DJ Clark Kent, an iconic hip-hop producer whose catalogue includes hits by the Notorious BIG and Jay-Z, has died aged 58.

The New York-based Panamanian-American producer, born Rodolfo Franklin, passed away Thursday following a three-year battle with colon cancer, his family announced in a statement posted to Instagram on Friday.

“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,” read the statement. “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.”

There has been an outpouring of tributes to the late producer on social media from his fans and peers in the music industry.

“Clark will forever be the culture,” wrote popular drummer Questlove.

Jamaican-American producer Pete Rock posted a picture of himself with Kent, along with the caption: “Thank you for being my friend. I lost a lot of people but you were special champ and taught me a lot about stuff you didnt have to.”

Legendary female rapper MC Lyte, in response to the death announcement, commented: “The first man that believed in my voice… my deepest condolences.”

Franklin got his start in hip-hop as a disc jock in the 1980s before producing his breakthrough hit, Player’s Anthem, by the Notorious BIG-led Junior MAFIA crew in 1995. He produced several tracks from Jay-Z’s critically-acclaimed debut album, Reasonable Doubt, and was also behind classic tracks such as Biggie’s Sky’s the Limit and Mariah Carey’s Loverboy.