Every wonder what Eyedea and Abilities were up to before they released the underground classic First Born (Rhymesayers)? Available for the first time from Crushkill Recordings is Grand's Sixth Sense, a collection of songs which gives a glimpse into how they came to be. At just 14 and 16 the two teenagers were exploring the world of music and playing with their new toy: a four track recorder. They recorded these songs onto a cassette tape for Mikey's grandparents, labeling it Grand's Sixth Sense. [...]
Brother Ali recently performed at Earlham College in Indiana where he paid homage to his friend and the late Rhymesayers rapper Eyedea by coving "Smile." C-Rayz Walz joined Ali on stage to freestyle as well. Beautiful moment from the Rhymesayers family. Rest in peace Eyedea. [via 2DopeBoyz ]
Sometimes, the best songs are not the newest songs. We all have at least one old song that we throw on constantly, even though it's outdated. Often times, some of these songs are even songs that never went mainstream, but should have. Well, we have thousands of these songs, that's why we do Throwback Thursdays. Once a week, we will bring you a glorious track that we just can't shake off. Whether it be a year, five years, or ten years old, we'll show you one dated song that will tickle your fancy. Do you have a dope [...]
Posts have been a little slow recently, I've just been trying to get back to regular life after the holidays and all that, so posting should be more consistent from here on out. Currently watching the Patriots-Jets game, should be a good one. Go Pats! Here Comes The Sun- Rachael Yamagata Much Too Soon- Michael Jackson Only The Wine- David Gray Sadie Hawkins- Dessa 1988- Blueprint [...]
Eyedea & Abilities (often abbreviated as E&A) was an influential American indie rap duo from Saint Paul, Minnesota, consisting of DJ Abilities (Gregory Keltgen) and the rapper Eyedea (Micheal Larsen). The group was founded in 1993 and became a prominent figure of the 90s underground hip hop scene, known for Larsen's philosophical and socially conscious lyrics, along with Keltgen's dynamic experimental fusion of stylistic elements from both rap and rock, as well as electronic music. The group was active until Larsen's death late in 2010. Over the course of nearly two decades the duo collaborated with [...]
Here we are at the end of the year. This year has been insane and now I get to pick the best of the interview show . Enjoy these shows, a little something for everyone. See you in 2011! Next year is gonna be even more insane . A sneak peek of guests: Big Freedia ! Boats ! Hot Panda ! Chew Fu ! Little Dragon ! And [...]
John Brown-Bob Dylan Exhausted Love-Eyedeas & Abilities Jardin du Luxembourg-The Ghost Of A Sabertooth Tiger No Place To Fall-Isobel Campbell & Mark Lanegan Ama San-Jamie Kent Oh No-Mos Def (ft. Pharoahe Monch & Nate Dogg) Cut Throat-Musab [...]
Winter takes the warm away. Spring takes the cold away. Summer takes the rain away. and Fall took away my friend. Download Eyedea and Abilities - Hay Fever I was in a daze on Sunday. I was back on my couch [...]
New music from the Beastie Boys has been on the back burner since Adam Yauch announced that he had cancer, but things must definitely be looking up for the guys since Mike D's wife Tamra Davis revealed on her blog last week that the Beastie Boys will be releasing a new album in the spring of 2011. More like it: Beastie Boy reveals cancer diagnosis ALBUM REVIEW: "Be Brave" The Strange Boys FROM THE NEWS NEST: Dave Sitek of TV on the [...]
St. Paul rapper Micheal Larsen-known as Eyedea-died unexpectedly at his home last weekend. He was 28 years old. The MC first gained attention at battle events as a teenager, slaying the competition at Ohio's Scribble Jam, where he was crowned king in 1999. Larsen stepped into the national spotlight the following year as the winner of HBO's "Blaze Battle." Larsen formed Eyedea & Abilities with friend and DJ Max Keltgen in 1998, and the duo would go on to release three full-length albums via indie label Rhymesayers. He also worked on several side projects, [...]
There's no post worse to have to prepare than news of passing. Micheal Larsen aka rapper Eyedea of Eyedea & Abilities was found dead by his mother yesterday. Details have yet to be released, so there's little news to relate, leaving me to simply honor Eyedea. A prominent voice in the underground, Eyedea brushed aside the race barrier with grace and ease, achieving respect as a battle MC and storytelling artist. Personally, First Born was a breath of fresh air when I stumbled onto it, and I can surely say Eyedea will be missed. Eyedea & [...]
Click here to view the embedded video. Eyedea performing even "Shadows Have Shadows". Minnaepolis emcee Michael "Eyedea" Larson passed away today according to City Pages magazine in Minneapolis. There is a facebook page set-up to help with funeral costs. after the jump i ramble about my memory of bumping to Eyedea. And posted some videos that stick out in my mind. I'm not an expert on this Eyedea's life or music by any means. [...]
This is about to get too serious, but when a great person dies young...I suppose serious is just what it is. Sunday's announcement of the passing of Michael Larsen (a.k.a Eyedea of Eyedea and Abilities) sent me reeling. Here's to a great musician who has left us all much too soon. "Eyedea & Abilities - Now" xoxo, Katie
Michael "Eyedea" Larsen , a celebrated rapper and freestylist, was found dead early Sunday morning. He was 28. The rapper's body found by his mother, who then shared the news via Facebook . The cause of death is not yet known. A native of Minnesota, Eyedea rose to fame after strong showings at a number of free style rap battles, including the Scribble Jam battle in 1999 and HBO's Blaze Battle in 2000. He would ultimately sign with label Rhymesayers and formed a partnership with DJ Abilities. Under the moniker Eyedea & Abilities, the duo [...]
Underground hip-hop legend Michael Larsen AKA Eyedea passed away today. His mother Kathy Averill announced his death today via Facebook. As of now no cause of death has been released. Message from Micheal's mom: "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. We have created a [...]
Immediate reaction regarding the untimely and tragic demise of Eyedea, nee Michael Larson, a.k.a. Oliver Hart, has been to eulogize him as one of the greatest freestyle battlers of his era - likely the last one where large swaths of hip-hop fans genuinely prized the importance of being "nice off the dome." A Scribble jam, Blaze, and Rock Steady champ and one of the early Underground stars, Eyedea was a familiar site around fin de siecle cyphers, a floppy haired teenaged Minnesotan co-signed by Slug, who quickly quelled any doubters with his polysyllabic tangles of perfect/imperfect rhymes and absolute virtuosity. [...]
Back in the day, I **loved** these guys. Eyedea was a freestyle battle champion and Abilities made dope beats. These two were the best of early 2000s backpack hip hop. And then like most indie groups you love, they went their separate ways. I was stoked when I heard that they had come back together. This time, like other backpack king P.O.S. , they have returned with a style that incorporates more punk and metal into their beats, creating a chaotic record. I loved it, they are still making challenging [...]
Check out The Walker's Open Field Event this Sunday starting at 1 PM and going all day. Honestly, this event excites me more than Rock The Garden, and best of all, it's free. Hopefully the weather will hold. From The Walker: Walker Open Field/Minneapolis Sculpture Garden Soak in the sun and take in the sounds of Tapes 'N Tapes, Eyedea & Abilities, Total Babe, and four high school bands on the Walker's rolling hillside. This daylong festival of music brings high school musicians into the mix with [...]
This article is part six in a thirteen part series , on the artists from the Rhymesayers Entertainment label. Rhymesayers Entertainment recently won URB Magazine's Best Label of the Decade. The rappers covered in the series include BK-One , Atmosphere , Mr. Dibbs , Abstract Rude , Freeway , Brother Ali , Grieves , Toki Wright, Jake One, P.O.S, Evidence, Felt, and Eyedea & Abilities. Eyedea (Micheal Larsen) originally got his start ripping MCs in battles. DJ Abilities (Gregory Keltgen) got his start burning djs in battles. Eyedea [...]
So, this time last week, we were deep in the abyss that is South by Southwest 2010. Because of this, we didn't really have much time to put our weekly Friday Mixtape together. Apologies all around! In hopes of making it up to you, we spent some extra time on this week's edition and rounded up a collection of singles, remixes, and covers that features the likes of Thom Yorke, The National, Japandroids, Kid Sister, and more. Plus, as always, we threw in a bunch of mp3s from some up-and-comers you just might want to check out. Enjoy! [...]
World of Underground Hip Hop
Midwest Broadcast![Brother Ali Performing "Smile" w/ C-Rayz Walz Live [Spitten Writtens]](http://cdn.elbo.ws/youtube/ehcCkfpMQoo_130.jpg)
RemixTheVideo
Music For Humans
Big Green Beats
Winnie Cooper
in ALL caps music blog
The Owl Mag
Uncensored Interview Blog
One Thirty BPM
donewaiting.com
The Steam Co.
Consequence Of Sound
Rollo & Grady
The Passion of the Weiss
More Cowbell
salacious sound
Diplo & Usher “Climax”
A-Trak - "Round of Applause" / "Where My Money At" (MP3 Download)
Skrillex Uses Satanic and Homosexual Influence to Win Grammys
MIXTAPE: 10ILLE – CANDY JAMS
Usher- "Climax" (Produced by Diplo)
