LARRY SMITH: THE GENIUS OF RAP'S FIRST SUPER-PRODUCER

The Beginning

The role of producer in Hip-Hop has changed a few times since the first rap records arrived at the end of the 1970s. In that era bands were attempting to re create the break beats that MCs and DJs were using before rap recordings. The people credited with production on those records were either the record label owners, or in some cases the musicians who arranged the songs. In the vein of what producers did in other genres of music, the rap producer also suggested additional musicians and/or producers, arranged and helped the artists to deliver the best vocal performance for the recordings in question. Larry Smith was a musician and multi-instrumentalist before rap records existed. He played on some of the very first rap records and was later responsible for recordings that caused a paradigm shift in the sound and direction of rap as a recorded medium.

The Jamaica Kats

Larry Smith was born and raised in St. Albans, Queens and was part of a burgeoning group of musicians who were merging elements of jazz and funk and called themselves the Jamaica Kats. The Kats consisted of Donald Blackmon, Tom Browne, Bernard Wright, Omar Hakim, Bobby Broom and they were mentored by jazz titans Weldon Irvine and Lenny White. As early as 1967, Larry was playing on records with a group called The Fire Bolts (Bernard Wright played with the Junior Fire Bolts) who were known for winning local battle of the band competitions. Smith also traveled with a band called Lighter Shade of Darkness, and released records with blues artist Jerry Washington.

READ THE FULL STORY AT ROCK THE BELLS

Views: 87

Reply to This

Best guide to hip hop, soul, reggae concerts & events in San Francisco Bay Area, Los Angeles & New York City + music, videos, radio and more

Connect

Bookmark and Share

Subscribe to E-Blast

WIN TICKETS

All-4-One
Saturday, Mar 9 @ Yoshi's, Oakland

Loose Ends
Friday-Saturday, Mar 22-23 @ Yoshi's, Oakland

Ledisi
Sunday, Apr 14 @ Fox Theater, Oakland

Steel Pulse
Thursday, Apr 18 @ UC Theatre, Berkeley

Members

Photos

  • Add Photos
  • View All

Groups

Latest Activity

Editor's Pick posted discussions
2 hours ago
realmuzik posted discussions
18 hours ago
Artistpr posted a blog post

Introducing Vons WRLD: A Rising Musical Talent Emerges from Omaha, Nebraska

Oakland, California — At just 17 years old, Von Williams or professionally known as emerging artist Vons WRLD is already making waves in the music industry with his powerful storytelling and captivating melodies. Born in Omaha, Nebraska, and raised in the vibrant musical landscape of Atlanta, Georgia, Vons WRLD draws inspiration from his diverse upbringing to create music that resonates with audiences worldwide.Despite facing the challenges of a rough childhood, Vons WRLD found solace and…See More
yesterday
realmuzik posted discussions
yesterday
Editor's Pick posted discussions
Tuesday
Editor's Pick posted discussions
Monday
Tampa Mystic posted a blog post

Young Zeek IS Back With New Single Blue Vibes Feat MJ Robinson

Rap artist Young Zeek continues to push the boundaries of what it takes to become a great artist. He's dropping the 4th project out of the "Blow" series and he continues to put out classic hip hop music. YZ released eleven projects independently on Royalty Gang Records, he's an underground legend that is making his mark on the hip hop scene. He selects amazing beats, has an original flow and charm that has the ladies falling in love with the rapper. "Blow 4" is amazing from start to finish, his…See More
Monday
Editor's Pick posted discussions
Saturday
Editor's Pick posted discussions
Mar 22
realmuzik posted discussions
Mar 22
Artistpr posted a blog post

Shyne’ce Love – Triumph Over Adversity Through Melodic Hip Hop and Classical Expressions

From personal loss to musical enlightenment, New Orleans singer-songwriter Shyne’ce paves journey towards healing and empowermentNew Orleans, Louisiana —Shyne’ce Love’s story is one of heartbreaking losses and remarkable recovery, a narrative that she weaves into her groundbreaking music. Her new single, “Broken Hearted” is a sublime and…See More
Mar 22
Editor's Pick posted videos
Mar 21

© 2024   Created by Ren the Vinyl Archaeologist.   Powered by

Badges  |  Report an Issue  |  Terms of Service