NYC hip hop producer DJ Clark Kent dead at 58 after battle with cancer

New York City hip-hop pioneer DJ Clark Kent — who worked pinch immoderate of nan genre’s biggest names and introduced Jay-Z to Notorious B.I.G. — has died aft a conflict pinch colon cancer. He was 58.

“Clark passed distant Thursday evening surrounded by his devoted woman Kesha, girl Kabriah and boy Antonio,” read a station connected nan charismatic societal media account of nan legendary producer, existent sanction Rodolfo Franklin.

“Clark softly and valiantly fought a 3 twelvemonth conflict pinch Colon Cancer, while continuing to stock his gifts pinch nan world. The family is grateful for everyone’s love, support and prayers during this clip and inquire for privateness arsenic they process this immense loss,” nan station said.

DJ Clark Kent died from crab astatine nan property of 58, his family announced complete nan weekend. Getty Images for Netflix

The Brooklyn-born DJ ascended successful nan New York City hip-hop segment successful nan 1980s, first moving arsenic DJ for rapper Dana Dane’s DJ astatine section clubs. As hep hop reached caller peaks successful nan mid-90s, he had signed to activity pinch Atlantic Records and Motown, according to The New York Times.

He produced his first deed opus successful 1995 pinch “Player’s Anthem” an iconic way by Junior M.A.F.I.A., a group formed by nan precocious Notorious B.I.G.

In 1996, he produced 3 songs connected Jay-Z’s debut album, “Reasonable Doubt” — including “Brooklyn’s Finest,” which featured nan Notorious B.I.G. successful nan pair’s first collaboration aft he introduced nan two.

Clark Kent and Jay-Z first worked together successful nan 1990s, erstwhile he introduced him to nan Notorious B.I.G. WireImage

“I practically knew each rapper earlier they made their records,” Franklin erstwhile told Complex. “They wanted to beryllium acquainted pinch nan D.J.s and what was happening successful hip-hop. I was happening successful hip-hop.”

While he ne'er roseate to nan level of fame arsenic nan artists he worked with, he has producing credits pinch immoderate of nan biggest artists, including Kanye West, 50 Cent and Mariah Carey.

He’s besides worked pinch Queen Latifah, Doug E. Fresh, nan Fugees, Rakim, Ice Cube and more.

Tributes poured successful from nan euphony community.

“I person cognize you since I was 13. Taking nan train each nan measurement to Brooklyn conscionable to travel believe and DJ pinch you… I knew you was nan correct personification to beryllium astir if I wanted to sharpen my skills,” shaper Pete Rock posted connected societal media. 

“My relative is gone, it has been an grant to cognize him, our talks I will cherish forever, he was 1 of a kind, and nan world has mislaid a awesome one,” Kid Capri wrote. 

New York City Mayor Eric Adams paid tribute to nan rap icon.

“DJ Clark Kent solidified his bequest successful nan world of hep hop. He worked pinch nan greats, and go [sic] 1 of them. Heartbroken to perceive of his passing. Sending my prayers to his family and loved ones arsenic he joins his mother Cynthia, who was a beloved friend of mine,” Adams posted.