music4u

Micheal "Eyedea" Larsen

One of the Twin Cities' most beloved musical talents has passed away. Micheal "Eyedea" Larsen, a longtime Rhymesayer, singer, lyricist and fixture in the indie hip-hop scene died Saturday, just a month shy of his 29th birthday and hours after a set with DJ Abilities and Pigeon John at First Avenue's 7th St Entry.

Friends of Larsen said his mother, Kathy Averill, found him Saturday.

She posted news of her son's death on his personal Facebook page on Sunday around 11 a.m.

"It is with great pain and sadness that I tell you my son Mikey (Eyedea) has passed away," she wrote. "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."

Part of the Rhymesayers crew from its early days and a creative force to be reckoned with behind the mic, Eyedea painted beautiful and often abstract pictures with his lyrics, revealing the raw, serrated edges of emotion. He and his DJ, Abilities (a.k.a. Max Keltgen) were champions of their crafts and best friends since the age of 14.

Eyedea's mom, with whom he was very close (and who also was like a second mother to Abilities) has set up a memorial fundraiser via Facebook.

One of our favorite Eyedea lyrics seems sadly fitting now. He will be missed.

And I was thrown out of orbit past the moon
And crashed here November 9th, 1981, Monday afternoon
I've adapted to this twisted way of living
But I always knew I wasn't from this planet cuz I'm so damn different ...
...I'm outta place and outer space is where I need to get ya'll
So when you come down, just remember I'm leaving with ya'll
Sincerely yours truly, Eyedea

--"Savior" (Slug, Eyedea and Sole)