October 18th, 2010
06:09 PM ET
Minnesota rapper Eyedea dead at 28St. Paul, Minnesota rapper Eyedea has passed away, CNN has confirmed. The artist, born Michael Larsen, was 28. No other details about his passing have been released. Eyedea, who came to fame as part of the indie label Rhymesayers, was well-known for his tight delivery as well as for holding his own in freestyle battles, such as HBO’s “Blaze Battle” and Ohio’s “Scribble Jam.” In a statement on the label's website, his mother said, "It is with great pain and sadness that I tell you my son Mikey (Eyedea) has passed away. At this time we kindly request you respect our privacy as we process this devastating loss."
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Aye! Everyone should jus shut up! None of this is true. How he died is not known to the public. His family isint sayin how he died, prob because there not over his death yet. All that is known is he died in his sleep. Shut ya mouths dont spread rumors about Eyedea we will find out when we find out. Im sure his family dosent want everyone thinkin he overdosed or killed himself when its probolly not true. If yall like Mike so much then ya should respect him im sure he wouldnt want all thiese lies blown up all over the cnn website. R EYE P <3
Dag – that's rough. He saved my life, too. His music was powerful and now he's gone. A great talent – silenced "fo"eva. RIP Eyedude.
Huh? Who?? Oh, that's right. EVERYONE will forget this nobody in about 24 hours!
Gawd...if only all other cRappers would follow suit.
I hope that all rappers will follow his lead and die as well
Natural selection at work
only met the Eyedea portrayed in the music but nonetheless he affected my view immensly. But as for the Hemingway statement, I would say Vonnegut of hiphop, Hemingway no. Even though comparing him to authors doesn't do him or his words justice.
RIP brother
Shut your damn, dirty, wh0re mouth
Bahhhhhahahaha! Rap sucks.
via Brother Ali's Twitter on Micheal....
"When people rejected him, he took it as a sign that he was being so real it made them uncomfortable. He felt sorry for his critics."
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4P51FLeSq_k&fs=1&hl=en_US]
In case anybody doubts his talents. He was more than a just a "rapper". He did many things. Listen to Carbon Carousel's Sunspots
For everyone who is wondering who Eyedea was, you're saying a lot about your lack of knowledge in hip hop and music in general. You clearly haven't ever gone much deeper than the top 40 rap thats made for 14 year old girls to dance to. Do some research on what real art is and get back to me.
Eyedea was one of a kind. His mom could be looking to these posts as a consolation and people have the audacity to argue about trivial details or who he was. just PLEASE have respect for fans and family who may look to these articles for some comfort. if you didn't know who he was, either look into it or shut up. no one else cares that you don't know and you really aren't recommending yourselves to us, his fans.
he was an awesome person who would take the time to talk to any fan that asked him questions.
Lost a great emcee! Sad but his music will live on for us hip-hop heads. RIP eyedea u were one of thee greatest!
Underground worldwide!
I had never heard of him until this article. I watched some of the videos and the guy had incredible skills. It's a shame it took his death for a lot of people to discover his music and his talents. i love lyrically talented rappers, not crap like lil wayne and all that garbage.
I'll bet Em and him in a collaboration would have been sick as hell!
RIP Eyedea! You will be missed! I remember watching you catching wreck at Scribble Jam and I remember meeting you at a very small show in Bloomington Indiana. I can't believe it! So much talent. You and yours are in my thoughts!
Eyedea poured his heart and soul into his music. He was special. He will be missed by friends and fans alike.
http://www.examiner.com/hip-hop-music-in-minneapolis/our-friend-eyedea-has-passed
CNN should really consider not allowing comments when they post an obit on the blog...you're always going to get callous commenters who disrespect the dead and the loved ones they left behind. It's beyond depressing...it should go without saying, it doesn't matter who it is or if it's somebody you've heard of or whatever, just show some simple, human respect. If people are so heartless that they can't do it, then CNN should just disallow comments.
Is the news so slow that a story is carried of this insignificance? Also, what did he die of??
What is wrong with all you people writing hateful comments on here? Or even the "Who?" comments. If you don't know who Eyedea was, don't post anything. You should all be ashamed of yourselves. I only hope that none of his family or close friends see the trash you've written. Eyedea was a truly amazing human being. RIP
Sadly, we already have. CNN needs to disable now, it's entirely disrespectful.
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Hi all, whoever you are, I just wish that all of you and your love ones are all dead.
Truehater, what a big man you are, wishing death on complete strangers and their families over the Internet. Get a life, a brain, a heart and a clue, and stop trolling for the attention you so desperately need, ass_hole.
saved your life? Really? Did he pull you from a burning car that was about to explode? Did he give you CPR when you were not breathing? Wrestle an alligator that was coming for you?
If he saved your life by simpy singing a song then you must be really F'd up. Go see a psychiatrist because you definitely need one.
As for the rapper? Didn't know him, but it sounds like he was very talented and will be missed by many. Too sad that he had to die so young.
empathy is the poor man's cocaine.
How hard is it to do a youtube search for "eyedea"? RIP
It's sad that someone cannot die without other sad, lonely people having to make fun of them. For all the people saying "Who," why don't you go try to figure out who. There are plenty of talented artists that you don't know about. The way the comments go on here, you would think these people are record producers that "know everyone."
L.A.M.E.
Eyedea was one of a kind. R.I.P. Eyedea.
Wow. CNN please disable commentary.
who dat?
Guess lot's of folks angry elvis wasn't a rapper.but u know it's not new that talent isn't understood. morons are always on the bottom. R I P. tell the truth.
RIP Eyedea. People are jus so ignorant and to be honest i never heard of him myself but he sound like he was a incredible artist and poet. But people show respect to da man and his family. Let dis be said not every rapper who dies were doin any kind of drugs some are good people damn stop bein so insensitive people. Have some respect for da dead.
have some respect for the English language. Eyedea would have wanted that.
I don't see why a rapper's death deserves any more acknowledgement than a store clerks....
and you never would!
Mikey's music was his way of trying to help others. He could have gone mainstream a long time ago, but didn't. He cared not for materialism or surface fame. He is important because he helped other people. He didn't make music, it was art. If you need to say something judgmental, I think you should assess yourself before opening your mouth.
that's like saying Picasso's Guernika didn't affect people in Spain. Sometimes art can offer people more solace than any other form of therapy.
the same group of quasi intellectual keyboard artists orchestrate the chorus of boos in every article on cnn. always complaining about something, the value or integrity of the news story as if you are a seasoned journalist, or just illustrating plain ignorance as is this case in disrespecting a deceased artist who has impacted many lives over time. If he didnt have a national and even international impact to people than you wouldnt find notices across boards and news mediums of all sizes and demographics all over the 'net. every artist over time that has garnered great respect and influenced future generations has been one to push the proverbial envelope. he wasnt ready made streamlined and easy to understand. he was a complex individual who shared his insight with us – and true honesty is a rarity in todays music. if not for anything else, have respect for that.
thanks for your support.
If you dont know who he is look him up. It wont take you long, and it will be worth it. Read his poetry, listen to his words, and see what a gifted man he was. I am not going to sit here and wish it was someone else, but I will say that his talent far out weighs Lil' Wayne, Drake, and pretty much anyone else 'mainstream' who raps.
MEH!
There is something wrong with those of you on here that are saying such awful things about Eyedea. It's not about you, it's about the tragic loss of such a great entertainer. I feel a great sense of loss this morning, I am a huge fan... I just listened to him this morning on my ride to work. RIP.
Why not post pretty much the best thing my man has ever done? Youve never heard anything like around the :39 seconds into this song!
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jAWrscplyOA&fs=1&hl=en_US]
I have to agree "Now" is one of the best tracks EVER MADE, hands down, and my fav E&A track off their best album in my opinion. News of his untimely passing is so tragic, I am stunned and heartbroken for his loved ones. Eyedea was one of the best to ever do it. It's obvious from his work that he was so talented and his vision so unique. We were blessed to have him with us...a giant among men. Eyedea is gone but his voice lives on...God bless and rest in peace. E&A forever.
Never heard of him.
In other news, it was recently discovered that the Brooklyn Bridge is not for sale.
For anyone/everyone who is hating and being disrespectful, knock it off. Respect the man for who he was as a person and what he contributed to the underground hip hop scene in Minneapolis. This isn't a debate about rap. This isn't a place to post rude remarks. Many of you people need to learn to have a heart and stop always thinking about yourselves. If you don't know who he was, then no comments are necessary, unless you are solely expressing sympathy
Thanks Eyedea for being great. Rhyme in Paradise Eyedea.
Everyone should show a little respect, come on guys.
I don't lament that we lost another bryte yung Wrappurr that nobody ever heard of, I just look at lyke this: Heaven's Rap band just got a little more anonymous
what? I have "kno idyiea" what the heck you're saying here...
Josh–in trying to defend the midesterners against being called rednecks you managed to insult EVEERYONE in the south. Just because people live in the south that does not make us a redneck. I live in Georgia currently but I have lived in several southern states and I can tell you that the term "redneck" may have been derived to mean poor southern farmers, but it fits midwesterners just as nicely as you think it fits us. Yes, I can say this because even though I have mainly lived in the south I am in the military so I am constantly around people from different parts of the country. Before you try to spout off your garbage about any race, ethnic group, regional group, etc.– do your research because you just look ignorant.
ketchuptacos- well said, exactly.
Never heard of him.
Man, I don't know what's up with you people but this guy could rap. Not only was he good at it, but he was funny, and made people laugh while he was doing it. He was probably one of the best white rappers cool enough to compete with the african american guys that he put down lyrically because I saw it with my own eyes. Atmosphere knew who he was too, they did gigs together. RIP man.
Was this guy related to Madea?
Who????
Man this is horrible. He was extremely talented. R.I.P eyedea
R.I.P. Eyedea – you were a great inspiration to so many people. Rest comfortably knowing that your spark has ignited the flames of so many other troubled and gifted youths.
Who is eyedea
The world will never be the same. "The Ernest Heingway of rap"? Is that like being the smartest retard or the tallest pygmey?
ROFLMAO!
As a friend of Mikey's, I'm just absolutely disgusted by the rude comments on here. You should be ashamed. Does it really make you feel better about yourselves? It screams desparation to me. Hiding behind a computer screen trolling discussions boards seeking attention at the expense of someone else's pain and heartache. He was an extraordinary human being and a great friend. RIP
Agreed. I know firsthand what it's like when your loved one is in a news article and losers with too much time post TERRIBLE, SICK comments.
RIP Eyedea. This music also affected me during tough times in my life. I only got to see them live once in Colorado Springs, but I'll never forget the alone time I spent with E&A.
I'm sorry you had to even browse the comments. I don't get why anyone would post if they didn't know who someone was, or didn't care. My best wishes to all of Eyedea's family and friends.
"Super insenstive, tasteless and ignorant comment.
Please respect the mourning of his family, friends and our musical community who lost a great poet, storyteller, MC and such inspiration and MEANINGFUL talent."
Agreed.
Bottle Dreams is still one of the saddest rap songs ever.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UMs0P-e9CsQ
CNN. I like good humor as much as the next guy. But people come on here. Someone dies, have a little respect.
One does have to wonder why they dont just disable comments on these sites, as 99% of it is just garbage.
A lot of what CNN posts is garbage, too. (No, I don't necessarily mean this article.)
First off, his first name was spelled MICHEAL.
To all the people who are talking trash about hip hop, you probably don't have the slightest idea what hip hop is. Lil Wayne and Drake are not hip hop, hip hop culture has music that in turn contains rap, and all these guys can do is rap. Rap does not require soul, hip hop music does.
Listen to Eyedea's Oliver Hart album and look at his words closely. They are remarkably insightful.
Listen to Shadows have Shadows, incredible song. The Dive Part I and Part II are also superb, all of his music was great, and that includes his rock and fusion stuff with Carbon Carousel, Face Candy was great too.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x-8GUXaRig8&p=9530753B5C976721&playnext=1&index=1
Just listen and really think about it, he suffered a lot too.
"First off, his first name was spelled MICHEAL."
What kind of name is that?
R.I.P Eyedea. I cried yesterday, but I'll still smile....
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z9-eKhCukW8&fs=1&hl=en_US]
@josh...I totally agree. Minnesota is beautifu! Minneapolis is one of the greatest cities ever. Very sophisiticated! Too bad everyone wants to be rude and name call on a sad day. Lots of hearts are hurting tonight. I am sure you know that Prince is from Minnesota and Bob Dylan.too....I guess we all have our definitions of rednecks don't we..I think it's all very siimple...people that call out negative names simply have low self-esteem. It's too bad they had to make today about themselves instead of the artist that died...the word for today is "diginity"
tinyurl.com/399xoyr
tinyurl.com/399xoyr R.I.P
Eminem should hang his head in shame....look at his lyrics.
Eminem is to busy looking at all his platinum records, his oscar, his millions of dollars to even remotely notice this. I am sure that if he hears about it, he would be sad about the loss of human life, but certainly not because of his lyrics.
Never heard of the guy.
Smells like bong water in here, homey.
At some newspapers, including the one in my home town, they disable comments for obits and crime stories b/c they know people will come on and post insensitive and ignorant comments. But at least the dumb comments on this thread are balanced with ones by true fans of the artist. Thanks for posting video, too. I had never heard of him, either, but I respect that he meant so much to his admirers and am willing to give him a listen.
Heck, I live here and never heard of him. That said – RIP.
On This We Stand, without you now on this earth, a place not quiite as bright as but hours ago when you still walked it. Your genius and influence will love on. Milwaukee respect. RHYMESAYERS 4 LIFE.
I've never heard of this guy! But it sucks that he died so young! Hopefully his death had nothing to do with drugs.
i can assure you there was no drugs involved.
Eyedea was a junkie. He was getting high all the time. Just ask any of his 'friends'
Fans, don't get yer panties in a wad. This is the biggest mainstream media blow up he's gonna get.
Another video for those who want to see this man doing what he loved to do:
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8IwUDWVaiu4&fs=1&hl=en_US]
Cause Im a BIG SHOT!!! Listening to this track as I type this.
RIP Eyedea. You will be missed, not only in MN but throughout the world. Thoughts and prayers go out to family and
friends, especially Greg.
And to all those who are saying "WHO"? – have some class and respect. Imagine if this was a friend or family member of yours...
For those who don't know check this out...
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8IwUDWVaiu4&fs=1&hl=en_US]
Who?
portal r u always this bitter and cynical? it's a sin to be so cynical. pay attention to this man's music, u need it.
Who are you talking about, Robbie? Whose music?
Well a lot of people haven't heard of him. Which is probably close to 98% of the US & 100% of the rest of the world. There are so many so-called "well-known" or "famous" rappers that most people w/ jobs & lives have never & NEVER will hear of. The world doesn not revolve aorund rap or hip-hop, Thank God.
BTW give me Stevie Wonder or the Sugar Hill Gang any day over non-fanous "famous" people who are introduced to the world by dying in the news.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0PU0ofHa2l0
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HM6rS7pHN8Q
I've seen this guy on HBO. He was good. R I P
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6YIJrwIVcPc
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9jqGSYJd5fE
Great song to listen to for those who think he was "just a rapper"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x-8GUXaRig8
This is art. He was the top of his game, words on the fly. Don't let the haters get to ya'll; for we know what true music is.
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s_qMbzfF31k&fs=1&hl=en_US]
Sad how disrespectful people are to the deceased. To any family or friends of mikey reading through these comments...eyedea was an inspiration in several forms to thousands of people, he was incredible at capturing true human thoughts,feelings and emotions in song. He was also a a gracious performer...when he came off stage he was always so appreciative of any seemingly monotonous compliment. Wish I had the ability to really express to him how much his music inspired me. My thoughts are with everybody hurting from this.
Wow!U know,there r sum seriously disrespectful & rude ppl in this world!I didnt know him,never heard of him but how simple & mindless can u b 2 come on here,@ a time like this & b so disrespectful not only 2 this man(regardless of what he died from or who he saved or sounded like wit his lyrics) but the family thats mourning this lost!Think of how u wud feel if sum 1 did this 2 1 of ur loved 1s!!!!!& then u got the haters on here sayin "why cudnt it b this person or that person?"Thats wuz wrong wit the world now!Quit bashin & wishin wrong on other ppl & step YO game up!!!!!!RIP 2 WHOEVER dude wuz & prayers & condolences 2 his Fam!!!!!!
First off all the people showing disrespect try to remember ur talking about a fellow human. He was someones son, and brother. Second mike was a friend not just to me but to all his fans. I've seen him perform many types of shows from underground, jazz, freestyle to spoken words and it didn't matter if there were 10 people in the crowd or 10000 he gave it his all. He was always down to earth, never thought he was better then anyone and most important he always made music with his soul. I am glad and honored i can say i got to hang with him and talk about life in general. In closing i just want to say put the emcee/poet/dj/producer aside Mike as a person will truly be missed. R.I.P. mikey thank you for all the memories
Ditto you must be an angel.
this video is a freestyle by the way, spontaneous words
And you know this how? Do you think he doesn't practice this when he's not in the public eye? Most of the freestyle I hear revolves around the same core subjects, so it's not that difficult to have some rhymes ready to rap on command.
Underground used to mean edgy and different. Now it just means that it's not worth gaining any real mainstream attention.
my rapping & rhyming always had a test, eyedea was one of the best, his lyrics were fly, no other could compare or even tie, its to bad he will no longer play his songs, us rappers will still have to live on.
u like to like up spunk?
lick up spunk, pardon me
internet rappers...
To all the folks who say this man was a biter, or dirty or what ever... this mans words were true... like dude said hemingway of his time
If he was comparable to Hemingway, then why does almost no one outside of a certain niche market know who he is? I know what Rhymesayers is but I've never heard of this person.
Hemingway passed in 1961. Perhaps 49 years from now you will appreciate this guy as well.
How can someone know of Rhymesayers and not know of Eyedea? I call B.S. Maybe you're confused about who or what Rhymesayers is. You probably don't know of Brother Ali either huh? RIP Eyedea.
This sucks sooooo bad... im a underground hiphop artist... one of my main goals was to batte this king of lyrics.... now I will have to wait till I pass... rip eyedea mike.... he was one of the good ones, seriously why couldn't it be lil wayne or drake...... what's next we gonna loose slug aesop del or ace.... we as this hiphop community need to bring real hiphop back...just like eyedea was doing.... rip eyedea
Dude that was wrong! I agree that Wayne and Drake are poisining the minds of our youth but to wish death on someone thats PURE WRONG!!
was truly a gifted rhymer! him, atmosphere and sage got me back into underground hip hop after becoming so disillusioned with the scene. Thank you for the good music eyedea
Gotta add Brother Ali to that list too, I'm from a small town in Vermont but I know Minnesota is the home of underground hip hop. Every Rhymesayers show I've ever been to has been one to remember. RIP Eyedea!
I started following your career in 2000 or so, when you first shocked me with your paranormal Ability to symmetrically layer words spontaneously. The word freestyle doesn't do it justice... Interviewed you at Rock the Bells 09 in Maryland. You were incredibly humble and pensive. All the great poets from the past decide...d to combine in one spirit this go round. Your art will live on forever, r.i.p.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=40MA0pl7Oa0
well he rhymed clown with clown, and idea with eyedea. and he can spell his name. sweet! searching youtubes now for the rest of his stuff.
I didn't know who he was until I watched this video. Man this guy obviously had talent. This is all done on the fly. Definitely he would have been in the big time. Too young to go... RIP Eyedea
Thats it...im officially out of the Rap loop.....who ? Also, what happened ?
Such beautiful lyrics this man had. He was a prodigy and he saved my life as well. RIP Eyedea
rest in peace eydea. you were a hell of an MC and i pray that things go good for your family and friends. youwill be missed.
I remember watching Scribble Jam videos when I was getting into inde-rap almost ten years ago seeing Eyedea battle and thinking "this kid is gonna do big things", had a chance to meet him at the Key Club in L.A... sucks to hear about someone from your generation passing away so soon.
Best battle lyric ever was during the Blaze Battle when Eyedea's opponent started dancing behind him and he came up with something like "I'm gonna straight rap enhance ya, this mother****** wants to be my backup dancer!" I don't know why that line has stuck with me all these years but I've never seen someone come up with such a great punch line so quickly
RIP Eyedea, you'll be missed by fiends and fans.
Boy there are some morons on this website. You don't like him or don't know him don't post, show some respect. Don't waste your time replying to this with misspellings, incompetence and ignorance, I'm not going to be paying any attention, good luck with life.
Never heard of him...but rest in peace...I heard you saved a life...may god bless your soul...
A talented man and a talented writer. He was like the Ernest Hemingway of hip-hop. I had the chance to meet him when he did a show in Chicago a few years back, and what I remember most is he didn't treat his fans like fans, he treated them like friends. For anyone that has never heard of him, look up his lyrics before you even listen to his songs, because his writing was second to none in the hip-hop world.
Hey Portaplunk [sic] – Nice that you can neatly wrap up an entire genre so neatly. Shows how mindless you are. Rap and hip hop are not my bag, but I do respect it as an art form and recognize that there are some truly gifted poets and artists in the hip hop world. If you haven't listened to it, then don't comment on it.
RIP Mikey.
Megan, get a grip. I'm sure most people don't know who Eyedea was, considering that he was on an indie label. It's great that his music saved your life (and sad that he's dead, so young), but I don't really understand why you wish it was Drake or Justin Timberlake. Because their mainstream music doesn't suit your taste or didn't save your life, they deserve to die?
Exactly!!!
RIP Eyedea. You saved my life dude.... you'll be greatly missed.
Not only was Michael an amazing talent, but he was also very active outside of music. One important thing he tried to raise awareness of was police brutality in the Twin Cities metro area. He will be sorely missed.
This is truly heartbreaking. I was just listening to pushing buttons this morning. RIP to a truly talented individual. My thoughts go out to the family.
i cant believe it man. one of my favorite mc's. RIP EYEDEA E&A FOREVER
RIP Eyedea. A true talent. So sad to hear this news. I saw him live a number of occasions in Chicago. Gifted performer, incredible soulful lyricist, awesome storyteller.
http://www.examiner.com/hip-hop-music-in-minneapolis/our-friend-eyedea-has-passed