DJ Clark Kent Dies From Colon Cancer at 57

Legendary hip-hop producer DJ Clark Kent, born Rodolfo A. Franklin, has died at age 57 after a three-year battle with colon cancer. His family shared the news on his Instagram page, saying he passed away on October 24th, surrounded by his wife, Kesha, and his children, Kabriah and Antonio.

“It is with deep sadness that we share the passing of our beloved Rodolfo A. Franklin, known as DJ Clark Kent. He fought quietly and bravely while still sharing his gifts with the world. We are grateful for everyone’s love, support, and prayers, and we ask for privacy as we cope with this loss,” the family’s statement read.

Kent’s friends and fans quickly expressed their sadness and shared memories of his influence on hip-hop. Fab 5 Freddy, a hip-hop pioneer, called him “a stand-up guy who left a deep mark on the culture.” MC Lyte, another hip-hop legend, remembered him as “the first man that believed in my voice.” Rapper Jim Jones said that Kent once encouraged him to “never stop.”

Close friend and fellow DJ Pete Rock shared stories of their friendship, which began when they were teenagers. He remembered how they would meet in Brooklyn to practice DJing together. “Thank you for all you taught me,” he wrote. “You became one of Brooklyn’s greatest producers. Rest in Power.”

DJ Clark Kent started his career in the late 1980s as a DJ for Dana Dane and often played alongside well-known DJs like Kid Capri and Funkmaster Flex in New York clubs.

He later moved into music production, creating some of hip-hop’s classic songs, like Junior M.A.F.I.A.’s “Player’s Anthem,” JAY-Z’s “Brooklyn’s Finest,” and The Notorious B.I.G.’s “Sky’s The Limit.” His remix of Mariah Carey’s “Loverboy” became a big hit, reaching #2 on Billboard’s Hot 100 chart.

Earlier in October, a false report about Kent’s death spread online, which led his friend Angie Martinez, who is currently producing a documentary about him, to correct it as untrue.

DJ Clark Kent’s legacy will live on through the music he made and the influence he had on hip-hop. Many are mourning the loss of this Brooklyn legend and celebrating the lasting impact he leaves behind.