DJ Clark Kent, whose real name is Rodolfo Franklin, has died at 58 following a three-year battle with colon cancer. The producer’s family announced his death in a statement.
“It is with deep sadness that we share the passing of the beloved Rodolfo A. Franklin, known to the world as DJ Clark Kent,” the family said. “Clark passed away Thursday evening surrounded by his devoted wife Kesha, daughter Kabriah and son Antonio.”
The statement also touched on his private battle with the disease, reading, “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.”
Clark got his start in the late 1980s in New York’s club scene before scoring his first hit with The Notorious B.I.G.-featuring Junior M.A.F.I.A. single “Player’s Anthem.” He went on to host the DJ battle segment New Music Seminar, which was renamed to Clark Kent’s Superman Battle for World Supremacy.
The producer was also lauded for his contributions to Jay Z’s breakout, having produced three tracks on the Reasonable Doubt LP and serving as the person who introduced Damon Dash to the then-budding rapper. Over the course of his career, Clark produced music for Queen Latifah, Ye, Shaquille O’Neal, Ice Cube, Rakim, Mariah Carey, Rick Ross and more.
DJ Clark Kent is survived by his wife, son and daughter.
