Larry Smith
b. Hollis, Queens, New York, USA. Smith formed Orange Crush (which also featured Davey DMX—or Davey D—and Trevor Gale), in his first foray into hip hop. After which he would go on to become one of rap music's most important producers. His credits included work with Jimmy Spicer and early Kurtis Blow, before he oversaw the first two Run D.M.C. albums. In the process he helped to create the spare, minimalist rhythm tracks and sound which would define the ‘new school’. His influence waned as the '80s progressed, though he did helm three albums by Whodini.