Hip-hop fans and icons remember DJ Clark Kent

The hip-hop community in New York and beyond, still reeling from the news of rapper Ka’s death, is now mourning one other legendary figure. DJ Clark Kent, born Rodolfo Franklin, an influential producer and club DJ living in New York who introduced Jay-Z and Biggie, died on Thursday, October 24. He was 58 years old.

After preliminary reports on Friday, Franklin’s death was confirmed on October 26 via post in your Instagram account.

“It is with deep sadness that we share the death of our beloved Rodolfo A. Franklin, known to the world as DJ Clark Kent,” the caption began. “Clark died on Thursday evening surrounded by his devoted wife Kesha, daughter Kabriah and son Antonio.”

The post noted that Franklin died after a three-year battle with colon cancer.

The caption ended: “The family is grateful for everyone’s love, support and prayers during this time and requests privacy as they process this tremendous loss.”

Franklin rose to the highest as hip-hop rose to prominence within the Eighties and Nineties. He started off as a DJ in various clubs throughout New York. From there he continued to climb before climbing the music industry ladder to provide for each Atlantic Records and Motown. As DJ Clark Kent, he was on stage for lots of the genre’s most significant historical moments and was at the middle of a few of a very powerful musical connections – the anecdotes he became famous for telling.

Franklin earned his stage name because he wore glasses just like the thick, black, block-on glasses worn by Superman’s famous alter ego, Clark Kent. He was also affectionately called “God’s favorite DJ“

The biggest hits he took part in producing include “Player’s Anthem” by Junior MAFIA, “Brookyln’s Finest” by Jay-Z and “Loverboy” by Mariah Carey. He has also reportedly worked with stars akin to Queen Latifah, Doug E. Fresh, the Fugees, Rakim, Ice Cube and more. CBS News.

Although Franklin often told others that he was born in his native Panama, he was actually born on September 28, 1966 within the Crown Heights section of Brooklyn, New York Times reported. His wife told the publication that there’ll soon be a documentary about him and his influence on hip-hop.

Featured Stories

Following Franklin’s death, many individuals who remembered him or worked with him paid tribute.

“…A true luminary of the hip-hop world,” wrote the Hip Hop Museum entry on X about Franklin. “With a career spanning over five decades, Clark Kent was not only a DJ, but a visionary, producer and cultural ambassador who played a key role in shaping the sound of hip hop.”

IN entry on X featuring screenshots of Franklin encouraging her via text messages, radio and media personality Scottie Beam wrote, “I truthfully cannot put into words how much DJ Clark Kent has helped me and pushed me and so many others out of my comfort zone…using just that, for what we each absolutely stood for, which was passion.”

Others paid tribute within the comments below the post announcing his death.

“Clark will forever be a culture,” Questlove wrote.

MC Lyte admitted that Franklin was “the first person who believed” in her voice.

Stylist and designer June Ambrose wrote: “I’m speechless! Sending love and light to his entire family! We will truly miss him and honor him forever.”

Kid Capri added: “My brother is dead. It was an honor to know him. I will remember our conversations fondly forever. He was one of a kind, and the world lost one wonderful, peaceful journey, my brother.”

In addition to his wife Kesha, son Antonio III and stepdaughter Kabriah, Franklin is survived by two siblings, Eric and Kathryn Franklin.