DJ Clark Kent, the proud Brooklynite who was recognized for his occasion rocking acumen, contributions to the careers of borough mates like Jay-Z, and large sneaker assortment, died on Thursday. He was 58. He was superlative in his monikers; other than the Superman byname, Clark was generally known as “God’s favourite DJ.”
Clark’s loss of life was introduced via his Instagram account on Friday. Per a press release on the account, he had privately battled colon most cancers for 3 years.
“Clark handed away Thursday night surrounded by his devoted spouse Kesha, daughter Kabriah, and son Antonio,” the publish reads.
DJ Clark Kent was born Rodolfo Franklin on Sept. 28, 1966. Hip-hop tradition arrived within the subsequent decade and have become a driving drive in his life, passions, and work.
Clark was a DJ for the rapper Dana Dane in the 1980s, touring with him on tour. As a DJ, he additionally performed at golf equipment in New York, bringing Brooklyn hip-hop to Manhattan earlier than the style was mainstream.
Clark was a pivotal determine in Jay-Z’s profession, having introduced him to his Roc-A-Fella Information companion Dame Sprint within the early ‘90s. Clark was a cousin to the rapper Cunning Brown, whom he launched to Jay. Greater than only a DJ, he produced beats for Junior M.A.F.I.A. and related Jay to the Infamous B.I.G., orchestrating and producing their first collaboration, “Brooklyn’s Most interesting.”
Clark was a sneaker obsessive who was peerless in his love for footwear as quickly because the passion of sneaker gathering emerged from hip-hop tradition in New York within the ‘80s. Earlier than hoarding a whole bunch of footwear was thought-about cool, Clark was amassing a set.
He hunted for sneakers throughout the globe and inspired others to take action. Clark steadily gave away footwear on social media. He would depart a pair someplace, publish a photograph of the drop spot, and add a touch as to the place followers would possibly discover them.
Clark parlayed his love for sneakers—notably the Nike Air Force 1, a mannequin he advocated for as the perfect sneaker ever—into relationships with footwear corporations. He consulted for manufacturers like Adidas and Nike, who celebrated Clark with sneaker collaborations.
His hottest undertaking was his “112” line of Nikes, so named in reference to the primary three digits of the zip codes in his beloved borough. Clark helped design the uncommon Scarr’s Pizza version of the Air Drive 1, and final 12 months made his personal friends-and-family Air Drive 1, dubbed “The Listing.”
Nike issued a press release within the wake of Clark’s loss of life.
“We’re deeply saddened by the passing of our pricey pal and true cultural icon, DJ Clark Kent. At Nike, we had been honored to collaborate with Clark on tasks that celebrated not solely his deep love for sneakers but additionally his unwavering dedication to pushing inventive boundaries and elevating tradition,” the assertion reads. “His influence on the world of sneakers is past measure, with an affect that spans the globe and generations. Clark’s legacy will eternally encourage future expertise, leaving a long-lasting mark on our trade. Our hearts exit to Clark’s household, mates, and all these touched by his extraordinary expertise, ardour, and kindness. His presence will likely be enormously missed.”
Clark was a font of anecdotes and opinions, a dwelling report of the historical past of New York rap music and sneaker habits. He shared these with Advanced on many events. Clark would visit the Complex office and maintain court docket in regards to the Affordable Doubt recording periods, or pop up on panels at ComplexCon to argue for his favourite footwear in annual sneaker of the 12 months discussions. From 2013 to 2016, he was a co-host of Advanced’s pioneering sneaker speak present Quickstrike, with Advanced editor Russ Bengtson.
Clark was a public champion for his household. One couldn’t scroll too far by means of his social media feeds with out seeing a publish celebrating them: an adoring Mom’s Day tribute for his spouse, a message of affection for his youngsters.
His passing is a loss for hip-hop music and sneaker tradition, though he rejected the latter term. Clark most well-liked “sneaker neighborhood,” a phrase that extra precisely conveyed his expertise of fellowship by means of footwear. He was a big determine locally, however by no means needed to be an elitist.
“If anyone sees me on the street they usually cease and speak, or they cease and say hey,” Clark instructed Advanced in 2019, “I will have a sneaker dialog.”
