Eyedea made a name for himself by working hard. As a young emcee, he was touted as the next best freestyle battle rapper, won a televised KRS-One hosted battle and generated a buzz after winning several competitions and releasing critically acclaimed underground albums as a solo artist (The Many Faces of Oliver Hart) and as a member of Eyedea & Abilities (First Born, E&A). He was also one of the most prominent figures within Minnesota