13:I[2754,["2972","static/chunks/2972-6f5d56019c5c6a42.js","3868","static/chunks/app/tags/%5Bid%5D/page-e0de42c5bec059fc.js"],"default",1] 14:I[8387,["2972","static/chunks/2972-6f5d56019c5c6a42.js","3868","static/chunks/app/tags/%5Bid%5D/page-e0de42c5bec059fc.js"],"default",1] 16:I[2972,["2972","static/chunks/2972-6f5d56019c5c6a42.js","3868","static/chunks/app/tags/%5Bid%5D/page-e0de42c5bec059fc.js"],""] 15:T70f,

DJ Clark Kent, the influential hip-hop producer and DJ who played a pivotal role in connecting Jay-Z with the Notorious B.I.G., has died at the age of 58. The news was confirmed by multiple sources in the hip-hop community on February 26, 2024.

Born Rodolfo Franklin in Brooklyn, New York, DJ Clark Kent became a cornerstone figure in hip - hop during the 1990s.He was instrumental in shaping the sound of East Coast hip - hop and is credited with being one of the first people to recognize Jay - Z's potential, having worked with him since his early days in the industry.

Perhaps his most significant contribution to hip - hop history was facilitating the first meeting between Jay - Z and the Notorious B.I.G., a moment that would impact the trajectory of rap music.The introduction led to collaborations and a friendship between the two artists before B.I.G.'s untimely death in 1997.

As a producer, Clark Kent crafted hits for numerous artists including:

Jay-Z ('Brooklyn's Finest', 'Coming of Age')
The Notorious B.I.G. ('Sky's the Limit')
Junior M.A.F.I.A.
Original Flavor

Beyond his production work, Clark Kent was known for his extensive sneaker collection and his influence on hip-hop fashion culture. He was often referred to as the 'Sneaker God' within the industry and helped bridge the gap between hip-hop culture and sneaker collecting.

The hip-hop community has been sharing tributes across social media, with many artists and industry figures highlighting his contributions to the culture and his role as a mentor to countless musici

Sneaker God on FusePop