American record producer, DJ, and music executive Rodolfo Franklin, widely known as DJ Clark Kent, has passed away at 57 after a three-year battle with colon cancer. His family confirmed his death, which occurred on Thursday.
In a statement shared on his Instagram page, the family disclosed that Clark was surrounded by his wife Kesha, daughter Kabriah, and son Antonio, also known as Mage, in his final moments. “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,” the statement read.
The statement continued, “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 asks for privacy as they process this immense loss.”
Many of his fans took to the comments section to offer condolences to the family and share their tributes.
DJ Clark Kent began his career in the 1980s as rapper Dana Dane’s touring DJ and went on to produce the remix of Troop’s 1989 hit “Spread My Wings.” He later produced his first major street hit, Junior M.A.F.I.A.’s “Player’s Anthem,” featuring The Notorious B.I.G. and marking Lil’ Kim’s debut. His biggest hit was “Loverboy” by Mariah Carey, which reached #2 on Billboard’s Hot 100 chart. Over the years, he produced for artists such as Lil’ Kim, The Notorious B.I.G., 50 Cent, Canibus, Estelle, Slick Rick, and Rakim, as well as groups like The Future Sound and Original Flavor, which he signed as an A&R director at Atlantic Records.
In the early 1990s, Clark hosted the renowned “Clark Kent’s Superman Battle for World Supremacy,” a hip-hop DJ battle. One of the most iconic battles featured DJ Noize and DJ 8-Ball, with DJ Noize taking the win.
In 1998, Clark discovered rapper Shyne, after overhearing him rhyme in a barbershop. Impressed by his voice’s similarity to The Notorious B.I.G., he guided Shyne toward Bad Boy Records, where he was signed by Sean “Puff Daddy” Combs.
Beyond music, Clark was a known sneaker enthusiast, once claiming to own 3,500 pairs. In 2010, he collaborated with Nike to design the “Nike Five Boroughs AF1 Low” pack, a limited-edition line of Air Force 1 sneakers, and also collaborated with Adidas and New Balance on special releases.
