Beloved underground hip hop artist Eyedea, born Michael Larson, passed away last Saturday of as-yet-unannounced causes at the age of 28.  An event in celebration of Larson’s life will be held in Minnesota early next month.

Best known for his work with Eyedea & The Abilities, Larson was a notable freestylist and underground hip hop sensation who established his name by touring the rap battle circuit starting in 1997.  Later in his career, he became involved with acts such as Face Candy and Carbon Carousel and also performed under the pseudonym Oliver Hart.

Larson’s mother addressed the emcee’s death in the form of a letter to her son in a press release sent out today:

“Dear Son,

Always remember that whereever you go and what ever you do my love will always be with you. I knew before you were born that you were going to affect the world. I didn’t know how or with what gift, but now I do. You have given me the most joy, trouble, happiness, and pain. Now it’s time for the rest of us to step up and be the humans you know we can be. All my love,

-Mom”

Larson’s public wake will be held this coming Thursday at the Crowne Plaza St. Paul Riverfront, Minnesota Grand Ballroom in the artist’s home town of St. Paul, Minnesota from 7:30 – 10:00PM.

A celebration of Larson’s life will be held November 9 at the First Avenue Mainroom in Minneapolis, MN starting at 5:00 pm.  There is no current guest list, but tickets ($20) will go on sale at Etix at 5:00 pm this coming Monday.