The world of hip-hop is mourning the loss of one of its true pioneers, DJ Clark Kent, who passed away at the age of 58 after a quiet and courageous three-year battle with colon cancer.
Source: Footwear News / Getty
His family confirmed the heartbreaking news, revealing that Clark Kent, born Rodolfo A. Franklin, died peacefully, surrounded by his loved ones — wife Kesha, daughter Kabriah, and son Antonio, known as Mage.
A statement from the family expressed their gratitude for the support they’ve received, while also asking for prayers and privacy during this difficult time of grief. Even in his final years, he continued to tour the world, spreading his gift and passion for hip-hop, never letting the illness define him.
Source: Cassidy Sparrow / Getty
Clark Kent’s legacy began in Brooklyn, where he first fell in love with the art of DJing and hip-hop culture. In the 1980s, he gained recognition as the touring DJ for rapper Dana Dane, a role that served as the launching pad for a legendary career in music production. It wasn’t long before his talent as a producer caught fire in the industry, leading him to work with some of the biggest names in hip-hop history.
One of his most notable contributions came in the mid-1990s when he helped shape Jay-Z’s critically acclaimed debut album, Reasonable Doubt. Clark Kent’s production credits on tracks like “Brooklyn’s Finest” left an indelible mark on the project and on the sound of New York rap. In addition to Jay-Z, he also worked with hip-hop icons such as The Notorious B.I.G., Lil’ Kim, and Foxy Brown.
Source: Marc Piasecki / Getty
Foxy Brown, one of the many artists Clark Kent mentored and collaborated with, took to social media platform X (formerly Twitter) to pay an emotional tribute to her beloved cousin.
“Tears is heavy, but I know you and our cousin pork up in heaven spinning with a good toe on! Last thing you told me was cuzzo the new album must be named “inga” promise on Baby C I will I will honor your last words to me and leave the last song open for you. Through these tears tho I love you cousin. DJ Clark Kent.”
Even as he quietly fought cancer, Clark Kent continued to bring his energy to stages around the globe, maintaining his love for music and his commitment to his fans.
Beyond his work as a producer and DJ, Clark Kent was also known as a passionate sneakerhead, curating one of the most coveted sneaker collections in the world.
His work was not just about creating beats and producing tracks — it was about pushing the boundaries of what hip-hop could be, both musically and culturally. Whether it was working with up-and-coming artists or sharing his immense sneaker knowledge with fellow enthusiasts, Clark Kent embodied the essence of the hip-hop culture he loved.
Source: Johnny Nunez / Getty
As the hip-hop community comes together to celebrate his life, his family has asked for privacy as they mourn the loss of a man who was not only a legendary producer but also a devoted husband and father.
The world has lost a true innovator, but the beats he left behind will echo forever.
Rest in peace, DJ Clark Kent — a Brooklyn icon, a hip-hop pioneer, and a legend who will truly be missed.
