Famed hip hop producer DJ Clark Kent, real name Rodolfo A. Franklin, has died following a long battle with colon cancer.
The music producer’s family confirmed his passing on Friday (October 25) via a statement posted on Instagram. We know that the legendary beatmaker and disc jockey has been battling an illness over the past three years, but his family sources say his health deteriorated rapidly over the past weeks before making his transition on October 25, 2024.
“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 reads. “Clark passed away Thursday evening surrounded by his devoted wife Kesha, daughter Kabriah and son Antonio. Clark quietly and valiantly 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 ask for privacy as they process this immense loss.”
DJ Clark Kent has worked with some of the biggest names in hip-hop over the decades from in the 1990s when he first made his mark on the rap scene. However, his career in rap started as far back as the 80s when he made a name for himself as a prolific DJ. His first hit song would come in 1995 with the Billboard hit “Player’s Anthem” by the legendary Junior M.A.F.I.A. and the late The Notorious B.I.G. The song peaked at No. 13 on the Hot 100 chart paving the way for the producer to work with more big names in rap at the time like Jay-Z, Mariah Carey, Shyne, and Foxy Brown, who is his cousin.
Clark Kent produced a handful of the songs on Jay-Z’s critically acclaimed album, Reasonable Doubt, including “Cashmere Thoughts” and the Biggie Smalls-assisted joint “Brooklyn’s Finest” which became a major hit in 1996.
Aside from being a prolific producer and disc jockey, DJ Clark Kent was also famous for being a sneaker aficionado. He appeared on Complex’s Sneaker Shopping show where he revealed that he has a sneaker collection of around 3,500 pairs of rare kicks. He often showcased signed sneakers on his Instagram account.
See his family’s statement below.
