Legendary hip-hop producer and bassist, Larry Smith shaped the sound of early hip-hop and electronic music through his innovative production work and instrumental contributions. Best known for his groundbreaking collaborations with Run-DMC under Russell Simmons' direction, Smith crafted the sonic blueprint for the group's iconic sound. His bassline work on Kurtis Blow's "Christmas Rappin'" became a foundational element of early rap production, while his solo production for Whodini demonstrated his versatility in blending electronic elements with hip-hop beats.
Smith's engineering expertise and production acumen made him a crucial figure in bridging the gap between electronic music production and hip-hop's emerging sound. His work helped establish production standards for the genre during its formative years, influencing countless producers who followed.