New York City hip-hop pioneer DJ Clark Kent — who worked with some of the genre’s biggest names and introduced Jay-Z to Notorious B.I.G. — has died after a battle with colon cancer. He was 58.
“Clark passed away Thursday evening surrounded by his devoted wife Kesha, daughter Kabriah and son Antonio,” read a post on the official social media account of the legendary producer, real name Rodolfo Franklin.
“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,” the post said.
The Brooklyn-born DJ ascended in the New York City hip-hop scene in the 1980s, first working as DJ for rapper Dana Dane’s DJ at local clubs. As hip hop reached new peaks in the mid-90s, he had signed to work with Atlantic Records and Motown, according to The New York Times.
He produced his first hit song in 1995 with “Player’s Anthem” an iconic track by Junior M.A.F.I.A., a group formed by the late Notorious B.I.G.
In 1996, he produced three songs on Jay-Z’s debut album, “Reasonable Doubt” — including “Brooklyn’s Finest,” which featured the Notorious B.I.G. in the pair’s first collaboration after he introduced the two.
“I practically knew every rapper before they made their records,” Franklin once told Complex. “They wanted to be familiar with the D.J.s and what was happening in hip-hop. I was happening in hip-hop.”
While he never rose to the level of fame as the artists he worked with, he has producing credits with some of the biggest artists, including Kanye West, 50 Cent and Mariah Carey.
He’s also worked with Queen Latifah, Doug E. Fresh, the Fugees, Rakim, Ice Cube and more.
Tributes poured in from the music community.
“I have know you since I was 13. Taking the train all the way to Brooklyn just to come practice and DJ with you… I knew you was the right person to be around if I wanted to sharpen my skills,” producer Pete Rock posted on social media.
“My brother is gone, it has been an honor to know him, our talks I will cherish forever, he was one of a kind, and the world has lost a great one,” Kid Capri wrote.
New York City Mayor Eric Adams paid tribute to the rap icon.
“DJ Clark Kent solidified his legacy in the world of hip hop. He worked with the greats, and become [sic] one of them. Heartbroken to hear of his passing. Sending my prayers to his family and loved ones as he joins his mother Cynthia, who was a dear friend of mine,” Adams posted.
