 Popular underground rapper and freestyle battle champ, Eyedea, died late Saturday night (October 16). He was just 28 years old.
While details regarding the cause of death were unknown at press time, his passing was confirmed by his mother, via Facebook.
"It is with great pain and sadness that I tell you my son Mikey (Eyedea) has passed away," his mother, Kathy Averill, wrote on Facebook. "At this time, we kindly request your respect and our privacy as we process this devastating loss."
Kathy did add that she welcomes "kinds words, memories, and positive thoughts" via page on Facebook she set up as a memorial fundraiser for donations toward the cost of his services.
To visit the fundraiser page, head to Facebook.com, where a Paypal link is posted to allow for online donations.
Eyedea (real name: Michael Larsen) was respected in the hip-hop community among his peers. His notable freestyle battle wins included the televised "Blaze Battle" sponsored by HBO in 2000 and a victory at Scribble Jam in 1999.
Eyedea grew up in Saint Paul, and began touring in 1997. In 2001, he and his partner DJ Abilities released their first album, First Born, under the name Eyedea & Abilities. The year later, they followed with The Many Faces of Oliver Hart was released. Over the years, the duo dropped four more albums.
Funeral arrangements have not been announced.
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