Verysickbeats Breaks Down Larry Smith’s Beat Magic

Larry Smith: The Unsung Hero of Hip Hop Beats

Verysickbeats kicks off his video by throwing some much-deserved praise at Larry Smith, a pioneering producer who doesn’t always get the shout-outs he deserves. Larry was a trailblazer, working with legends like Run-D.M.C and contributing to hip hop’s foundational sound. This dude wasn’t just about the music; he was transforming the auditory landscape of the streets, giving it that gritty, authentic flair. JFilt, the mastermind behind Verysickbeats, does a great job highlighting Smith’s crucial role in shaping an era where beats started to really “slap” harder than grandma’s Sunday pancakes. By dissecting these works, JFilt doesn’t just pay homage; he schools us on why Larry’s contributions remain pivotal. It’s not every day you see someone break down the DNA of hip hop with such flair and respect.

"He's actually one of the first super producers in hip hop history."

© Screenshot/Quote: Verysickbeats (YouTube)

Planet Rock Vibes: The Making of "It's Like That"

"I want to really highlight that in this video because, you know, you have a lot of talks about people biting..."

© Screenshot/Quote: Verysickbeats (YouTube)

In the video, JFilt breaks down how Larry Smith reworked the energetic vibes of Afrika Bambaataa’s “Planet Rock” into the seminal track “It’s Like That” by Run-D.M.C. It’s not a simple copy-paste job; it’s a tapestry of creative reinvention. Larry took the bones of Planet Rock but added his own spin with slower beats per minute and unique drum programming. Verysickbeats dives into the nitty-gritty, showing us how the DNA of one beat transforms into something fresh and vibrant, much like a street vendor turning yesterday’s veggies into today’s amazing stew. As Larry himself quoted, he loved working from inspiration but always kept his creations in his own tempo—literally. Slowing down the BPMs to match his vibe, Larry showed us that it’s not always about being fast and furious. JFilt makes it crystal clear that remixing isn’t just a modern DJ’s game; it’s been in the toolkit of beatmakers from day one.

Tech Tools of a Beat Wizard

Larry Smith was no stranger to using tech to make magic happen. JFilt walks viewers through the gear that helped Larry bring his beats to life. The Oberheim DMX and Prophet 5 were key players, providing that hard-hitting, distinct sound that echoed through the concrete jungle. Verysickbeats explains how Smith’s choice of equipment wasn’t just about shiny gear, but about crafting sounds that could shake the tape-deck lids off boom boxes nationwide. Using these tools, Larry kept his sound fresh and innovative, avoiding the temptation to just recycle what was already out there. You see, folks, having the right gear is like having the secret sauce for your street tacos—without it, it just ain’t the same. Yet, it’s the way Larry used these tools that made him the genius he is remembered as, bringing an integrity to his sound that was both clear and unmistakable.

Sampling: A Tug-of-War Between Artists

JFilt takes a deep dive into the hot-button topic of sampling in music. On one end, we have Larry Smith, who had a strong aversion to the practice, viewing it as a shortcut that shouldn’t replace true musicianship. On the flip side, JFilt himself embraces sampling, seeing it as a collaborative craft, bringing different elements together to create something unique. It’s kind of like the hip hop version of using leftovers to create a meal that’s even better than the original. Through this dialogue, Verysickbeats shows us that inspiration can bloom in many ways, and what might be one artist’s taboo is another’s treasure trove of possibilities. Despite their differing views, the video makes it clear that both perspectives have their place in music production, illustrating a mosaic where tradition and innovation dance together. That’s the beauty of hip hop—it always finds a way to mash up the old and the new, creating tunes that resonate through time.

"People sample my work now and I don't mind taking their money."

© Screenshot/Quote: Verysickbeats (YouTube)

Crafting Your Unique Beat

The video doesn’t stop at just the history lesson; it delves deep into the techniques Larry Smith employed to make his beats legendary. Verysickbeats highlights how Smith managed to use a minimal number of tracks—think five or six max—to craft songs that seemed rich and complex. By demonstrating this, JFilt ignites inspiration for other musicians to experiment with less-is-more approaches. The focus is on developing a sound that is distinctively yours, drawing from inspirations without stealing the spotlight. It’s kind of like building a mixtape that defines your summer but making sure each track is distinctly flavored by your own vibe. Verysickbeats breaks down how to parallel Smith’s innovation without becoming a copycat. It’s about merging your own flair with techniques from the greats to create something that genuinely bumps in the club.

Inspiration vs. Imitation: Finding Your Voice

To wrap things up, JFilt takes us to the heart of the message—understanding the distinction between inspiration and imitation is crucial for any creator. He emphasizes the importance of drawing the line between borrowing vibes and merely photocopying someone else’s work. With his signature upbeat style, Verysickbeats encourages his viewers to walk the tightrope of originality, taking cues from legends like Larry Smith, but always adding personal flavor. It’s like taking the best chili recipe from a barbecue master but throwing in your secret ingredient that makes it unmistakably yours. The takeaway? In music production, creativity thrives when influences are acknowledged but not directly duplicated. JFilt leaves us with the challenge to respect the roots while nurturing our own sound gardens, ensuring that the beat of genuine creativity never skips a beat.