DJ Clark Kent, Known for Songs with JAY-Z and Mariah Carey, Dies at 58: ‘One of Brooklyns Finest Producers Ever’

 

DJ Clark Kent, the hip-hop producer known for work with fellow New York greats JAY-Z and The Notorious B.I.G., has died at age 58.

Kent, born Rodolfo A. Franklin and known as “God's Favorite DJ” to fans, died on Thursday, Oct. 24 after he "quietly and valiantly fought a three-year battle with colon cancer," the super-producer's family announced on Instagram the following day. He was surrounded by his wife Kesha, daughter Kabriah and son Antonio.

While privately living with cancer, Kent continued "to share his gifts with the world," his family wrote. "The family is grateful for everyone’s love, support and prayers during this time and ask for privacy as they process this immense loss," their statement read.

 

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Born in Panama, Kent's earliest work included his time as a DJ for rapper Dana Dane in the 1980s, before he went on to find success working with Junior M.A.F.I.A. and the Notorious B.I.G. on “Player’s Anthem" in 1995 via the group's debut album, Conspiracy. The song, which hit No. 13 on the Billboard Hot 100.

From there, Kent left his mark by producing three songs off JAY-Z's milestone debut album, Reasonable Doubt, in 1996: “Brooklyn’s Finest," “Coming of Age” and “Cashmere Thoughts.”

Over the past three decades, Kent has also collaborated with Rakim, Ice Cube, Slick Rick, Kanye West, Rick Ross and Mariah Carey, with whom he earned his highest-charting single, 2001's "Loverboy," which hit No. 2 on the Hot 100.

 

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Several of Kent's collaborators and friends reflected on his legacy in the comment section of his death announcement, including Questlove, Killer Mike, Pete Rock, Lil Yachty, Fabolous, Jim Jones, MC Lyte, Raekwon, Foxy Brown, DJ Premier, Meek Mill and more.

“Clark will forever be the culture.