Influential hip hop DJ and producer Rodolfo Antonio Franklin – AKA DJ Clark Kent – has passed away aged 58, his family have confirmed in a statement.
According to his wife Kesha, Franklin had been “quietly and valiantly” battling with colon cancer for the past three years. He passed away at his home in Greenbrook, New Jersey, on Thursday, October 24.
“It is with deep sadness that we share the passing of the beloved Rodolfo A. Franklin, known to the world as DJ Clark Kent,” his wife wrote in a statement on Instagram over the weekend.
“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.”
Nicknamed after the alter ego of Superman, DJ Clark Kent was a prominent figure in New York’s hip hop scene through the ‘80s and ‘90s, performing at clubs throughout the city.
Over the years, he formed relationships with some of the most influential rappers, introducing The Notorious B.I.G. to Jay-Z, and working with the likes of 50 Cent, Estelle, and Rakim. Franklin also landed jobs with Atlantic Records and Motown during his career.
Franklin produced hit tracks including the 1995 single ‘Player’s Anthem’ by Junior M.A.F.I.A., which helped Lil Kim make an international breakthrough, and produced Mariah Carey’s hit track ‘Loverboy’ in 2001 which peaked at number two in the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
“The family is grateful for everyone’s love, support and prayers during this time and ask for privacy as they process this immense loss,” his wife said in tribute.
Read some tributes for the late producer and DJ below.
Gemma Ross is Mixmag’s Assistant Editor, follow her on Twitter
RIP Clark Kent, the DJ-turned-producer with the gilded ear, who flipped a sample as well as anyone to dig through a dusty crate. The creator of timeless anthems for Biggie, Jay-Z and Junior Mafia & who brought Rakim back at a time when he’d been counted out.
Brooklyn’s finest. pic.twitter.com/SjI4focJ5U
— Otto Von Biz Markie (@Passionweiss) October 25, 2024
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