DJ Clark Kent, legendary hip-hop producer, died aged 58

Legendary New York City hip-hop producer DJ Clark Kent has died. 

An Instagram post shared to the artist born Rodolfo A. Franklin’s official account on Saturday confirmed that he died on Thursday, 24th October, after a three-year battle with colon cancer. He was 58.

The statement read: “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.

“Clark quietly and valiantly fought a three year battle with Colon Cancer, while continuing to share his gifts with the world. The family is grateful for everyone’s love, support and prayers during this time and ask for privacy as they process this immense loss.”

Known as “God’s Favorite DJ”, Franklin gained recognition in the late ‘80s in New York as Brooklyn rapper Dana Dane’s DJ. His claim to fame, however, was producing Brooklyn group Junior M.A.F.I.A.’s ‘Player’s Anthem’ in 1995, which featured the Notorious B.I.G. as well as Lil’ Kim, who was then a member of the group.

In subsequent years, Franklin produced records for the likes of Jay Z, the Notorious B.I.G., Rakim and Mariah Carey. His latest production was Kanye West and Lil Pump’s popular 2018 collaboration, ‘I Love it’.