 2023, Eyedea's mother, Kathy Averill, organized an auction of over 70 personal items, including concert flyers, handwritten , and , to preserve and share his legacy with fans. In 2024, the book The Many Facets of Eyedea: Selected Writings & was published, featuring 50 of his songs, 25 poems, and in-depth oral histories from family and peers, further cementing his enduring influence. Eyedea's accidental overdose death at age 28 has prompted ongoing reflections on the pressures faced by artists in hip-hop. Eyedea's pioneering freestyle techniques, demonstrated in landmark battles like Scribble Jam 1999, have contributed to a revival of improvisational rap, influencing the underground scene's emphasis on technical skill and spontaneity.

Discography

Studio albums

Eyedea & Abilities

Eyedea & Abilities, the hip hop duo consisting of rapper Eyedea (Michael Larsen) and DJ/producer DJ Abilities (Chris Behrens), issued three studio albums through , showcasing their evolution from roots to experimental and introspective soundscapes. Their debut album, First Born, was released on October 1, 2001. Recorded at E&A Studios in St. Paul, Minnesota, it highlighted Eyedea's sharp lyrical prowess beyond freestyle battles, with Abilities providing intricate scratches and beats that blended foundations with abstract elements. The 22-track project featured battle-inspired cuts like "Modern Marvel," where Eyedea delivers rapid-fire rhymes over a gritty instrumental, establishing the duo's reputation for dense, conceptual hip hop. Critics praised its versatility, noting how it expanded Eyedea's underground acclaim into a full-length statement of artistic range. The follow-up, E&A, arrived on March 23, 2004, via a between Rhymesayers and . This 13-track effort emphasized production experimentation, with Abilities incorporating live instrumentation, layered samples, and dynamic shifts to complement Eyedea's narrative-driven verses on themes of identity and relationships. Standout tracks like "Now" fused melodic hooks with philosophical introspection, earning acclaim for its innovative blend of and . Engineered and mixed at E&A Studios, the album marked a maturation in the duo's sound, prioritizing sonic ingenuity over raw aggression. By the Throat, their final studio album, was released on July 21, 2009. Clocking in at just under 30 minutes across 10 tracks, it delved into darker personal turmoil, with Eyedea grappling with existential doubt and emotional rawness over Abilities' fusion of rap-punk vocals, distorted guitars, and synthesized drums. Produced at The Terrarium in , the record's intense, alternative edge—evident in songs like "Burn Fetish" and "Junk"—reflected the duo's bold pivot toward genre-blending experimentation. As their last collaborative work before Eyedea's death in 2010, it stands as a poignant capstone to their catalog. Eyedea & Abilities had been working on a fourth album tentatively titled The Reel at the time of Eyedea's passing, but it remained unreleased, with only fragments surfacing in posthumous compilations. A posthumous album, Grand's Sixth Sense, recorded in the 1990s, was released on November 22, 2011, via .

Solo

Eyedea's solo debut, released under the alias Oliver Hart, The Many Faces of Oliver Hart or: How Eye One the Write Too Think, came out on June 25, 2002, via . This 15-track album explored psychological and philosophical themes through dense, abstract and experimental production. A posthumous , The Many Faces of Mikey, was released on May 19, 2015, via , featuring 21 previously unreleased tracks spanning Eyedea's career.

Bands

With the improvisational group Face Candy (formed around 2002, featuring Eyedea, Kristoff Krane, and others), the band released When in Rome, Kill the King on November 15, 2005, via Fake Four Inc., blending hip-hop, , and rock in live jam sessions. Face Candy followed with This Is Where We Were on October 17, 2006, via , a 9-track of free-jazz and rock-infused improvisations. A posthumous Face Candy album, Waste Age Teen Land, was released on October 18, 2011, via , compiling additional improvisational recordings. Eyedea formed the band Carbon Carousel in 2006, releasing their debut studio The Some of All Things Or: The Healing Power of Scab Picking on October 17, 2006, via Clear Label Records, featuring Eyedea on guitar and vocals across 11 tracks of .

EPs and mixtapes

Eyedea's shorter releases, including extended plays and mixtapes, often highlighted his versatility, from raw freestyle sessions to experimental collaborations blending hip-hop with other genres. In 2003, Eyedea & Abilities issued E&A Road Mix, a mixtape-style compilation CD that mixed live and studio recordings, including freestyles and performances from their road tours, providing fans with an intimate look at their dynamic as a duo during the promotion of their debut album. With the band Carbon Carousel, which Eyedea formed in 2006, the group released Nervous - EP in 2007, a concise three-track effort clocking in at just over six minutes, featuring songs like "Falling Up" and "Skinny" that showcased Eyedea's in a mixtape-like, raw rock setting. Eyedea's era also produced unofficial underground tapes and freestyle compilations, such as early concert-exclusive discs that circulated among fans, emphasizing his off-the-cuff rhyming skills honed at events like Scribble Jam. Posthumously, in 2011, The Free EP (also known as Freestyles) was released digitally via , compiling rare freestyle recordings originally hand-signed and sold only at live shows, offering a collection of spontaneous tracks that demonstrated the depth of Eyedea's improvisational talent.

Singles and collaborations

Eyedea, primarily known for his work with DJ Abilities as the duo , released several standalone singles that showcased their abstract hip hop style and lyrical complexity. Their debut single, "Pushing Buttons," appeared on a 12" vinyl in 2000 via , featuring the title track—a dense, introspective piece on personal struggle—alongside "Architect's Theme" and "A Murder of Memories," with instrumentals and DJ Abilities' battle breaks for turntablists. In 2001, the duo followed with the "Blindly Firing" 12" single, emphasizing Eyedea's rapid-fire delivery over Abilities' intricate scratches and beats, serving as a precursor to their full-length debut First Born. The track "Even Shadows Have Shadows" from First Born also gained prominence as a standalone highlight, later included on the 2002 compilation We Came From Beyond Volume 2, where Eyedea's spoken-word-infused verses explored themes of isolation and . Eyedea & Abilities continued issuing singles with "Now / E&A Day" in 2004 on 12" vinyl, tying into their sophomore album E&A and featuring live energy from their performances. Beyond the duo, Eyedea engaged in notable joint projects. He collaborated with Slug of Atmosphere on various tracks, including freestyles like their 1997 appearance on the Wake Up Show and later pieces such as "Miss By a Mile" with Aesop Rock in 2000, blending introspective rhymes with Atmosphere's emotional depth. With Sage Francis, Eyedea appeared on the 2001 track "Embarrassed" from The Known Unsoldier... Sick of Waging War, delivering verses alongside Slug on themes of vulnerability and industry pressures. In 2009, Eyedea previewed material from his anticipated solo work with tracks like those on the posthumously compiled The Many Faces of Mikey (2015), though full releases remained limited; the duo's final single-era output tied into By the Throat, their third album.

Guest appearances

Eyedea made several notable guest appearances on tracks by fellow artists and affiliates, showcasing his lyrical prowess in supporting roles on their projects. These features often highlighted his rapid-fire delivery and introspective style, contributing to the underground hip-hop scene's collaborative spirit. One of his prominent early features was on Atmosphere's 2002 album God Loves Ugly, where he appeared on the track "Suicideburn" alongside DJ Abilities, delivering a verse that complemented Slug's on personal struggles and . Eyedea contributed verses to various Rhymesayers compilations, including the Headshots series and Lyricist Lounge Volume 1 (2000), where he appeared on tracks like "Native Ones Live @ The Entry" by Atmosphere, demonstrating his live energy in a group setting with artists such as and others.

References

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