DJ Clark Kent, legendary hip-hop producer, dies aged 57

DJ Clark Kent, the celebrated producer of numerous hip-hop classics, passed away on October 24, 2024 at the age of 57.

Known backstage as Rodolfo A. Franklin, Kent's death was confirmed on his personal Instagram account. “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,” the family's statement said, adding that Kent “quietly and bravely fought a three-year battle with colon cancer.” The family thanked them for the support they received and asked for privacy.

Known for his production work with artists such as JAY-Z, The Notorious BIG and Mariah Carey, Kent's contributions to hip-hop have left a lasting legacy. Hip-hop colleagues and friends expressed their sadness, with Fab 5 Freddy saying: “This is a great and sad loss… A stand-up guy who left a deep and resonant mark on the culture.” MC Lyte called him “the first man who believed in my voice,” while Jim Jones described Kent as “the first person who told me not to quit.”

Producer Pete Rock, a friend of Kent's since their youth, paid him a warm tribute, recounting memories of DJ sessions together and calling him “one of Brooklyn's best producers of all time.” Rock shared, “Thank you for everything you taught me, family…It breaks my heart, but you accomplished so much.” A false report about Kent's death circulated just over a week before his death, which Angie Martinez , which is producing a documentary about Kent, to issue a clarification.