NEW YORK – Hip-hop producer DJ Clark Kent has died after a battle with colon cancer, according to a post on his official social media account. He was 58.
“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,” they wrote. “Clark quietly and bravely 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 requests privacy as they cope with this immense loss.”
Tributes poured in.
“I’ve known you since I was 13. I took the train all the way to Brooklyn to come practice and DJ with you… I knew you were the right person if I wanted to hone my skills,” Pete Rock wrote.
“The first man to believe in my voice,” wrote MC Lyte.
“My brother is gone, it was an honor to know him. I will cherish our conversations forever. He was one of a kind and the world has lost a great one,” Kid Capri wrote.
“God bless our hero and my deepest condolences,” Killer Mike wrote.
“The world was just better with you in it,” wrote Angie Martinez, who worked on a documentary about Franklin. “You weren’t like everyone else. Your clothes were richer, your family tree more solid, the love you put into everything and everyone you touched…just hit harder. And I promise you and Kesh that I won’t sleep until we tell your story to share .”
New York Mayor Eric Adams also paid tribute.
“DJ Clark Kent cemented his legacy in the hip-hop world. He worked with the greats and became [sic] one of them. Heartbroken to hear of his passing. I send my prayers to his family and loved ones as he joins his mother Cynthia, who was a dear friend of mine,” Adams wrote on social media.
Franklin got his start in the 1980s working as Dana Dane’s DJ at various clubs in New York City. He went on to produce numerous hits, including Junior MAFIA’s ‘Players Anthem’, Jay-Z’s ‘Brookyln’s Finest’ and Mariah Carey’s ‘Loverboy’.
Other artists he has collaborated with include Queen Latifah, Doug E. Fresh, the Fugees, Rakim, Ice Cube and many more.
