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

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

Known offstage 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,” read the family’s statement, adding that Kent “quietly and valiantly fought a three-year battle with colon cancer.” The family expressed gratitude for the support received and requested privacy.

Renowned for his production work with artists such as JAY-Z, The Notorious B.I.G., and Mariah Carey, Kent’s contributions to hip-hop have left an enduring legacy. Hip-hop peers and friends expressed their sorrow, with Fab 5 Freddy reflecting, “This is a great and a sad loss… A stand-up guy who left a deep & resonating mark on the culture.” MC Lyte called him “the first man that believed in my voice,” while Jim Jones described Kent as “the first person that told me don’t stop.”

Producer Pete Rock, a friend of Kent’s since their youth, offered a heartfelt tribute, recounting memories of DJ sessions together and calling him “one of Brooklyn’s finest producers ever.” Rock shared, “Thank you for all that you have taught me fam… I am heartbroken, but you accomplished so much.” Just over a week before his death, a false report of Kent’s passing circulated, prompting Angie Martinez, who is producing a documentary on Kent, to release a clarification.