The influential DJ and producer Rodolfo Franklin, professionally known as DJ Clark Kent, died on 25 October 2024 after a valiant three-year fight against colon cancer. He was 58 years old. An influence in the music world of hip-hop and a sneakerhead, Kent’s body of work belled the bounds of music. His family announced his death surrounded by loved ones in a statement, citing that the iconic producer fought hard against his illness while continuing to share his talents with the world.
Kent’s career took flight in the late 1980s, starting as a DJ for Brooklyn rapper Dana Dane, before beginning to enjoy airplay on various New York City radio stations.
He received his big break in producing Junior M.A.F.I.A.’s album Conspiracy in 1995 that introduced the world to Lil’ Kim with such runaway hits as “Player’s Anthem” and “I Need You Tonight.” Shortly after, his influence continued to grow with him producing several tracks on Jay-Z’s landmark debut album, Reasonable Doubt, including the classic cuts “Brooklyn’s Finest,” “Coming of Age,” and “Cashmere Thoughts.” Kent set a new standard for New York hip-hop, and his contribution became immortal in the genre. Over the years, DJ Clark Kent worked with some of the most top-shelf names in the business.
His work with The Notorious B.I.G., Mariah Carey, 50 Cent, Kanye West, and Rakim produced several hits that have since become hip-hop classics themselves. One of the most popular projects he worked on was Mariah Carey’s “Loverboy,” off the Glitter album, which shot to No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 back in 2001. The reach of Kent into Hip Hop went well beyond New York, creating a special sound for many artists to come into their own and cementing his position as one of hip-hop’s respected producers.
In the wake of his death, artists and fans worldwide sent words of condolence in his memory. Questlove salute him as “the culture”; Raekwon talked about his legacy, saying, “we gon miss this legend.” Fabolous remembered him as someone with whom he shared memories, labeling him “an honorable father, husband, and great advice giver,” adding that Kent’s love for hip-hop and Brooklyn left an indelible mark on him. Other artists took to their social media to express some heartfelt words. Among them are Jim Jones, Dave East, DJ Jazzy Jeff, and Hit-Boy, who all managed to capture the respect and admiration Kent commanded in the industry. Foxy Brown, Kent’s cousin, has taken to her Instagram page with words of deep hurt for such a dear person to her and the music world.
Besides his music career, Kent had another thing dear: his sneakers. The dazzling collection he had was over 3,500 pairs, and he did exclusive collaborations with major companies: Nike, Adidas, and New Balance. Nike gave Ken this heartfelt tribute: for his commitment to creativity and the boundaries he pushed, and for what he meant to sneaker culture in general. “Clark’s legacy will forever inspire future talent, leaving a lasting mark on our industry.” His love for sneakers was much more than collecting; for him, sneakers were part of self-expression, an act of creativity-just like everything else he did.
An upcoming documentary, God’s Favorite DJ, led by Angie Martinez, will celebrate the life and legacy of Kent. The soon-to-be-released film chronicled his incredible journey into his cultures, influencing and irrefutable contributions to hip-hop culture and sneaker culture. DJ Clark Kent is survived by his wife, Kesha; daughter Kabriah; and his son Antonio. While the world lost a true legend, the family and fans who knew him remember much more about his great talent and unbelievable influence, his kindness, wisdom, and devotion to those who surrounded him. His music, style, and spirit will always be etched into the fabric of hip-hop. Rest in peace, DJ Clark Kent; the industry lost one of its best, and though he is gone, his legacy is sure to go on.
