The Tool Desk
Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →DJ Clark Kent, born Rodolfo A. Franklin, died on Thursday, October 24, 2024, his family said. They said he had battled colon cancer for three years. His production can be heard on records including Junior M.A.F.I.A.’s “Player’s Anthem,” Jay-Z’s “Brooklyn’s Finest,” The Notorious B.I.G.’s “Sky’s the Limit,” and Mariah Carey’s “Loverboy.” Reports disagree on his age: some said 57, while others said 58.
What his family said about his death
CBS New York reported that Franklin died Thursday evening, October 24, surrounded by his wife, Kesha, and their children, Kabriah and Antonio. The family said he had continued sharing his work during his illness. Its statement, reproduced by CBS New York, read: “Clark quietly and valiantly fought a three year battle with Colon Cancer, while continuing to share his gifts with the world.” (CBS New York)
Why DJ Clark Kent mattered
Franklin’s career linked New York’s club-DJ culture with records that became central to hip-hop and R&B. CBS New York traced his start in the 1980s, when he worked as Dana Dane’s DJ in New York clubs. His production credits include Junior M.A.F.I.A.’s “Player’s Anthem,” Jay-Z’s “Brooklyn’s Finest,” and Mariah Carey’s “Loverboy.” Resident Advisor and Pitchfork also identify his work on The Notorious B.I.G.’s “Sky’s the Limit.” These are selected examples, not a complete discography. (CBS New York; Resident Advisor; Pitchfork)
A chart success beyond hip-hop
Pitchfork reported in 2024 that Mariah Carey’s “Loverboy,” on which Clark Kent worked, reached No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100. That chart position is reported by Pitchfork; it has not been independently checked against Billboard’s archive. (Pitchfork)
#1 Best Overall
How old was DJ Clark Kent?
Published accounts do not agree. HOT 97 reported that he was 57, while CBS New York, Resident Advisor, and Pitchfork reported 58. The sources reviewed do not explain the discrepancy, so his age at death remains unsettled in the available reporting. (HOT 97; CBS New York; Resident Advisor; Pitchfork)
Tributes from fellow artists
CBS New York reported tributes that recalled both Franklin’s generosity and his influence. Pete Rock remembered traveling to Brooklyn to practice and DJ with him, saying he knew he was “the right person to be around” to sharpen his skills. MC Lyte called him “The first man that believed in my voice,” and Kid Capri described him as “one of a kind.” (CBS New York)
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Where to hear his work
One place to start is Junior M.A.F.I.A.’s album Conspiracy, which includes “Player’s Anthem,” featuring The Notorious B.I.G. and produced by DJ Clark Kent. A Sonic Boom Records listing describes a color-vinyl edition of the album; it is a Junior M.A.F.I.A. release, not a solo DJ Clark Kent album. (Sonic Boom Records)
Quick Recap
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Rank #4
- Height: 7.75in / 20cm, Width: 6in / 15cm
- By Michael Ochs
- Hardcover
- 576 pages
- Imprint: Taschen
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