On Sept. 5, renowned hip-hop radio personality Angie Martinez announced her directorial debut with a compelling documentary titled God’s Favorite D.J.: The Story of DJ Clark Kent. This feature-length film is set to shine a spotlight on the often-overlooked contributions of DJ Clark Kent to hip-hop culture.
Celebrating a hip-hop pioneer
DJ Clark Kent has been pivotal in shaping hip-hop over the past four decades. The documentary features appearances from industry giants such as Jay-Z, Questlove, and DJ Khaled, highlighting Kent’s influence on the genre. His production credits include iconic tracks like Jay-Z’s “Brooklyn’s Finest,” the Notorious B.I.G.’s “Sky’s the Limit,” and Mariah Carey’s “Loverboy.”
“DJ Clark Kent is a rare gem whose influence is seen in nearly every era of Hip-Hop’s history books,” Martinez stated in an interview with The Hollywood Reporter.
Martinez emphasized the importance of showcasing the authentic stories of hip-hop heroes, stating, “With our 50-year-old culture susceptible to outside perspective and agenda, it’s important that we spotlight the heroes who push the art form with purity and authenticity.”
Uncovering untold stories
The documentary also highlights notable moments from Kent’s career, including convincing Shawn Carter (Jay-Z) to believe in his future and mentoring the Notorious B.I.G. and Lil Kim during their early careers.
“I’m honored to have Angie Martinez directing,” DJ Clark Kent expressed. “Her entire career has been rooted in telling stories in a beautiful and meaningful way. Angie is a true icon of hip-hop, and we are very lucky to have her as a guide for this project.”
Impact on modern culture
Martinez’s documentary will also explore how DJ Clark Kent’s influence permeates modern pop culture. From his collaborations with mainstream music stars like Kanye West and Rick Ross to his recent sneaker collaboration with Nike, which resold for over $10K, Kent’s legacy continues to thrive.