October 26, 2024: Legendary hip-hop producer DJ Clark Kent, born Rodolfo A. Franklin, has passed away at the age of 58 after a three-year battle with colon cancer.
His family shared the news on social media, revealing that he passed peacefully on Thursday evening, surrounded by his wife, Kesha, daughter Kabriah, and son Antonio. The family expressed gratitude for the outpouring of love and support, requesting privacy during this difficult time.
Starting his career in Brooklyn during the 1980s, Kent worked as a DJ for Dana Dane before rising to prominence in 1995 with Junior M.A.F.I.A.’s hit “Player’s Anthem,” which featured The Notorious B.I.G. and introduced Lil’ Kim to the music scene. His role as a producer on Jay-Z’s 1996 debut album, Reasonable Doubt, cemented his legacy, contributing to iconic tracks like “Brooklyn’s Finest” and “Coming of Age.”
In 2001, Kent collaborated with Mariah Carey on her hit single “Loverboy” from the Glitter soundtrack, and over the years, he produced music for artists like Queen Latifah, Ye, Redman, 50 Cent, and Estelle.
Many in the hip-hop community paid tribute to Kent. Questlove of The Roots commented, “Clark will forever be the culture,” while Foxy Brown, his cousin, shared a heartfelt message: “LOVE YOU KESH! MY BIG COUSIN WHO STARTED ALL THIS SH– FOR US! WE LOVE YOU TONY!”
Kent was also known for his passion for sneaker culture, owning an impressive collection of over 3,500 pairs and collaborating with brands like Nike, Adidas, and New Balance. His contributions to hip-hop and influence on sneaker culture have left an indelible mark, inspiring fans and artists worldwide. His legacy will endure as a cornerstone of hip-hop history.
