February 11, 2025

Larry Smith is Hip-Hop’s Forgotten Architect

25 minutes

Before the term "super producer" became a staple in hip-hop, Larry Smith was already crafting legendary productions that shaped the genre. On this episode of Queue Points, DJ Sir Daniel and Jay Ray drop the needle on one of hip-hop’s most unsung pioneers—Larry Smith.

From his groundbreaking work with Run-D.M.C. and Whodini to his influence on the early sound of Def Jam, Smith’s musicianship set the foundation for what would become hip-hop’s golden era. But why isn’t his name as widely recognized as other production legends? The duo explores Smith’s deep roots as a bass player, his innovative production style, and why he ultimately walked away from hip-hop at its commercial peak.

Join us as we celebrate the man behind classics like ‘Sucker MCs,’ ‘Friends,’ and ‘Freaks Come Out at Night,’ and discuss how his legacy still echoes in today’s music. If you’re a fan of hip-hop history, classic beats, and deep storytelling, this episode is a must-listen.

Watch JayQuan’s “The Genius of Super Producer Larry Smith” on The Foundation: https://qpnt.net/TpWD

#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://qpnt.net/wppsub1

Chapters

00:00 Intro Theme

00:00 Welcome to the Show

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 What's Poppin' Penny? Ad

14:12 The Importance of 'Action' by Orange Crush

19:18 Larry Smith's Departure from Hip Hop