DJ, producer and sneaker aficionado DJ Clark Kent has passed at age 57. His family announced via IG that he passed on yesterday (10/24) after a three year battle with colon cancer. Kent, born Rodolfo Franklin made things happen both behind the scenes and out front for three decades in Hip Hop and R&B. Many first heard the name DJ Clark Kent on Dana Dane’s 1987 debut album Dana Dane With Fame. He would eventually go on to play a pivotal role in the discovery of some of the greatest MC’s in the history of Hip-Hop.

Clark had an early friendship with Jaz, who was an early Jay Z mentor, and as a result Kent saw the greatness in Jay Z early on. Clark also knew The Notorious B.I.G. and he introduced Jay Z and Biggie in a studio session that eventually became one of the genres best collaborations: "Brooklyn’s Finest". Kent also introduced Damon Dash and Jay Z, who went on to become two thirds of the Roc A Fella Records ownership.

Clark Kent’s production resume reads like a best of the 90s Hip Hop and R&B playlist, including "Cashmere Thoughts" and "Brooklyn’s Finest" by Jay Z, "Hard To Get" by Hi Five 5, "Nika" by Little Vicious, "Feel The New Heartbeat" by The Treacherous 3, "Players Anthem" and "Get Money", by Junior Mafia and "Lover Boy" by Mariah Carey.

In the early 90’s Clark took over the position of host for the New Music Seminar DJ battles and re named it Clark Kent’s Superman Battle for World Supremacy. Additionally, Clark Kent along with D.J. Scratch and Ritchie Rich formed the Supermen coalition of producers and D.J.’s with the purpose of strengthening each other and becoming economically independent. That coalition of D.J’s is still active.

Rest In Peace Clark Kent.