DJ Clark Kent, the acclaimed hip-hop producer known for his collaborations with stars like Jay-Z, Mariah Carey, and The Notorious B.I.G., has passed away at the age of 58, according to a family announcement on social media.
The statement revealed that Kent, whose real name was Rodolfo Franklin, had been fighting colon cancer for the past three years. He died surrounded by family on Thursday evening.
“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 Instagram post stated. “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’s music career began in 1980s Brooklyn as a DJ for rapper Dana Dane. He achieved significant success in 1995 with Junior M.A.F.I.A.’s debut single “Player’s Anthem,” featuring Biggie Smalls and introducing Lil’ Kim to the public. The following year, he played a key role in producing Jay-Z’s debut album, Reasonable Doubt, contributing tracks such as “Brooklyn’s Finest,” “Cashmere Thoughts,” and “Coming of Age.” In 2001, he produced Mariah Carey’s hit “Loverboy” from her film debut, Glitter.
Over the years, Kent collaborated with a number of prominent artists, including Queen Latifah, Ye, Redman, 50 Cent, Estelle, Slick Rick, and Mona Lisa. He was also known for being a passionate sneaker collector, amassing approximately 3,500 pairs and working with brands like Nike, Adidas, and New Balance.
His passing has prompted tributes from fellow artists, including Grammy-winning musician Questlove, who noted, “Clark will forever be the culture.” Rapper Foxy Brown, who is also Kent’s cousin, expressed her love, writing, “LOVE YOU KESH! MY BIG COUSIN WHO STARTED ALL THIS SH– FOR US! WE LOVE YOU TONY!”
Kent’s life and career are set to be explored in an upcoming documentary by Angie Martinez, a longtime friend and prominent figure in New York City hip-hop radio. In a recent interview, Martinez emphasized the importance of Kent’s story, stating, “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.”