DJ Clark Kent, the acclaimed producer behind countless hip-hop classics, passed away on October 24, 2024 at the age of 57.

Known offstage as Rodolfo A. Franklin, Kent’s death was confirmed on his personal Instagram account. “It is with great 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,” the family statement said, adding that Kent “calmly and bravely fought a three-year battle with colon cancer.” The family expressed their gratitude for the support received and asked for privacy.

Known for his production work with artists such as JAY-Z, The Notorious BIG and Mariah Carey, Kent’s contributions to hip-hop have left a lasting legacy. Hip-hop colleagues and friends expressed their sadness, with Fab 5 Freddy reflecting: “This is a great and a sad loss… A stand-up man who left a deep and resonant mark on the culture.” MC Lyte called him “the first man to believe in my voice,” while Jim Jones described Kent as “the first person to tell me not to quit.”

Producer Pete Rock, a friend of Kent’s since their youth, paid a heartfelt tribute, recounting memories of DJ sessions together and calling him “one of Brooklyn’s best producers ever.” Rock shared, “Thank you for everything you’ve taught me, fam. I’m heartbroken, but you’ve accomplished so much.” Just over a week before his death, a false report of Kent’s death circulated, prompting Angie Martinez, who is producing a documentary about Kent, to release an explanation.