Larry Smith: The Unsung Hero of Hip Hop
February 11, 202500:25:27

Larry Smith: The Unsung Hero of Hip Hop

Uncover the legacy of Larry Smith, the unsung hero of hip hop, in this episode of Queue Points podcast. Known for shaping the sounds of Run DMC, Whodini, and Kurtis Blow, Smith's groundbreaking musicianship helped define the early trajectory of hip hop and Black music culture. Before the term "super producer" was widely used, Larry Smith was crafting iconic hits like "Sucker MCs," "Freaks Come Out at Night," and "King of Rock," blending genres and creating signature sounds that set the stage for generations of artists to come. This episode dives into Smith's musicianship, his mastery of collaboration, and his role in bridging hip hop with the music industry at large.

DJ Sir Daniel and Jay Ray explore how Larry Smith's work not only laid the foundation for New Jack Swing but also influenced the ethos of legendary producers like Timbaland and Pharrell. They also discuss his decision to step away from the genre just as hip hop was entering the commercial mainstream, leaving a legacy of innovation and artistry that continues to inspire. Beyond the beats, this conversation highlights the importance of preserving and celebrating Black music history and the often-overlooked figures who shaped it.

Watch JayQuan’s “The Genius of Super Producer Larry Smith” on @TheFoundationhiphop: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DOOesXDFnPY

#LarrySmith #HipHopHistory #SuperProducer #RunDMC #Whodini #OldSchoolHipHop

This episode is sponsored by "What's Poppin' Penny?"

 Parents, caregivers, teachers and trusted adults, go on over to YouTube and subscribe to "What's Poppin' Penny?" so that your Brownstone buddies can check out the animated version of the podcast when it is released this Spring.

Subscribe by visiting: https://www.youtube.com/@heywhatspoppinpenny

Chapters
00:00 Intro Theme
00:36 Introducing Larry Smith: The Unsung Pioneer
01:30 Larry Smith's Musicianship and Production Style
03:57 The Impact of Working with a Singular Producer
05:41 Larry Smith's Collaborations and Hits
08:34 Larry Smith's Legacy and Influence
12:40 @heywhatspoppinpenny Ad
14:12 The Importance of 'Action' by Orange Crush
19:18 Larry Smith's Departure from Hip Hop
21:18 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
23:59 Supporting Queue Points Podcast
25:07 Outro Theme

Get More From Us
Pandora: https://qpnt.net/pandora
Read Our Magazine: https://magazine.queuepoints.com

Support Us
Become A Member: https://magazine.queuepoints.com
Shop Our Store: https://store.queuepoints.com
Buy Us A Coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/queuepointspod
Contribute: https://cash.app/$queuepointspod

Follow Us On Social Media
Facebook: https://facebook.com/queuepointspod
Instagram: https://instagram.com/queuepointspod
Twitter: https://twitter.com/queuepointspod
TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@queuepointspod
Larry Smith, Hip Hop History, Super Producer, Run DMC, Whodini, Old School Hip Hop, Black Music History, Hip Hop Culture, Music Podcast, DJ Sir Daniel, Jay Ray, Sucker MCs, Freaks Come Out at Night, King of Rock, Kurtis Blow, 80s Hip Hop, Music Production, Hip Hop Legends, Def Jam, New Jack Swing, Timbaland, Pharrell, Classic Hip Hop, Queue Points Podcast, What's Poppin' Penny, Kids Podcast, Animated Podcast, Hip Hop Education, Rap History, Legendary Producers,