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 grow to be 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 stuffed gaps throughout hip-hop tradition. As a musician, he produced basic information 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 identified 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 unhappiness that we share the passing of the beloved Rodolfo A. Franklin, identified 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, help 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 business 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 position in Jay-Z’s debut album “Cheap Doubt,” producing the songs “Brooklyn’s Best,” “Coming of Age” and “Cashmere Ideas.” Over time, his resume grew to incorporate Infamous B.I.G.’s “Sky’s the Restrict” and Carey’s “Loverboy (Remix)” in 2001, with further credit for artists together with Queen Latifah, Kanye West, Redman and extra.

Outdoors of music, Kent was a revered shoe fanatic. Kent designed his first sneaker for Nike, the “112 Pack,” in 2009. He was mentioned to have greater than 3,500 pairs of sneakers 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 tasks that celebrated not solely his deep love for sneakers but in addition his unwavering dedication to pushing inventive boundaries and elevating tradition. His impression 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 business. Our hearts exit to Clark’s household, mates, and all these touched by his extraordinary expertise, ardour, and kindness. His presence can be tremendously missed.”

Clark is the topic of an upcoming documentary directed by media persona Angie Martinez, who not too long ago spoke of his legacy throughout an interview with Fashionable Luxurious. “His DNA is splattered all through the tradition in a manner 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 manner that preserves the tradition so honorably,” she mentioned.