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

DJ Clark Kent, a hip-hop producer known for his work with fellow New Yorkers JAY-Z and The Notorious BIG, has died at the age of 58.

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

While living privately 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 asks for privacy as they process this tremendous loss,” their statement read.

DJ Clark Kent in May 2024.

Johnny Nunez/Getty

Ka, Brooklyn rapper and fire captain, dies at 52: ‘Leaving an extraordinary legacy’

Born in Panama, Kent’s earliest work included his time as a DJ for rapper Dan Dane in the 1980s, before finding success working with Junior MAFIA and Notorious BIG on “Player’s Anthem” in 1995 on the group’s debut album, Conspiracy. The song peaked at number 13 on the Billboard Hot 100.

Since then, Kent has made his mark by producing three tracks from JAY-Z’s landmark debut album, reasonable doubt, 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 scored his top-charting single, 2001’s “Loverboy,” which was #2 on the Hot 100.

DJ Clark Kent and Jay-Z in 2008.

Johnny Nunez/WireImage

Beyoncé and JAY-Z attended the wedding of her former assistant with daughter Blue Ivy

Several of Kent’s collaborators and friends reflected on his legacy in the comments section of his death, 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 a culture. 🙏🏾,” commented fellow Questlove.

Pete Rock, who wrote that he has known Kent since he was 13, shared in celebration that he would take the train “all the way to Brooklyn” just to practice DJing with him, writing that he is “a real person to be around Want sharpen my skills myself.”

“Thank you for everything you taught me fam and for the special memories,” he wrote. “But I’m a broken heart fam but you’ve accomplished so much and become one of Brooklyn’s best producers ever. Rest In Power champ. Now you’re around me in another form of an angel. 🙏🏾💔 Respect 4ever Champ 😢😢😢😢😢😢. ”

Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE’s free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

MC Lyte called Kent “the first man to believe in my voice,” while Raekwon called him “a legend.”

“God bless our hero and deepest condolences 🙏🏾🕊️,” Killer Mike commented.

Tributes continue to pour in on social media, including one from Brown, who is a relative of the legendary beatmaker. Brown called Kent “the one that started all this s— for us.”

“FOX, BIG, HOV…NOT A LIVING BROOKLYN ICON TO TELL YOU OTHERWISE! 🫡,” she wrote.

Categories: Trends
Source: HIS Education