Not many may be aware of Larry Smith but the Queens musician was responsible for laying down sounds for some of the earliest mainstream Hip-Hop albums. The legendary producer passed away last night.
Larry was born in 1951 and co-produced Run DMC’s first two albums — Run-D.M.C. (1984) and King of Rock (1985). DJ Premier ranks Larry as a top 5 producer dead or alive while Run DMC’s Darryl “DMC” McDaniels called him “Rick Rubin before Rick Rubin.”
The exact reason for his death is unknown but in November 2007, Smith suffered a stroke which left him unable to speak. The news of his passing was confirmed by Combat Jack and Rev Run. Rest in peace.
Rip to the greatest hip hop producer of all times…. Larry Smith. Produced my biggest and most significant hits..
— Rev Run (@RevRunWisdom) December 19, 2014
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