Hip-Hop Pioneer, Jay-Z Producer Was 58

DJ Clark Kent, a hip-hop pioneer with manufacturing credit on hits for Jay-Z, Infamous B.I.G. and Mariah Carey, has died on the age of 58.

The musician, who has change into a legendary figurehead in hip-hop over the previous few many years, handed away after a three-year battle with colon most cancers. All through his profession, he grew to become a tastemaker and curator that crammed gaps throughout hip-hop tradition. As a musician, he produced traditional data together with Jay-Z’s “Brooklyn’s Best,” a collaboration that resulted after he first launched the rapper to the Infamous B.I.G., in addition to Mariah Carey’s “Loverboy (Remix)” and Junior M.A.F.I.A.’s “Participant’s Anthem.” Moreover, he was recognized for his ardour for sneakers and his in depth footwear assortment, and collaborated with manufacturers together with Adidas and Nike.

In a press release posted to his social media profiles, his household shared that he spent years battling colon most cancers and died peacefully. “It’s with deep disappointment that we share the passing of the beloved Rodolfo A. Franklin, recognized to the world as DJ Clark Kent,” reads the assertion. “Clark handed away Thursday night surrounded by his devoted spouse Kesha, daughter Kabriah and son Antonio.”

“Clark quietly and valiantly fought a 3 yr battle with Colon Most cancers, whereas persevering with to share his presents with the world. The household is grateful for everybody’s love, assist and prayers throughout this time and ask for privateness as they course of this immense loss.”

Born Rodolfo Franklin, Kent received his begin within the trade within the late Eighties as a DJ for Brooklyn rapper Dana Dane and DJing on New York Metropolis radio. After securing his first main hit with a remix of R&B group Troop’s “Unfold Your Wings” in 1989, he landed his first main placements on Junior M.A.F.I.A.’s 1995 album “Conspiracy,” producing “I Want You Tonight” and “Participant’s Anthem” that had been the first-ever tracks to characteristic Lil’ Kim.

In 1996, he performed a key function in Jay-Z’s debut album “Cheap Doubt,” producing the songs “Brooklyn’s Best,” “Coming of Age” and “Cashmere Ideas.” Through the years, his resume grew to incorporate Infamous B.I.G.’s “Sky’s the Restrict” and Carey’s “Loverboy (Remix)” in 2001, with extra credit for artists together with Queen Latifah, Kanye West, Redman and extra.

Exterior of music, Kent was a revered shoe fanatic. Kent designed his first sneaker for Nike, the “112 Pack,” in 2009. He was stated to have greater than 3,500 pairs of footwear in his assortment and subsequently collaborated with manufacturers together with Adidas and New Stability.

In a press release shared with Selection, Nike commented, “We’re deeply saddened by the passing of our expensive buddy and true cultural icon, DJ Clark Kent. At Nike, we had been honored to collaborate with Clark on initiatives that celebrated not solely his deep love for sneakers but in addition his unwavering dedication to pushing artistic boundaries and elevating tradition. His influence on the world of sneakers is past measure, with an affect that spans the globe and generations. Clark’s legacy will eternally encourage future expertise, leaving a long-lasting mark on our trade. Our hearts exit to Clark’s household, pals, and all these touched by his extraordinary expertise, ardour, and kindness. His presence will probably be drastically missed.”

Clark is the topic of an upcoming documentary directed by media character Angie Martinez, who just lately spoke of his legacy throughout an interview with Trendy Luxurious. “His DNA is splattered all through the tradition in a means that deserves to be explored, not only for the aim of telling his story, however for the aim of studying and ensuring that we’re all working in a means that preserves the tradition so honorably,” she stated.