On this day in Hip-Hop history, veteran MC Rakim released his debut solo LP, The 18th Letter. Coming off of the infamous split of Eric B. and Rakim and a five-year hiatus, this album was surprisingly thorough and left no room to doubt Rakim’s resilience in the ever-changing Hip-Hop world.
Although far removed from his heyday, Rakim delivered an LP that debuted at #4 on the Billboard 200 and stayed true to the technique that made him rich. Tapping-producing legends DJ Premier, Pete Rock, Clark Kent(RIP), and Father Shaheed(RIP), Rakim produced a solid Golden Era album at a time when mafioso rap was taking New York by storm. Peaking only one spot beneath one of New York’s newest brightest stars, Jay-Z, this album proves that Rakim ages like wine regarding his lyrical mastery and microphone prowess.
The album also came with a second disc, The Book of Life, which was an Eric B & Rakim greatest hits album.
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.”
The story of DJ Clark Kent introducing Biggie & JAY-Z to each other is almost as legendary as Clark himself. And the song “Brooklyn’s Finest” with Big & Hov? He produced it and rapped the hook. We lost a giant. God bless Clark and prayers for his family, including Jay. pic.twitter.com/Uevmd6TMQv
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.
DJ Clark Kent is a hip hop legend. He may not have pedigree of someone like RZA or DJ Premier, but the producer worked with some of the most iconic musical acts of the 1990s. He was instrumental in helping shape the careers of JAY-Z, Lil’ Kim and The Notorious B.I.G. Kent also produced hits for the likes of 50 Cent and Mariah Carey. DJ Clark Kent died on October 25 at the age of 58. Several fans paid respects to the producer via social media, but Pusha T was one of the biggest names who tributed Kent on Twitter.
Pusha T posted 3 prayer hands emojis over a tweet confirming DJ Clark Kent’s death. The two men may have never worked together, but they shared an immense respect for one another over the years. Pusha T talked about Kent during a 2023 interview, in which he cited the influence of the East Coast rappers he worked with. DJ Clark Kent gave Pusha T his flowers well before that. During a 2015 interview with itsthe real, the DJ asserted that other rappers should be afraid of Pusha. He also revealed that he spoke with the rapper on a regular basis.
“Rappers,” Kent said to the camera. “Do not f*ck with Pusha T. He has at least 30 verses for every single one of you. And all of y’all in his crew. Trust me, I speak to him.” DJ Clark Kent also noted that the appeal of Pusha T for listeners is that he’s maintained his underdog status despite his tremendous success. He also doubled down on his advice. “Leave his name out of all of you rapper’s mouth,” he reasserted. “He is dangerous. F*ck any record that he’s done. I’m glad I don’t rap.” The interview predates the infamous beef between Pusha T and Drake, but DJ Clark Kent proved to be absolutely right.
Pusha T has been doing plenty of looking back as of late. The rapper appeared, in LEGO form, in the new Pharrell Williams biopic Piece by Piece. He’s also slated to co-headline the upcoming Clipse album. It will be the first new Clipse release since 2009, and will see him formally reunite with his brother No Malice. It remains to be seen whether Push will pay tribute to DJ Clark Kent in the form of song, but it’s obvious the loss was felt. RIP.
Veteran hip-hop DJ Clark Kent has died at age 57 after a prolonged battle with colon cancer. Born Rodolfo Franklin in Panama, Clark Kent had a long and storied career. Beginning in the late ’80s as Dana Dane’s DJ, Franklin became a well-respected rap record producer, with credits including Junior M.A.F.I.A.’s “Player’s Anthem,” Jay-Z’s “Brooklyn’s Finest,” The Notorious B.I.G.’s “Sky’s the Limit,” and more. He was also known as a vanguard of sneaker collector culture, appearing on Uproxx’s podcast People’s Party with Talib Kweli to share his knowledge.
Clark Kent’s time as director of A&R for Atlantic resulted in record deals for the likes of acts such as Original Flavor and The Future Sound — whose manager, Damon Dash, Kent introduced to Jay-Z, leading to the formation of Roc-A-Fella Records. Kent also introduced Jay-Z to The Notorious B.I.G. at the session for their collaboration “Brooklyn’s Finest” from Jay’s debut album, Reasonable Doubt. In addition to introducing Jay to longtime collaborators like Dame and B.I.G., Kent also connected him with Foxy Brown, Kent’s cousin.
Kent’s death was confirmed in a post on his official Instagram account, which read: “It is with deep sadness that we share the passing of the beloved Rodolfo A. Franklin, known to the world as DJ Clark Kent. Clark passed away Thursday evening surrounded by his devoted wife Kesha, daughter Kabriah and son Antonio. Clark quietly and valiantly fought a three year battle with Colon Cancer, while continuing to share his gifts with the world. 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 hip-hop world is now in mourning after the saddening death of DJ Clark Kent at age 58, a legendary producer whose legacy extends far beyond his pivotal role in the founding of Roc-A-Fella Records. A statement released on social media, indicating that he was with his wife Kesha, his daughter Kabriah, and his son Antonio. In addition, the statement expressed that the beatsmith fought colon cancer for three years, and also asked for fans to respect his family and loved ones’ privacy during this difficult time. Many in hip-hop culture poured out their tributes, and we will see many more. Rest In Peace.
Recently, it was falsely reported that DJ Clark Kent passed away due to an unspecified illness. Despite these reports, the veteran DJ is fortunately very much alive and well, according to Angie Martinez, Questlove, and more. “The article that The Source Mag & others have posted about the passing of Dj Clark Kent is false,” Martinez wrote on X earlier today. “Clark is home with his family. Please refrain from sharing any other false information. It is hurtful, deeply irresponsible and untrue.”
The Source, which falsely reported on the artist’s death, issued an explanation for the error in response to Martinez’s post. “The Source was contacted by a family member who brought that information to us as it was reported on other outlets,” the outlet explained. “We are pleased to hear of the well-being of DJ Clark Kent and apologize to the family for reporting the false information.”
Angie Martinez Shuts Down False Death Reports, Calls Them “Deeply Irresponsible”
The article that The Source Mag & others have posted about the passing of Dj Clark Kent is false. Clark is home with his family. Please refrain from sharing any other false information. It is hurtful, deeply irresponsible and untrue.
Questlove also responded to the false reports with an Instagram post, making it clear that the producer had not passed away. “DJ Clark Kent is STILL with us. I know a lot of you are rushing to be ‘FIRST!’” he wrote. “But until word or statement comes from his wife or family, can y’all please quit with the misinformation? It’s stressful as it is.” Pete Rock even joined in to encourage social media users to stop sharing fake information, as it could be harmful to the living DJ’s loved ones.
“Stop traumatizing his family posting that he passed!!” he said. The artist himself has yet to address the bizarre debacle. What do you think of false reports that DJ Clark Kent passed away from an unknown illness being disproven earlier today? What about his friends and loved ones firing back amid the false reports? Share your thoughts in the comments section down below and keep an eye on HNHH for more updates.
The Hip Hop world is in shock after the news has been confirmed that legendary Brooklyn DJ Clark Kent has passed away. He was only 57 years old.
There has been no report as of the cause of his death, however, family members and close associates have confirmed his passing.
The Panamanian-born DJ was originally behind the wheels of steel for Brooklyn legend Dana Dane before stepping behind the production boards, producing hits such as Junior Mafia’s “Player’s Anthem” and for artists such as 50 Cent, Mariah Carey, Rakim, Slick Rick and more.
TheSource.com will update this story as more details develop.
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.”
Famed Hip Hop radio personality Angie Martinez has been using her Iconic Records podcast to talk to those notables who were close to the Notorious B.I.G., with the fifth episode entitled “My Downfall” where she interviews legendary Brooklyn DJ Clark Kent.
Martinez spoke with Clark Kent about his work on BIG’s last LP, Life After Death, in which the song “My Downfall” took on a different meaning following the rapper’s untimely death in Los Angeles. Kent says that he didn’t even remember he did the scratches on the album and delved into BIG’s diss track aimed at Nas.
Kent went on to allege that “Biggie is dead because 2Pac lied,” and stated that 2Pac’s “lies” about Biggie setting up the Quad Studios shooting led to Biggie’s death.
Clark Kent asked why ‘Pac would lie knowing “1000%” that BIG had nothing to do with the robbery/shooting, but says that he did it “because he didn’t want to tell what really happened.”
Go to the 24-minute mark to hear Clark Kent’s commentary with Martinez about the ‘Pac and Biggie beef that led to the Brooklyn rapper’s death.
On this day in Hip Hop history, Slick Rick released his final studio LP, The Art of Storytelling.
Produced mainly by DJ Clark Kent and Kid Capri, this album featured guest verses from Redman, Rev Run, Outkast, Nas, Raekwon, and Snoop Dogg.
Critically the album has been hailed as the only proper sequel to his breakthrough debut album, The Great Adventures Of Slick Rick. Due to continuous run-ins with the law, the public could never fully experience Slick Rick as an artist. For the same reason, the world will never know what his outstanding ability and outspoken persona could have done for Hip Hop culture. What is apparent is that when the master storyteller has the time, he can pen and deliver a masterpiece.
The Art of Storytelling was Slick Rick’s most commercially successful album, peaking at #8 on the Billboard 200 chart and #1 on the Top R&B/Hip Hop charts. The album even went gold during its first week of sales. True to the title, the album is full of narratives that could only be crafted by the pen that scribed the famous “Children’s Story.” And although he has not strayed away from his signature rhetoric, The Art of Storytelling shows improvement and Slick Rick’s ability to stay relevant as far as his style blending with the popular sound of the time. This album is deserving of all accolades and is a proper farewell to Slick Rick as an album rapper.
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