DJ Clark Kent, Hip-Hop Record Producer, Dies at 58

DJ Clark Kent, a beloved hip-hop record producer who worked with Jay-Z, Notorious B.I.G., Mariah Carey and more, has died. He was 58.

Kent died on Thursday evening following a three-year battle with colon cancer, a statement shared on his Instagram said Friday. He was surrounded by his wife, Kesha, daughter Kabriah and son Antonio.

“The family is grateful for everyone’s love, support and prayers during this time and ask for privacy as they process this immense loss,” the statement concluded.

Clark Kent’s production credits included Jay-Z’s “Brooklyn’s Finest,” the Notorious B.I.G.’s “Sky’s the Limit,” Junior M.A.F.I.A.’s “Player’s Anthem,” Mariah Carey’s “Loverboy,” and Kanye West and Lil Pump’s “I Love It.” He also worked with Slick Rick, Rakim, and Rick Ross.

News of the producer’s death comes two months after veteran radio personality Angie Martinez announced plans to make her directorial debut with feature-length documentary God’s Favorite DJ: The Story of DJ Clark Kent.

“DJ Clark Kent is a rare gem whose influence is seen in nearly every era of hip-hop’s history books. With our 50-year-old culture susceptible to outside perspective and agenda, it’s important that we spotlight the heroes who push the art form with purity and authenticity. I am honored to help share Clark’s many truths with the world,” Martinez told The Hollywood Reporter in a statement at the time.

Clark Kent added in the same release that he was “honored” for Martinez’s directing and that her “entire career has been rooted in telling stories in a beautiful & meaningful way.”