DJ Clark Kent, Legendary Producer, Dead At 57

Kent is responsible for classic records from JAY-Z, The Notorious B.I.G., Mariah Carey, and more.

Bennett Raglin/Getty Images for Tres Generaciones Tequila)

DJ Clark Kent, the iconic producer behind classic records from Hip-Hop biggest names, has died at the age of 57.

The unfortunate news was confirmed via Kent, born Rodolfo A. Franklin’s, personal Instagram page. A statement from his family indicates the Brooklyn artist died Thursday, Oct. 24, after succumbing to colon cancer.

“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.”

The statement continues, “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 ask for privacy as they process this immense loss.”

NEW YORK, NEW YORK – MARCH 02: DJ Premier, DJ Clark Kent and Just Blaze attend De La Soul’s The DA.I.S.Y. Experience, produced in conjunction with Amazon Music, at Webster Hall on March 02, 2023 in New York City. (Photo by Johnny Nunez/Getty Images for Amazon)

Franklin was immediately mourned by his peers, with Fab 5 Freddy sharing of the legend, “This a great and a sad loss [prayer emoji]. A stand up guy who left a deep & resonating mark on the culture. I was honored to put him in New Jack City as a DJ in the early club scene and that’s how we became friends as he’d always thank me for that. Salute to a great one, DJ Clark Kent.”

MC Lyte dubbed the respected boardsman, “The first man that believed in my voice,” while Jim Jones declared that Kent was the “first person that told me don’t stop.”

Pete Rock, a friend of Kent’s since their teenage years, offered some insight into their relationship and unbreakable bond. “I have known you since I was 13. Taking the train all the way to Brooklyn just to come practice and dj with you. From rooftop union square latin quarter & madison square garden hanging out with. DJing on the radio with you. You showing me dj routines in my house in the basement.

“I knew you was the right person to be around if i wanted to sharpen my skills,” he went on. “Thank you for all that you have taught me fam and the special memories but i am heartbroken fam but you accomplished so much then went off to be one of Brooklyns finest producers ever. Rest In Power champ. You just around me now in a different form angel.”

See the post announcing the passing of DJ Clark Kent below.

On Oct. 16, a false announcement of DJ Clark Kent’s passing resulted in Angie Martinez — who is currently producing a documentary on the icon — releasing a statement.

“The article that The Source Mag & others have posted about the passing of Dj Clark Kent is false. Clark is home with his family. Please refrain from sharing any other false information. It is hurtful, deeply irresponsible and untrue.”

DJ Clark Kent got his start in the late 1980s as a DJ for Dana Dane, while hitting the NYC club scene with fellow turntablists like Kid Capri and Funkmaster Flex. He soon began to lean into his production talents, providing the beat for Troop’s “Spread My Wings” in 1989. He would go on to produce classics like Junior M.A.F.I.A.’s “Players Anthem,” JAY-Z’s “Brooklyn’s Finest,” “Coming Of Age,” and “Cashmere Thoughts,” The Notorious B.I.G.’s “Sky’s The Limit,” and his biggest hit, Mariah Carey’s “Loverboy (Remix),” which peaked at #2 in the US on Billboard’s Hot 100 chart.

VIBE offers its condolences to the friends, family and loved ones of the legendary DJ Clark Kent.

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