The legendary Clark Kent was born in the Republic of Panama and moved to the Crown Heights section of Brooklyn in his early years.
DJ Clark Kent has been a force in the hip hop culture since his introduction to deejaying by his uncle who was friends with DJ Kool Herc. He is best known for his production of many classic tracks with rap legends Notorious B.I.G. Jay-z and also for his key role in the signing of major label recording deals for artists such as Das Efx, Jay-z, MC Lyte, Sauce Money and Yo Yo. DJ Clark Kent is currently using his abilities to help up and coming rappers like Curtains from Brooklyn and Fred Da God from the Bronx reach the same kind of success. The Source checked in with DJ Clark Kent in Brooklyn to discuss his views on some issues including President Obama, the state of hip hop, and black history.

The conversation started with Barack Obama being elected President of the United States. “He’s the best choice possible, It’s the greatest day in American history” says DJ Clark Kent. Like millions of people around the world he was excited to see Obama get elected to the highest office in the land. “The election of Obama exemplifies the American saying the land of opportunity” says Kent. The effect Obama has had on hip hop is huge, his image on mixtapes, rappers openly campaigning for him. DJ Clark Kent commented on Obama and hip hop he said “he understands and doesn’t talk down to us; Obama is going to hold us accountable for our actions. He’s young, understands the struggle and the streets. The hip hop world is hopeful because of him. President Obama has a level of cool and he exceeds that.”

From there the conversation turned to the state of hip hop and how he wants to be remembered. “I just want to be remembered for loving and respecting the music and not trying to hurt the culture. I always want to be noted as a DJ first before anything else.” As for the state of hip hop which has seen a decline in sales, rise in ringtones, and the effect the internet has on every aspect of the culture.

DJ Clark Kent views on hip hop are there is no artist development; people saw hip hop and saw the money instead of the love it kind of twisted up hip hop. The internet has touched every aspect of the hip hop culture including sales, promotion, publications etc. “The internet is like a double edge sword, it messed up the sales game but helped with the promotion game” says Kent. Since February is black history month not many people know Kent has studied a lot learning about black people.

“I live by the motto if my brother’s in trouble so am I. When you go to school there is a small amount of black history being taught and when you know you’re history there is a different pep in your step. You have to know from whence you came, especially black people because we all we got” says Kent. President Obama has changed history and with February being black history month Clark said “I pray all black people are absorbing the moment that we are living in with our first black president.”

WORDS LULAINE COMPERE