DJ Clark Kent, a highly regarded hip-hop record producer known for his work with Jay-Z, Notorious B.I.G., Mariah Carey, and others, has passed away at the age of 58.
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| DJ Clark Kent Ilya S. Savenok/Getty Images |
Kent died on Thursday evening after a three-year battle with colon cancer, according to a statement posted on his Instagram on Friday. He was surrounded by his wife, Kesha, and their children, Kabriah and Antonio.
“The family appreciates everyone’s love, support, and prayers during this time and requests privacy as they cope with this immense loss,” the statement concluded.
Clark Kent’s production credits include 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 collaborated with Slick Rick, Rakim, and Rick Ross.
The news of Kent’s passing comes just two months after veteran radio host Angie Martinez announced her plans to make her directorial debut with the feature-length documentary God’s Favorite DJ: The Story of DJ Clark Kent.
“DJ Clark Kent is a rare gem whose influence can be seen in nearly every era of hip-hop’s history. With our 50-year-old culture vulnerable to outside perspectives and agendas, it’s essential to spotlight the heroes who uphold the art form with purity and authenticity. I am honored to help share Clark’s many truths with the world,” Martinez stated to Reporter at that time.
In the same release, Clark Kent expressed that he was “honored” by Martinez’s directing and noted that her “entire career has been rooted in telling stories in a beautiful and meaningful way.”
