Eyedea & Abilities | |
---|---|
Also known as | E&A, Sixth Sense |
Origin | Saint Paul, Minnesota, United States |
Genres | Hip hop, alternative hip hop, rap rock , underground hip hop, psychedelic hip hop |
Years active | 1999–2010 |
Labels | Rhymesayers, Epitaph, Crushkill Recordings |
Members | DJ Abilities Eyedea (deceased) |
Website | myspace.com/eyedeaandabilities |
Eyedea & Abilities (often abbreviated as E&A) was an American hip hop duo from Saint Paul, Minnesota, consisting of rapper Eyedea and DJ Abilities. [1] The duo was founded in 1999 and became a prominent figure of the underground hip hop scene, becoming known for Eyedea's philosophical and socially conscious lyrics, along with DJ Abilities' dynamic experimental fusion of stylistic elements from both rap and rock, as well as electronic music. The group was active until Eyedea's death in October 2010.
Over the course of just over a decade, the duo had collaborated with many well-known hip hop groups and artists such as Aesop Rock and Sage Francis, playing a prominent role in the emerging underground rap movement. Eyedea's highly successful background work in rap battles, along with his greatly introspective, complex and poetic sense of lyrical integrity heavily influenced E&A's distinctive musical output and largely defined the group as a unique and stylistically independent presence within alternative hip hop.
Eyedea first became known around the local midwest hip hop circuit for his battling and freestyle skills. Eyedea was best known for his victory at the Blaze Battle, which was aired on HBO and hosted by KRS-One. [2] Afterwards, Eyedea went on to tour as Atmosphere with Slug and other Rhymesayers crew. DJ Abilities was known for winning two DMC awards and for his work on his mixtapes and 1200 Hobos. [3]
Eyedea & Abilities made their jump from the battle scene with the release of their debut album First Born. [4]
Following a solo effort by Eyedea in 2002 under the name Oliver Hart, Eyedea and Abilities released E&A in 2004, which returned Eyedea back to his battle rapper roots, with Vish Khanna from Exclaim! giving it a favorable review, saying: "Eyedea is a pesky braggadocio, spitting out disses like a mouthy schoolyard bully cracking his crew up at your expense." [5]
Following E&A, the duo went on an unannounced hiatus, bringing speculation that Eyedea & Abilities were no longer together. However, in August 2007, the duo announced via their MySpace that they would be at the Twin Cities Celebration of Hip Hop performing old songs, as well as new material.
Eyedea & Abilities returned to the road in the Winter of 2007 with their 'Appetite For Distraction Tour'. Accompanied by fellow Minnesota artists Kristoff Krane and Sector7G, the tour was mainly on the west coast until the Spring of 2008 when the duo brought the 'Appetite For Distraction Tour' to listeners in east coast cities. The tour has garnered excitement from fans, as E&A had taken a four-year hiatus, and the duo's next album was one of the most anticipated among the independent hip hop scene. The album By the Throat was released through Rhymesayers Entertainment on July 21, 2009. [6]
In 2007, Eyedea created a book of poetry and art with painter Louis N. LaPierre, who is also responsible for Face Candy's 'This Is Where We Were' album art. The book was titled 'Once A Queen... Always A Creep'. Only 80 copies were made. It was on sale during Eyedea & Abilities 'Appetite For Distraction' Tour. [7]
On October 16, 2010, Micheal Larsen's mother found him dead in his home as a result of an opiate toxicity. Ramsey County officials ruled the opiate overdose accidental. [8]
Eyedea & Abilities has been honored with a star on the outside mural of the Minneapolis nightclub First Avenue, [9] recognizing performers that have played sold-out shows or have otherwise demonstrated a major contribution to the culture at the iconic venue. [10] Receiving a star "might be the most prestigious public honor an artist can receive in Minneapolis," according to journalist Steve Marsh. [11]
Atmosphere is an American hip-hop duo from Minneapolis, Minnesota, consisting of rapper Slug and DJ/producer Ant. Since its formation in 1996, the group has released thirteen studio albums and ten extended plays.
Micheal David Larsen, better known by his stage name Eyedea, was an American musician, rapper, and poet. He was a freestyle battle champion and songwriter from Saint Paul, Minnesota.
Gregory Joseph Keltgen, better known by his stage name DJ Abilities, is an American underground hip hop producer and DJ signed to Rhymesayers Entertainment who is based in Minneapolis. He is a founding member of Eyedea & Abilities alongside Eyedea, and Semi.Official alongside I Self Devine. DJ Abilities is a member of 1200 Hobos and was also a member of Atmosphere at one point. He has won two regional DJ championships for the Midwest region.
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E&A is the second studio album by American hip hop duo Eyedea & Abilities. It was released on Epitaph Records and Rhymesayers Entertainment on March 23, 2004.
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Chaka Mkali, better known by his stage name I Self Devine, is an American hip hop musician based in Minneapolis. He has been a member of groups such as The Dynospectrum, Micranots, and Semi.Official. In 2012, City Pages described him as "one of the most influential voices in Minnesota hip hop."
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By the Throat is the third and final studio album by American hip hop duo Eyedea & Abilities. It was released on Rhymesayers Entertainment on July 21, 2009.
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Rhymesayers Entertainment is an American independent hip-hop record label based in Minneapolis.
Antonio Lorenzo Rosario, better known as Orikal Uno, is an American rapper and mix DJ / host of "The Check In w/ Orikal Uno" radio show on 98.9 FM KRSM (Minneapolis) "featuring nothing but the best in Twin Cities Hip-Hop, Rap, R&B and Soul music" from Saint Paul, Minnesota. Orikal Uno is also known as a visual artist; painting and shipping custom canvases and skateboards for people via multiple platforms on the internet. He is also a notable music producer and audio engineer.
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