Hip-hop producer Jay-Z and Mariah Carey was 58 years old

DJ Clark Kent, hip-hop super producer who has collaborated with, among others, Jay-Z, Mariah Carey and The Notoriously BIGdied at the age of 58, the family announced on social media.

The statement shows that Kent (née Rodolfo Franklin) had been battling colon cancer for three years and died on Thursday evening surrounded by his loved ones.

“It is with deep sadness that we share the death of our beloved Rodolfo A. Franklin, known to the world as DJ Clark Kent” – Instagram post To read. “Clark died on Thursday evening surrounded by his devoted wife Kesha, daughter Kabriah and son Antonio. Clark quietly and bravely fought a three-year battle with colon cancer while sharing his gifts with the world. The family is grateful for everyone’s love, support and prayers at this time and asks for privacy as they process this terrible loss.”

Kent began his career in the music industry in the 1980s in Brooklyn as a DJ for rapper Dana Dane. In 1995, the Panamanian-American producer achieved huge chart success with his debut single Junior MAFIA from the group’s first album Conspiracy“Player’s Anthem” featuring Biggie Smalls and serving as Lil’ Kim’s introduction to the world. The following year, Kent played a key role in the production of Jay-Z’s debut album Reasonable doubts, produced the songs “Brooklyn’s Finest”, “Cashmere Thoughts” and “Coming of Age”. In 2001, he achieved further success by producing Mariah Carey’s “Loverboy” from his 2001 album. Shineher feature debut.

Over the years, Kent has also collaborated with artists such as Queen Latifah, Ye, Redman, 50 Cent, Estelle, Slick Rick and Mona Lisa. He was an avid sneakerhead, collecting approximately 3,500 pairs of shoes and collaborating with brands such as Nike, Adidas and New Balance.

Other artists mourned the prolific producer’s death online, including Grammy-winning musician Roots Questlove, who commented on Kent’s page: “Clark will forever be culture.” Foxy Brown, a prominent rapper and Kent’s cousin, wrote: “I LOVE YOU KESH! MY BIG COUSIN WHO STARTED IT ALL – FOR US! WE LOVE YOU, TONY!”

Kent is the subject of an upcoming documentary by Angie Martinez, a fixture on New York hip-hop radio for decades, and a longtime friend. In Interview with Modern Luxury Released earlier this month, the Radio Hall of Famer had this to say about Kent: “I firmly believe that his story deserves to be told with love and care. And what I love so much about him is that he’s such a purist. The man operated for four decades, four different cultural eras, and at a high level. But he always acted with great authenticity and purpose. Our culture has become a very transactional experience for people. Sure, he’s a great businessman, but what really drives him is art and culture. And there aren’t many stories that are rooted in that anymore. Its DNA is spread throughout the culture in ways that deserve to be studied, not only to tell its story, but to gain knowledge and ensure that we all act in a way that so honorably protects this culture. ”