Anthony Platt, widely known as DJ Unk, the Atlanta rapper who gave the world unforgettable hits like “Walk It Out” and “2 Step,” has passed away at the age of 43. The news was confirmed by family members and associates on social media, leaving fans and the music world mourning the loss of a true pioneer in snap music.
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Unk was a defining figure in the mid-2000s snap music wave, a subgenre of crunk that took the charts by storm. His 2006 breakout single “Walk It Out” peaked at No. 2 on Billboard’s Hot Rap Songs chart, while “2 Step” climbed to No. 4. Both tracks became cultural staples, with “Walk It Out” spawning a popular remix featuring Andre 3000 and Jim Jones.
Unk’s wife, Sherkita Long-Platt, shared her heartbreak in a Facebook post, writing, “Please respect me and my family. I just lost my husband and my kids just lost their father. Our life will never be the same. I LOVE YOU ANTHONY FOREVER.” Big Oomp Records, the label that helped launch his career, also released a statement: “It is with a heavy heart and profound sadness that we announce the passing of a true ATL legend, Anthony Platt better known as ‘DJ Unk.’ He was not just a legendary DJ, rapper, and producer, but a cornerstone of our label and the global imprint he left will be cherished forever.”
A Career Born in Atlanta
Unk’s music journey began in 1998 when, at the age of 17, he started DJing alongside Atlanta legends DJ Jelly and DJ Montay as part of the Southern Style DJs. By 2000, he had signed with Big Oomp Records, where his career took off. His debut album, Beat’n Down Yo Block!, released in 2006 through Koch Records, showcased Unk’s infectious energy and knack for creating dancefloor anthems. The album featured collaborations with artists like Jazze Pha, DJ Montay, and Baby D, cementing his reputation as a hitmaker.
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Following the success of Beat’n Down Yo Block!, Unk released his sophomore album, 2econd Season, in 2008. While the album performed well commercially, it struggled to produce singles that matched the impact of “Walk It Out” and “2 Step.”
Health Challenges and a Slowing Output
In 2009, Unk suffered a heart attack, an event he later attributed to the physical toll of nonstop touring and unhealthy lifestyle habits. Speaking to XXL Magazine in 2010, he reflected on the experience: “It comes from not exercising, from not eating right. Basically, man, I work hard every day. Everything I do is to make something happen for my household. I’m constantly on the go, constantly on airplanes, in different weather, and it just took a toll on me. It was stress.”
Over the years, Unk’s music output slowed. He released a few standalone singles and a 2017 full-length project titled Fresh Off Dem Papers, but he largely stepped away from the spotlight. Fans were thrilled to see him return to the stage at the 2023 BET Awards, where he performed “Walk It Out” as part of a medley featuring Soulja Boy and F.L.Y.
An Unforgettable Legacy
DJ Unk’s contributions to music will forever be remembered. His ability to craft songs that transcended dance floors and became cultural movements made him a standout artist during the snap music era. From his early days in Atlanta to his chart-topping success, Unk’s journey is a testament to the power of hard work and raw talent.
As fans and peers reflect on his life and legacy, his wife’s words resonate deeply: “Our life will never be the same.” Rest in peace, DJ Unk—an Atlanta legend whose music continues to inspire and move us.