DJ Unk, the renowned Atlanta rapper who brought us the infectious hits “Walk It Out” and “2 Step,” has tragically passed away at the age of 43. Unk, whose real name is Anthony Platt, was a pivotal figure in the snap music scene, a vibrant subgenre of crunk music that gained widespread popularity in the mid-2000s. As a solo artist, he achieved great success with the chart-topping singles “Walk It Out” and “2 Step” in 2006, with the former reaching No. 2 and the latter climbing to No. 4 on the Billboard Hot Rap Songs chart.
The devastating news of Unk’s untimely death was confirmed by several close family members and longtime associates on social media. In a heartfelt Facebook post, his grieving wife, Sherkita Long-Platt, implored for privacy and respect during this difficult time, expressing the profound loss of her beloved husband and the father of her children. The news was further corroborated by a representative from his former label, Big Oomp Records, who paid tribute to Unk as a true legend of the Atlanta music scene, highlighting his significant contributions as a DJ, rapper, and producer.
Although the cause of his passing remains undisclosed, Unk’s musical journey began in 1998 when he started DJing at the young age of 17, eventually teaming up with DJ Jelly and DJ Montay to form the Southern Style DJs. In 2000, he signed with Big Oomp Records and released his debut album “Beat’n Down Yo Block!” in 2006, which featured collaborations with notable artists such as Jazze Pha, DJ Montay, and Baby D. The album’s standout track, “Walk It Out,” garnered widespread acclaim and even received a remix with appearances from André 3000 and Jim Jones.
Tragically, Unk faced health challenges in 2009 when he suffered a heart attack, attributing it to the toll taken by his hectic touring schedule, poor dietary habits, and substance use. Despite this setback, he continued to persevere in the music industry, releasing the album “2econd Season” in 2008, albeit without the same commercial success as his debut. Over the years, Unk’s musical output slowed down, with sporadic singles and the album “Fresh Off Dem Papers” in 2017 marking his later releases.
In a poignant moment, Unk graced the stage at the 2023 BET Awards, delivering a memorable performance of “Walk It Out” alongside fellow artists Soulja Boy and F.L.Y. His enduring impact on the industry and his cherished legacy as a pioneer of snap music will forever be remembered by fans and peers alike. The loss of DJ Unk is deeply felt, leaving behind a void in the music world that will be impossible to fill.
