Will Smiths 1st Producer & Childhood Friend Eric “Groove” Harvey Passes Away
Philadelphia hiphop producer Eric “Groove Da Moast” Harvey passed away last Thursday October 12th from what is believed to be diabetes complications.
A source close to the situation revealed that after undergoing several surgeries involving amputation over the last year,
Groove who was 58 years old & kept a positive attitude about the whole situation, unfortunately didn’t recover after the last surgery.
Who Was “Groove Da Moast”?
Back in the 80’s Before Will Smith got with Dj Jazzy Jeff & became Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince he & Groove were an incredible duo named Captain Groove & Willy Will.
In 1986 they made a demo Girls Of The World Ain’t Nothin But Trouble which eventually got picked Up By WordUp Records who quickly matched Will up with Jazzy Jeff who at the time & arguably still is Phillys Best D.J.
Without going into too much detail I can tell you personally that Groove felt slighted for not being credited as the original producer of the beat for that song. Friction ensued Groove made a stand & eventually Will went his way & we all know what happened there & Groove went his way & went on to become one of the most sought after prolific producers in Philadelphia hiphop history!
Hear Grooves Final Words On Him & Will Smith
Working with everyone from Marly Marl , Roxanne Shante, K9 Posse, Yvette Money (pictured here) plus he had his own groups & Artists, Lord Supreme, 2Kannon =Monty & Kay Swift, BSB= Born Supreme Brothers, Sinister Minister Kevee Kev & Big Ish.
Grooves Signature Sound:
Groove was a true original genius/ basement nerd almighty! Complete with all the comic books, karate movies, action figures, old records & cartoons. Plus just a cool ass genuine funny & truly good person.
His knowledge of samples & beat making was unmatched! Man when Groove made a beat for you, you couldn’t wait to run to your squad & say “check this out” cause it was not only super dope but it was mixed clear & professional!
Groove could make a fully composed track while talking to you, I can honestly say as far as production, no one in Philly had what he had. At the time , Early 90’s ,Groove had production on the level of Pete Rock or a Kieth & Hank Schocklee who produced those masterpieces for Public Enemy.
Groove was on the level of a Thelonius Monk, Miles Davis or Prince, He was very different special & unique to be around & he was 100% all about the music, not the fans nor the fame, Eric “Groove Da Moast” Harvey lived ate & slept music! Here’s his official Facebook page, check em out for yourself.
Groove you were a true pioneer & a hiphop genius you will be sadly missed but through your fans your music & legacy will live on forever.
RIP.
Abe Finklestein:
Video Clip – Dj Rock Steady I.G:
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