‘Walk It Out’ rapper, DJ Unk, dead at 42
Anthony Leonard Platt, better known as the influential Atlanta rapper and snap pioneer, DJ Unk, has died at the age of 42.
Unk was best known for his 2006 hits ‘Walk It Out’ and ‘2 Step’. His wife, Sherkita Long-Platt confirmed the news of his death on social media on January 24th, but no cause of death was confirmed.
“Please respect me and my family,” Long-Platt wrote on Facebook. “I just lost my husband and my kids just lost their father. Our life will never be the same. I LOVE YOU ANTHONY FOREVER.”
Unk began his career when still a teenage in Atlanta in 1998 when he was part of the Southern Style DJs alongside DJ Jelly and DJ Montay. He later signed with Big Oomp Records, who gave him the platform to break out as a solo artist, an bring his take on snap to the masses.
He released his debut album, Beat’n Down Yo Block! in October 2006, which produced ‘Walk It Out’ and ‘2 Step’. Notably, the former broke into the top ten on the Billboard Hot 100, and was later remixed by Atlanta rap legend, Andre 3000.
Unk released his second and album, 2econd Season in 2008, but his life and career would then take a different path. He suffered a mild heart attack on 2009, and was hospitalised. He attributed it to “not exercising and not eating right”. Following such an ordeal, his output was significantly reduced.
He wrote on Twitter after the heart attack: “No more Kush, Purp, Piff, Haze, Sour desiel for me! No more drinks! Got to do this for my health! Live healthy! be healthy! Live unhealthy and suffer the concequences! [sic]. Keep god first and haters last! It’s not over till the fat lady sing.”
In response to the news of Unk’s death, a representative from Big Oomp Records said in 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’.”
Continuing: “DJ Unk was not just a legendary DJ, rapper and producer, but a true cornerstone of our label and the imprint that he left globally will be cherished forever.”
Unk’s final major appearance was at the 2023 BET Awards, where he perfromed ‘Walk It Out’ as part of a medley that included Soulja Boy and F.L.Y.