R.I.P. Eyedea

Yesterday the Twin Cities music scene was shocked by the news of a talented young MC's life cut short. Eyedea a.k.a. Micheal Larsen, a longtime staple in the local hip hop scene, was known for his introspective rhymes and his epic collaborations with childhood friend and cohort, DJ Abilities, as well as hip hoppers such as Slug, Aesop Rock and many more. Larsen, 28, was found by his mother early Sunday morning; the cause of death has not officially been released.

Larsen's mother announced the sad news via the MC's Facebook page, "It is with great pain and sadness that I tell you my son Mikey (Eyedea) has passed away ... At this time we kindly request your respect and our privacy as we process this devastating loss. We do, however, welcome your kind words, memories, and positive thoughts."

The family has set up a PayPal account for donations to pay for the cost of funeral services.

An outpouring of love and condolences from all corners of the world have flooded the web over the last 24 hours, proof that Eyedea's music had an impact on the hip hop community both locally and at large. We here at LOL/OMG have known Mikey since he was a young pup; an immensely talented, poetic and good-natured guy who threw himself into his music with a ridiculous amount of vigor, passion, energy and humor. Our hearts are breaking for his family, friends and fans.

Larsen's good friends and collaborators over at Burlesque of North America have posted a couple of heartfelt blogs about the young rapper here and here.

Photo via Burlesque Design

Submitted by @letoilemagazine