DJ Clark Kent, a prominent hip-hop producer renowned for his collaborations with stars such as Jay-Z, Mariah Carey, and The Notorious B.I.G., has passed away at the age of 58, as confirmed by his family through social media.
According to the announcement, Kent, whose real name was Rodolfo Franklin, had been fighting colon cancer for three years and died on Thursday evening in the presence of his family.
“It is with deep sadness that we share the passing of the beloved Rodolfo A. Franklin, known to the world as DJ Clark Kent,” the family’s post stated. “He passed away Thursday evening surrounded by his devoted wife Kesha, daughter Kabriah, and son Antonio. Clark quietly battled colon cancer for three years while continuing to share his gifts with the world. The family appreciates everyone’s love, support, and prayers during this difficult time and asks for privacy as they mourn this great loss.”
Kent’s music career began in the 1980s in Brooklyn, where he worked as a DJ for rapper Dana Dane. In 1995, he hit a career milestone by producing Junior M.A.F.I.A.’s debut single, “Player’s Anthem,” which featured Biggie Smalls and introduced Lil’ Kim to the music scene. The following year, he played a key role in Jay-Z’s debut album, Reasonable Doubt, producing tracks like “Brooklyn’s Finest,” “Cashmere Thoughts,” and “Coming of Age.” Additionally, in 2001, he achieved success with the production of Mariah Carey’s “Loverboy” from her film debut Glitter.
Over the years, Kent collaborated with various artists including Queen Latifah, Ye, Redman, 50 Cent, Estelle, Slick Rick, and Mona Lisa. He was also known for his extensive sneaker collection, boasting around 3,500 pairs and partnering with brands such as Nike, Adidas, and New Balance.
Many artists took to social media to express their condolences following Kent’s passing. Grammy-winning musician Questlove remarked, “Clark will forever be the culture.” Rapper Foxy Brown, who is also Kent’s cousin, posted, “LOVE YOU KESH! MY BIG COUSIN WHO STARTED ALL THIS SH– FOR US! WE LOVE YOU TONY!”
Kent is the focus of an upcoming documentary by Angie Martinez, a veteran in New York City hip-hop radio and a close friend. In a recent interview with Modern Luxury, Martinez expressed her belief that Kent’s story should be told with affection and care, highlighting his enduring authenticity and contribution over four decades. She noted, “His DNA is splattered throughout the culture in a way that deserves to be explored, not just for the purpose of telling his story, but for learning and ensuring that we operate in a way that preserves the culture honorably.”