On this day 2 years ago, the hip-hop community lost Michael "Eyedea" Larsen, one of the most talented emcees of our age

On October 16, 2010, we lost Michael "Eyedea" Larsen. He was 1/2 of Eyedea and Abilities, an awesome hip-hop group out of Minneapolis. He was highly influential in the growing of the Twin Cities hip-hop scene, along with Atmosphere and Brother Ali. They paved the way for groups like Doomtree (P.O.S., Dessa, etc.) to be so popular today. Eyedea was also a FANTASTIC freestyler, easily the best I have ever seen live. Eyedea and Abilities were the group that got me into hip-hop almost 10 years ago and they still rank among the best in my opinion in the genre. Here is Rhymesayers' page made in commemoration for Eyedea.

For those of you who do not know who Eyedea is, here are a few videos to introduce you.

Eyedea and Slug (Atmosphere) freestyling on a morning show

One of Eyedea and Abilities most popular songs, Now

Their last music video ever, Smile, from their latest album, By The Throat

One of my personal favorites, This Story My favorite verse from Eyedea ever. This is a song by another Twin Cities rapper and one of Michael's best friends, Kristoff Krane. Eyedea has the first verse. Though it is short, the lyrics are beautiful. This whole song is amazing, to be honest.

Eyedea and Abilities live. Eyedea's emotions when he raps live are amazing, you can just feel he means everything word he sings

Lastly, their song called E&A Day, where Eyedea does what he does best: brag about how amazing he is!

If you knew who Michael was, please share any memories you have of him. If not, hopefully you like the videos and have a new-found appreciation for him. I honestly can't stress how much I think he was instrumental in establishing Twin Cities hip-hop, which in my opinion, is the best underground hip-hop scene in the country.

R.I.P. Michael "Eyedea" Larsen