The legendary DJ founded Phuture and birthed a genre.

DJ Spank-Spank (aka Earl Smith Jr.), who formed the iconic electronic trio Phuture alongside DJ Pierre and Herb J, died today.

The news of his death was originally announced by The Black Madonna on Twitter and then confirmed on Phuture’s Facebook page. No cause of death has been disclosed, but Smith did suffer a stroke this past May.

“Spank is (was) a legend. We will for certian [sic] continue the work he’s started on his final album project and his innovations in music. Please for now: Pray for his family and DJ Pierre his brother. Allow them time to grieve. We will come back with news,” wrote Phuture’s manager Dragan Greensmith.

Though Spank-Spank had a long running career on his own and alongside his bandmates, he will be forever remembered for the 1987 single ‘Acid Tracks’ which in just under 12-and-a-half minutes essentially birthed the genre of acid house.

It is a landmark piece of music that he will never be forgotten for. Revisit or discover it below.