The musician joined the band in 1989 and played on five of their albums.
"Anthony was a complex character," his brother-in-law Joe Henry wrote on social media.
The private equity pioneer was found dead in his Manhattan office on Thursday (Feb. 23).
He also wrote the lyrics for the film's "Danger Zone," performed by Kenny Loggins.
Smith was one of the last survivors of a scene of music artists who helped make New Orleans a fundamental influence on rock ‘n’ roll.
The Emmy winner and Oscar nominee befriended Stanley Kubrick on a Bronx baseball field, then scored his first four features.
His death comes just weeks before De La Soul's classic catalog is set to finally arrive on streaming and digital platforms on March 3.
"Our son was loved and gave love in return,” AKA's parents wrote in a statement.
The celebrated pop composer died Feb. 8 from natural causes.
One of the most accomplished pop music craftsmen of the 20th century, Bacharach, passed away on Wednesday at his home in Los Angeles.
