RIP Eyedea: Defining Michael Larsen’s Legacy
“Hip hop ain’t dead,” seems like such a figurative statement; something that inspires hope and reinvigorates the souls of fans around the world. It translates across languages and breaks down barriers to resonate the message of hip hop culture — quite literally, a culture of making something from nothing.
But, death, unfortunately, isn’t just a figure of speech. It’s a real thing. It causes devastation, heartbreak, emptiness, sadness, pain and anger. This week many of us found out what it feels like to lose someone first-hand.
On Sunday, October 17, Michael Larsen, aka Eyedea, was discovered to have passed away in his home. His mother was the first one to find him.
To call this a tragic loss for the hip hop world wouldn’t serve justice to Michael’s legacy as a friend, as a family member and as an artist.
As someone who’s enjoyed being in the presence of Mike and his music on multiple occasions, the only word to describe my personal feelings about his passing is: Crushed. I am incredibly saddened and deeply regretful for not having had a chance to get to know Michael more personally.
I was never able to really consider myself a personal friend of Eyedea’s, having only spoken to him in passing at shows and events. But, I can tell you that it truly feels as though I’ve lost someone close to me, someone that I’ve spent a lifetime knowing – even though I haven’t actually.
It seems as though spending years listening to his music and taking in his presence at live performances has placed him as close to me as anyone that I’ve ever known. More close than probably each and every person that I’ve grown up knowing since even my earliest school years. I feel like I’ve lost a best friend.
I can’t even begin to imagine how his passing has impacted those who were actually close to him. My heart goes out to his friends and family, whether it be by blood, or by sweat and tears. I hope I can speak for all of the passionate fans that have come to love Eyedea’s witty, soul-searching and incredible lyrical ability when I say that we are here for you in your time of mourning.
It’s this type of loss that can be a truly unifying experience. One that, much like the message mentioned earlier, breaks down barriers. In all its tragedy and heartbreak is something beautiful and inspiring. And, I think that, much like a fallen tree replenishes the soil and helps the forest grow, that Michael would hope his passing would trigger not immense sadness, but a re-envisioned sense of duty to carry the torch of the culture that defined him as a person and as an artist.
Even though I’ve been deeply shaken by the loss of one of my favorite artists, I am making a commitment not to be held back. Instead, I will move forward, keeping the memory of Michael Larsen close at hand, using it as a reminder to keep moving forward and doing good for hip hop. Doing good for Eyedea.
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