DJ Clark Kent
HipHopWired Featured Video
CLOSE
Source: Marc Piasecki / Getty
DJ Clark Kent, the legendary DJ who believed in Jay-Z when every record label did not, has passed away from colon cancer. He was 58.
The announcement of his passing came from his family via DJ Clark Kent’s own social media channels. “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,” reads the statement. “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.”
Born in 1966, the proud Panamanian and Brooklyn representative first came to fame as rapper Dana Dane’s DJ. It was DJ Clark Kent famously convinced Jay-Z to record a demo, but unfortunately after shopping it to every record label, they all passed on signing the Brooklyn rapper.
While becoming internationally known for his talents as a party motivator, DJ Clark Kent aka God’s Favorite DJ also became renowned for his talents as producer. Some of the more notable productions in his discography include Jay-Z’s “Brooklyn’s Finest,” featuring the Notorious B.I.G., Junior Mafia’s “Player’s Anthem,” Mariah Carey’s “Lover Boy” and the Notorious B.I.G.’s “Sky’s The Limit.”
Throughout the years, DJ Clark Kent was celebrated as an OG tastemaker and influencer before the terms proper existed, particularly for his amazing collection of sneakers. Recently, it was announced that Angie Martinez would be directing a documentary about his life.
You’ve never heard anyone say an ill word aimed at DJ Clark Kent, because there was never anything unkind to say. Depsite his elite status in Hip-Hop circles, he remained as humble a legend as you could ever find. We’ve compiled some of the more poignant social media salutes to the icon in the gallery.
Rest in powerful peace DJ Clark Kent, you handled your business, for Brooklyn.
5.
HipHopWired Featured Video
Source: Marc Piasecki / Getty
Angie Martinez went on social media to shut down rumors about the death of DJ Clark Kent, which were hastily published by outlets including The Source.
On Wednesday (Oct. 16), the Hip-Hop website The Source reported that the legendary DJ Clark Kent had passed away suddenly due to an undisclosed illness. Other outlets began to follow suit and report the claim, which would be swiftly debunked by the legendary radio personality Angie Martinez.
“The article that The Source Mag & others have posted about the passing of DJ Clark Kent is false. Clark is home with his family. Please refrain from sharing any other false information. It is hurtful, deeply irresponsible, and untrue,” she wrote in a post on X, formerly Twitter.
Martinez’s post was quickly responded to by The Source, who quoted her post in their own, writing: “The Source was contacted by a family member who brought that information to us as it was reported on other outlets. We are pleased to hear of the well-being of DJ Clark Kent and apologize to the family for reporting the false information.” To that, Martinez responded: “I assure you, it was not a credible source. Let’s all do better.” Angie Martinez is currently serving as an executive producer on a documentary on the DJ’s life, entitled God’s Favorite DJ: The Story of DJ Clark Kent, and would confirm that she was with the family at the time of the false claim’s publication. Mage, a producer and DJ Clark Kent’s son, also spoke to TMZ Hip-Hop and stated that the news was false.
The Source would later state a retraction, writing: “As we aimed to inform, we also apologize for any discomfort to his family and loved ones and for any inaccurate information relayed from sources we reasonably relied upon. We certainly hope and pray that brother Clark Kent is doing well.”
The vaunted publication caught heavy flack from many notable figures in Hip-Hop, including DJ Scratch and Pete Rock on social media. D-Nice would express his dismay in an eloquent post on Instagram as well, writing: “It’s essential to think twice before posting, as our words can hurt more than we realize. Let’s promote kindness and responsibility online.”
-
Pages