DJ Clark Kent – born Rodolfo Franklin – has died aged 58 after a three-year battle with colon cancer. Clark Kent's family confirmed his death in a statement posted on the blockbuster's Instagram page on Friday afternoon (October 25).
“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 read. “Clark died Thursday afternoon surrounded by his devoted wife Kesha, daughter Kabriah and son Antonio.”
The post went on to touch on Clark Kent's private battle with cancer. “Clark quietly and bravely fought colon cancer while continuing to share his gifts with the world,” they added. “The family is grateful for everyone's love, support and prayers during this time and requests privacy as they process this tremendous loss.”
An emotional outpouring of support came from the pioneering producer's peers, friends and fans in his comments section.
“Clark will forever be the culture,” Questlove wrote, while Raekwon added: “Awwww mannnnn. we will miss this legend. condolences to loved ones.
There were also tributes from Jim Jones, Dave East, Mickey Factz, Laura Styles, Rob Markman and more.
The Superman frontman got his start as a DJ in the '80s before scoring his first big hit in 1995, producing Junior MAFIA and Notorious BIG's “Player's Anthem,” which reached No. 13 on the Billboard Hot 100 and served as Lil' Kim's introduction to the world.
Clark Kent linked up with Jay-Z and went on to produce a handful of Hov's famous songs Reasonable doubt debut album in 1996, such as “Brooklyn's Finest” with Biggie Smalls, “Coming of Age”, “Cashmere Thoughts” and more.
Adding to the New York rap tradition, Foxy Brown is Clark Kent's cousin. The New York DJ is also credited with discovering Bad Boy rapper-turned-politician Shyne in the late '90s.
He wrote another commercial anthem when he teamed up with Mariah Carey for Shine2001's “Loverboy,” which reached No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100;
Clark Kent has been a fixture in sneaker culture and an avid sneakerhead his entire life. In 2018, it was estimated to have more than 3,500 pairs in his rare collection.
In more recent years, he has been credited as a co-producer on Ye (Kanye West) and Lil Pump's “I Love It,” which earned him another top 100 hit in 2018.
DJ Clark Kent is survived by his wife Kesha, son Antonio and daughter Kabriah. Find the family statement below.
from our partners at https://www.billboard.com/music/rb-hip-hop/dj-clark-kent-dead-1235811891/