DJ Clark Kent has died at the age of 58 after a battle with colon cancer

October 26, 2024

DJ Clark Kent, a super-producer who helped create hits for artists such as Mariah Carey and The Notorious BIG, has fought a three-year battle with colon cancer.

DJ Clark Kent, a super-producer who helped create hits for artists such as Mariah Carey and The Notorious BIG, has died aged 58 following a three-year battle with colon cancer.

Conformable deadlineKent’s family said in a statement announced on social media that Kent, whose real name is Rodolfo Franklin, died surrounded by his family and loved ones on October 24.

RIP DJ Clark Kent

DJ for Dana Dane. produced for BIG, Jay, 50, Slick Rick, Rakim, Das EFX, Poor Righteous Teachers, Redman, Freddie Foxxx, Keith Murray…

A&R at Atlantic. introduced Dame to Hov. introduced BIG to Hov. Shyne discovered.

legend pic.twitter.com/27L0DOqc2h

— Pack Pistol Pazzy (سيف الله) (@vinnie_paz) October 26, 2024

Today, we honor the life and legacy of DJ Clark Kent, a true luminary in the world of hip-hop. With a career spanning over five decades, Clark Kent was not just a DJ, but a visionary, producer and cultural ambassador who was instrumental in shaping the sound of hip hop. pic.twitter.com/SM5XknMghF

— The Hip Hop Museum (@thhmuseum) October 25, 2024

According to the statement, “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 statement continued: “Clark died Thursday evening surrounded by his devoted wife Kesha, daughter Kabriah and son Antonio. Clark quietly and courageously fought a three-year battle with Colon Cancer, continuing to share his gifts with the world. The family is grateful for everyone’s love, support and prayers during this time and requests privacy as they process this tremendous loss.”

Kent began his career in the 1980s and was introduced to the world as a DJ for Dana Dane on Dane’s 1987 debut album ‘Dana Dane With Fame’.

Kent went on to produce records for Jay-Z, 50 Cent, Slick Rick, Rakim, among others.

Kent is also the cousin of iconic ’90s rapper Foxy Brown, who left a comment under the post to the family on Clark’s Instagram account.

“I LOVE YOU KESH! MY BIG COUSIN WHO STARTED FOR US! WE LOVE YOU TONY!” Brown wrote.

Kent is the subject of the upcoming documentary God’s Favorite DJ: The Story of DJ Clark Kent directed by radio personality Angie Martinez, a close friend of Kent’s.

Before Kent died, Martinez said Modern luxury“It is my genuine belief that his story deserves to be told with love and care. And the thing I love so much about him is that he’s a purist. Man has operated through four decades, four different epochs of culture, and at a high level. But he always operated with such authenticity and purpose. Our culture has become this very transactional experience for people.”

Martinez continued: “Sure, he’s a great businessman, but he’s really driven by art and culture. And there aren’t that many stories rooted in that anymore. Its DNA is scattered throughout the culture in a way that deserves to be explored, not only for the purpose of telling its story, but also to learn and ensure that we all function in a way that keeps the culture so honorable. “

Conformable The Hollywood Reporter, the project received Kent’s approval.

“I am honored to have Angie Martinez direct. Her entire career has been rooted in telling stories in a beautiful and meaningful way. Angie is a true hip-hop icon and we are very fortunate to have her at the helm of this project,” Kent said in a statement.

Kent is survived by his wife, Kesha; his daughter, Kabriah; and his son, Antonio; as well as a host of family members and the greater Hip-Hop community.