DJ Clark Kent, the acclaimed hip-hop producer known for his collaborations with powerhouse artists 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 on social media.
The family revealed that Kent, born Rodolfo Franklin, had been battling colon cancer for three years and died Thursday evening surrounded by his family. In a heartfelt statement, they expressed their deep sorrow, saying, “It is with deep sadness that we share the passing of the beloved Rodolfo A. Franklin, known to the world as DJ Clark Kent. Clark passed away Thursday evening surrounded by his devoted wife Kesha, daughter Kabriah, and son Antonio. Clark quietly and valiantly fought a three-year battle with colon cancer while continuing to share his gifts with the world. The family is grateful for everyone’s love, support, and prayers during this time and asks for privacy as they process this immense loss.”
Kent launched his music career in Brooklyn during the 1980s as a DJ for rapper Dana Dane. He gained significant recognition in 1995 when he produced Junior M.A.F.I.A.’s successful debut single “Player’s Anthem,” featuring Biggie Smalls, which also served as an introduction for Lil’ Kim. The following year, he played a crucial role in the creation of Jay-Z’s debut album, “Reasonable Doubt,” producing tracks like “Brooklyn’s Finest,” “Cashmere Thoughts,” and “Coming of Age.” In 2001, he produced Mariah Carey’s hit “Loverboy” from her film debut Glitter.
Throughout his career, Kent collaborated with numerous influential artists, including Queen Latifah, Ye, Redman, 50 Cent, Estelle, Slick Rick, and Mona Lisa. Known for his extensive sneaker collection of approximately 3,500 pairs, he also collaborated with brands like 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, shared a touching message, saying, “LOVE YOU KESH! MY BIG COUSIN WHO STARTED ALL THIS SH– FOR US! WE LOVE YOU TONY!”
Additionally, a documentary about Kent is in the works by Angie Martinez, a long-time friend and prominent figure in New York City hip-hop radio. In a recent interview, Martinez highlighted Kent’s importance to the culture, stating, “It’s my genuine belief that his story deserves to be told with love and care. The man has operated through four decades, four different eras of the culture, and at a high level. But he’s always operated with so much authenticity and purpose. His DNA is splattered throughout the culture in a way that deserves to be explored.”