Brooklyn's Finest Archives - New Hip Hop News

DJ Clark Kent tragically passed away earlier this week following a private three-year battle with colon cancer, and the hip-hop world is paying tribute to his indelible legacy. Fans and rap peers everywhere took to social media and beyond to share their heartfelt sympathies, memories, and thoughts on the legendary producer, real name Rodolfo Franklin. In addition, he also introduced Biggie Smalls to Jay-Z, a moment he previously recalled during an appearance on Math Hoffa’s My Expert Opinion podcast. Franklin produced their “Brooklyn’s Finest” collab and also performed the hook on it.

“So, Biggie’s going crazy about this beat and this other beat,” DJ Clark Kent recalled. “I’m like, ‘Yo, come to the studio and wait outside.’ You got to trust me to go to the studio and wait outside when you Biggie and you on fire. I go upstairs, I track the beat, [Jay-Z] goes in, he does a record in, like, 15 minutes. When he comes out the studio… I was like, ‘Yo, you need to put Big on this, man.’ He was like, ‘I don’t know that n***a.’ And [Dame Dash] was like, ‘Nah, f**k that, we ain’t giving Puff no money.’ […] I go down in the elevator, I bring Big back up. We walk in the studio, I’m like, ‘Hi, guys!’ And Big and Jay did not say a word. They just started laughing. […] But the day that they met, they became friends in 1.1 seconds.”

DJ Clark Kent’s Biggie & Jay-Z Story

In addition, DJ Clark Kent explained how he respected Dame Dash and Jay-Z’s initial aversion, but he trusted that he could create fireworks with this link-up. He pretended to go to the bathroom and brought Big up. Then, Franklin recalled how Biggie and Hov sat down and listened to the track that would eventually become “Brooklyn’s Finest.” Kent recalled how Jay went in the booth and recorded the performance we know today with all-new rhymes compared to the version he already recorded.

Hilariously, DJ Clark Kent shared that Jay-Z asked Biggie Smalls if he was ready to record right after. Big was floored by how quickly Jay put it all together without writing rhymes, and ended up taking the record home with him. Smalls’ verse ended up appearing two months later, the night before they mastered the track. It’s one of many examples of Kent’s intuitive choices that ended up giving hip-hop so much.
Rest In Peace DJ Clark Kent.

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The post DJ Clark Kent Recalls Introducing Jay-Z To Biggie In Resurfaced Clip As Fans Mourn The Producer appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

DJ Clark Kent Details Creating JAY-Z's "Brooklyn's Finest" in Celebration of Hip Hop 50 for Serato's 'Unscripted' Podcast

In celebration of Hip-Hop’s 50th anniversary, renowned audio software company Serato has released a captivating new episode of its podcast series, Serato Unscripted. This episode features a candid conversation with influential hip-hop producer, music executive, and DJ Clark Kent, shedding light on music’s profound impact and the evolution of DJs within the hip-hop culture.

Hosted by Serato’s own Matt Perry, Serato Unscripted is a platform for candid discussions about the transformative power of music. In this installment, Clark Kent delves into his journey as a pioneering figure in the hip-hop industry. He reflects on the trailblazing DJs and artists who have shaped his work, emphasizing DJs’ integral role in hip-hop’s dynamic landscape.

Clark Kent’s legacy in hip-hop is undeniable, having left an indelible mark on the careers of luminaries like Jay-Z, Kanye West, The Notorious B.I.G, and Lil’ Kim. The episode unveils the fascinating story behind the creation of Jay-Z’s iconic track “Brooklyn’s Finest,” which resulted from Kent’s innovative DJing skills and creative vision.

“Ohio Players ‘Ecstasy’ to me is the best record I’ve ever heard,” Clark Kent said. “It doesn’t have verses. It doesn’t have hooks. It doesn’t have bridges. It just has feeling. And every time I listen to it, it’s the same. It’s just like, God, listen to the feeling… I played it as the last record at every party. And you know, when you got your crew – [Jay-Z] and [Dame Dash], [Biggie Smalls] – every night they hear this song… it becomes the crew’s favorite record.”

Throughout the conversation, Clark Kent pays homage to the legendary DJs who were his early inspirations, including Larry Levan, Kool DJ Red Alert, and Grandmaster Flowers. Their influence helped shape his trajectory and contribute to the rich tapestry of hip-hop culture.

“I love [Kool DJ Red Alert] for being like, one of the only people who can challenge me in a club,” DJ Clark Kent said. “The only other guy I probably ever felt challenged in a club with is Louie Vega… Little Louie Vega is literally the house version of me in the club.”

You can watch the entire episode below.

The post DJ Clark Kent Details Creating JAY-Z’s “Brooklyn’s Finest” in Celebration of Hip Hop 50 for Serato’s ‘Unscripted’ Podcast first appeared on The Source.

The post DJ Clark Kent Details Creating JAY-Z’s “Brooklyn’s Finest” in Celebration of Hip Hop 50 for Serato’s ‘Unscripted’ Podcast appeared first on The Source.