Run-DMC Producer Larry Smith Dead at 63, Russell Simmons and Darryl McDaniels Respond on Twitter

Prior to the Rick Rubin-produced "Walk This Way" remix featuring Run-DMC and Aerosmith, there was Larry Smith. The legendary producer was the mastermind behind the rap trio's first two groundbreaking albums, Run-DMC and King of Rock. Russell Simmons and Darryl McDaniels both took to Twitter to honor Smith, who died recently at the age of 63.

It was Smith's idea, Rolling Stone notes, to include guitarist Eddie Martinez on the first two DMC albums. The axeman shredded on singles like "Rock Box" and "King of Rock," setting the foundation for the genre bending that would spawn duets like Anthrax and Public Enemy.

Early in his career, Smith was a session musician -- a position that led him to Kurtis Blow. The pair collaborated on a few tunes like "Christmas Rappin'" and Blow's hit record, The Breaks. Smith also went on to work with Whodini, producing the trio's first two albums, Escape and Back in Black.

Combat Jack broke the news on Twitter yesterday (Dec. 19).

Tags

Run DMC, Aerosmith, Rick Rubin, Russell Simmons, Anthrax, Public Enemy