Personal Hero

Micheal Larsen, known by his stage name Eyedea, was a well-known freestyle battle champion and underground rapper. He originally planned to go the University of Minnesota to double major in psychology, and physics. At the age of 17 he was discovered by the local band Atmosphere and began touring. He had appeared as a solo artist, and as the MC half of the duo Eyedea & Abilities (along with longtime friend and collaborator DJ Abilities). He also released an album under the pen name Oliver Hart, the live band Carbon Carrousel, and Face Candy. Never before had I heard music even close to his before, including both musical style and lyrical content. From the first time I listen to him I was hooked it is classified under hip hop but his poetic verses, complicated subject matter was a new experience entirely. He talked about the things I thought about or things I had been through intelligent and original way. Unlike the “Mainstream” Hip Hop that I never listen to, Eyedea actually had things to say that went beyond the unoriginal, egoistical braggadocio that has become so common in Hip Hop today. Many his songs have underling themes of philosophy, and psychology.