Rest In Peace Lovebug Starski: A Founder of Hip-Hop

Kevin "Lovebug Starski" Smith 

May 16, 1960 - February 8, 2018 

You ever wondered where hip-hop got its name? Look no further than Kevin Smith, better known as, Lovebug Starski. One of the pioneers of Hip Hop, he was credited with giving the movement its name in the late 70s. Its said that when he owned the Bronx party scene as a DJ (house DJ for the infamous Dico Fever), he would include the term in his sets... so much so, that it stuck. His 1986 hit, Amityville (The House on The Hill), a parody based on the movie, was his most successful record but his mark on Hip-Hop surpassed just hit records. Starski was every DJ's favorite DJ. His knowledge of the art made him a vessel of knowledge and love for the craft. Public Enemy's Chuck D once said of Lovebug Starski:

 “A pioneer who excelled before and after the recording line of ’79, the year when rap records began. "He DJ’ed for the great MCs and MC’ed with the great DJs."

Starski is survived by his mother, Martha Bowes; his two sisters, Kim Shaw and Karen Rivers; his two daughters, Tiffany Williams and Bryanna Smith; and two granddaughters. He will be sorely missed.