Larry Smith, the seminal producer for acts like Run DMC, Kurtis Blow and Whodini, has suffered a stroke that has hospitalized him.The debilitating stroke has rendered the 50-something Smith bedridden and the St. Albans, Queens native is currently unable to speak, according to close friend/rapper Duane Spyder D Hughes, who is 47 years old.The doctors prognosis is 85% [likelihood] of a full recovery, Spyder D told AllHipHop.com. Although he has never been in the limelight, Larry Smith is considered by many to be Hip-Hops first super producer as he churned out a number of groundbreaking songs and albums in the late 70s and throughout the 80s.Early in his Hip-Hop career, Smith crafted songs for Kurtis Blow and Grand Master Flash and the Furious Five, raps early super stars. He later produced Run DMCs first two albums, their self-titled debut (1984) and King of Rock (1985). Additionally, Smith wove a string of hits for Whodini, including their 1984 debut Escape with hits like Friends. In the 90s, Smith would go on to play bass for artists like Buck Shot of Duck Down.On Sunday, Smith wasnt feeling well, but did not go to a doctor, said Spyder D. By Monday, he had suffered a stroke and was admitted to a New York area hospital. Spyder D said that after he found out about the stroke on Wednesday, he informed a number of Smiths closest associates including members in Whodini.According to Spyder D, Smith was riding high after being acknowledged as a critical part of Whodinis success, who was honored at Hip-Hop Honors this past October. This has hit me hard. Larry taught me a lot, Spyder D said, Im just so happy that hes finally starting to get his just due.Smith was planning an album that included many of his former associates.Hip-Hop today aint what it is without Larry Smith, Spyder D concluded.
