{"title":"Eyedea and Abilities","description":null,"products":[{"product_id":"first-born-20th-anniversary-edition","title":"First Born (20th Anniversary Edition)","description":"\u003cp\u003eMicheal “Eyedea” Larsen and Gregory “DJ Abilities” Keltgen first met in the mid-90s and soon began a working relationship that would play a prominent role in the burgeoning Indie-Rap movement of the time. After numerous successes across nearly every notable MC or DJ battle of the late ‘90s and early ‘00s, including HBO’s Blaze Battle, the Rocksteady Anniversary, Scribble Jam, the DMC’s and more, they had already cemented their legacies both as individuals in the battle scene and as the dynamic duo, Eyedea and Abilities, for their live performances and showmanship. However, determined not to be dismissed as one-dimensional, they set out to prove they were to be taken just as seriously at writing and recording. Together, they developed a near symbiotic creative union that produced three albums—\u003ci\u003eFirst Born; E\u0026amp;A\u003c\/i\u003e; and \u003ci\u003eBy The Throat\u003c\/i\u003e—before Eyedea tragically passed away in 2010, at the age of 28.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe release of their debut album, \u003ci\u003eFirst Born\u003c\/i\u003e, had revealed their talents to be much more versatile and expansive than previously expected. The boastful arrogance and punchlines that had become synonymous with battling were notably scarce on the album. Eyedea chose to tackle subjects that were more conceptual and philosophical in nature, focusing on matters of reality and altered states of perception while pushing his urgent, dense delivery into darker, more abstract terrain. Meanwhile, DJ Abilities was able to craft worlds of depth and emotion, pairing hauntingly suspenseful beats with meticulous turntablism. The resulting album was rich in ambition, ideas and humanity. \u003ci\u003eFirst Born\u003c\/i\u003e came at the forefront of an exciting new era of underground hip-hop, delivering messages that emphasized questions over answers, ambiguity over certainty, and self-expression over exploitation, to an audience that was eager to expand their horizons beyond the commercial programming and clichés of the time.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Rhymesayers Entertainment","offers":[{"title":"Clear | LP | x3","offer_id":50426293092683,"sku":"1147048","price":54.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"CD","offer_id":50426292306251,"sku":"1147047","price":14.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0867\/1120\/6219\/files\/82424169-2754-40b0-81fe-1012cc68b002_thumbnail_4096.jpg?v=1726806730"},{"product_id":"first-born","title":"First Born","description":"\u003cp\u003eFirst Born is as integral to Minnesota rap as any album from that scene, including work from superstars like Atmosphere. It’s a perfect encapsulation of the city’s sound at a time when it was still being created. In Abilities’ own words, “It really sounds like a Minnesota winter.” While being transported to sub-zero temperatures doesn’t sound particularly appealing as we slog through a quarantined winter, the familiar sounds of First Born are a soothing balm.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Vinyl Me Please","offers":[{"title":"Maroon LP","offer_id":50495777538379,"sku":"2225083","price":42.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0867\/1120\/6219\/files\/test_ff945c30_thumbnail_4096.jpg?v=1727714521"},{"product_id":"by-the-throat-10-year-anniversary-edition","title":"By The Throat (10 Year Anniversary Edition)","description":"\u003cp\u003eAfter numerous successes across nearly every notable MC\/DJ battle of the late 90's and early 00's, followed by their poignant debut, \u003ci\u003eFirst Born\u003c\/i\u003e (2001), and the innovative follow-up, \u003ci\u003eE\u0026amp;A\u003c\/i\u003e (2004), Eyedea and Abilities expanded upon their reputation for multi-dimensional lyricism and production, establishing the duo as a progressive and integral part of the underground hip-hop sound. In 2009, they re-emerged with rap-punk vocals, gutted guitar riffs, and synthesized drum beats on\u003ci\u003e By The Throat\u003c\/i\u003e, their final studio release before Eyedea's untimely passing in 2010. Together, the experimental and philosophical rapper Eyedea, synchronizing with the precision and ingenuity of producer \/ turntablist Abilities, curated a raw form of escapism that still resonates ten years later. While a song like \"Spin Cycle\" delicately unravels the barriers of human intimacy, “Smile” immerses us into the horrors of poverty and hardships, and our society's obliviousness to them. In each track, Abilities compliments Eyedea’s fluctuating patterns by maintaining ranges from each side of the spectrum, ensuring their advanced creation still stands as a testament of their dedication to the craft. Now, the long out-of-print vinyl is being reissued for the 10 year anniversary on a custom formulated watercolour swirl vinyl, wrapped art paper jacket of original watercolor artwork by Michael Gaughan with film lamination finish, full color printed record sleeve, insert with full album lyrics and free download card.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Rhymesayers Entertainment","offers":[{"title":"LP","offer_id":50499245605195,"sku":"1114440","price":32.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0867\/1120\/6219\/files\/15be6166-1876-4e18-bcf8-7cf30b7f02a1_thumbnail_4096.png?v=1727771256"},{"product_id":"ea-3","title":"EA","description":"\u003cp\u003eCross merchandise with Eyedea, DJ Abilities, Face Candy, Atmosphere, Brother Ali, Blueprint, Rhymesayers. Special 20th anniversary re-press of out-of-print vinyl release. Vinyl packaging includes gatefold jacket with full colour printed record sleeves. Written by Eyedea, produced by DJ Abilities, guest appearance by Carnage the Executioner. E\u0026amp;A album sales to date 62k+ to date. E\u0026amp;A album streams to date 1.87M+ to date. Celebrate two decades of lyrical genius and innovative sound with this 20th anniversary re-press of Eyedea \u0026amp; Abilities' seminal album, E\u0026amp;A. Originally released in 2004, this album is a masterclass in expressive ingenuity and sonic experimentation. Eyedea’s profound storytelling and introspective themes resonate deeply, inviting listeners on a journey through the complexities of identity, existence, and the human experience. Paired with DJ Abilities' exceptional production and turntablism, E\u0026amp;A creates a soundscape that is both rich and original, making it a standout in the genre. Critically acclaimed upon its release, E\u0026amp;A garnered praise for its unique blend of styles and thought-provoking lyrics. Tracks like \"Now\" showcase the technical precision of each artist—with Eyedea's reflective depth complemented by Abilities' infectious rhythms and razor sharp cuts. Together, the pair masterfully blend introspection and energy, making \"Now\" a powerful anthem for anyone seeking to navigate life's complexities. Meanwhile, \"Paradise\" is a mesmerizing exploration of the pursuit of happiness and the nuances of human desire. The song balances vulnerability with an impactful message about the human condition, evoking a wide range of emotions and making it both relatable and impactful. E\u0026amp;A stands out as a highlight in the duo's discography, showcasing their unique ability to blend profound lyrical content with inventive production, and solidifying Eyedea \u0026amp; Abilities' place as innovators in the hip-hop genre. A must-have for anyone who appreciates the art of storytelling and the power of music—grab your copy of E\u0026amp;A and join the celebration. \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Rhymesayers Entertainment","offers":[{"title":"Black LP","offer_id":51005065593163,"sku":"2237156","price":29.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0867\/1120\/6219\/files\/EA_cbdc3acd_thumbnail_4096.jpg?v=1735230568"}],"url":"https:\/\/shop.roughtrade.com\/collections\/eyedea-and-abilities.oembed","provider":"Rough Trade","version":"1.0","type":"link"}