DJ Clark Kent reflects on career, family, and sneaker legacy
As part of News 12's ongoing Kicks Week coverage, Katelynn Ulrich sat down with legendary hip-hop producer and sneaker designer DJ Clark Kent for an intimate interview in Old Mill Basin, Brooklyn.
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As part of News 12's ongoing Kicks Week coverage, Katelynn Ulrich sat down with legendary hip-hop producer and sneaker designer DJ Clark Kent for an intimate interview in Old Mill Basin, Brooklyn.
It's the neighborhood where he designed his first sneaker and raised his family.
DJ Clark Kent and his son Antonio, a music producer known as "Mage," welcomed News 12's crew with a slice at a local spot on Ralph Avenue.
Growing up as the son of DJ Clark Kent might sound intimidating, but for Mage, it’s a blessing.
“Being his son is an ‘Oh my God’ moment all the time,” Mage said, laughing with his dad during the interview.
Kent’s career is nothing short of impressive. He was a DJ for hip-hop artist Dana Dane, founded The Supermen and designed sneakers for major brands like Nike and Adidas.
When it comes to sneaker culture, Kent credits his success to his dedication to telling a story.
The journey started in Old Mill Basin, where Kent designed his first sneaker for Nike in 2009—known as the "112 Pack."
“Every ZIP code in Brooklyn is 112. That was my story,” Kent explained. “I picked my favorite colors and material and came up with the idea. I got challenged to do it on a different silhouette, so my first pack had three shoes in it. I was only looking for one, so that was kind of crazy.”
While Kent's sneaker designs may have begun in Old Mill Basin, his love for footwear was sparked in Crown Heights, where sneakers were much more than just shoes.
“You couldn’t afford a car,” Kent said. “You could get a bike, but how cool do you look sweaty getting off a bike? Sneakers were our cars.”
Though the sneaker world often refers to itself as a “culture,” Kent prefers to call it a “community.”
“It’s always been about community. That’s why, if a shoe comes out in China, I can call someone and say, ‘Grab me that shoe,’” Kent said. “Because I’ve built community.”
While sneakers have played a major role in his life, family remains at the heart of it all. When asked what he and Mage talk about most, Kent was quick to reply.
“I like to talk about him. I like to get what he’s thinking all the time,” Kent said. “People wonder how I connect. Well, I got a 25-year-old. And he’s cool.”
Mage hinted that he may soon be designing his own sneakers, a sign that the Kent family's influence in the sneaker world is far from over.
