DJ Clark Kent, Hip-Hop Producer and Sneaker Collector, Dies at 58

DJ Clark Kent, the proud Brooklynite who was known for his party rocking acumen, contributions to the careers of borough mates like Jay-Z, and massive sneaker collection, died on Thursday. He was 58. He was superlative in his monikers; aside from the Superman byname, Clark was known as “God’s favorite DJ.” Clark’s death was announced via his Instagram account on Friday. Per a statement on the account, he had privately battled colon cancer for three years. “Clark passed away Thursday evening surrounded by his devoted wife Kesha, daughter Kabriah, and son Antonio,” the post reads. DJ Clark Kent was born Rodolfo Franklin on Sept. 28, 1966. Hip-hop culture arrived in the next decade and became a driving force in his life, passions, and work. Clark was a DJ for the rapper Dana Dane in the 1980s, traveling with him on tour. As a DJ, he also played at clubs in New York, bringing Brooklyn hip-hop to Manhattan before the genre was mainstream. Clark was a pivotal figure in Jay-Z’s career, having introduced him to his Roc-A-Fella Records partner Dame Dash in the early ‘90s. Clark was a cousin to the rapper Foxy Brown, whom he introduced to Jay. More than...