STEVE SMITH REMEMBERED

Republic CEO Monte Lipman, DJ Premier, Hot 97's Funk Flex and former YO! MTV Raps host Ed Lover were just a few of the famous faces who showed up at Republic Records Studios in New York City on 9/17 to pay tribute to Steve Smith, who passed away in July.

The legendary radio programmer—who broke numerous hip-hop artists over the course of his career—died unexpectedly at the age of 62, leaving behind a storied legacy that will be celebrated for years to come. The photos below give an inkling as to just how much Smith was loved and respected.

Monte Lipman served as a co-host.

Lipman, John Bolous, Felicia Swerling, Smith's erstwhile partner Tim Richards and Big Loud Management's Greg Thompson, all of whom have impeccable promo cred, remembered a biz trailblazer and true mensch.

Mina Smith and Lipman

Dan Smalls, AB Butler, Funk Flex and Fatman Scoop

Rob Stone, DJ Premier and Ed Lover