DJ Unk dead: ‘Walk It Out’ rapper dies aged 42 as wife pays heartbreaking tribute
RAPPER DJ Unk, famed for the track Walk It Out, has died aged 42 – his wife has revealed in a heartbreaking tribute.
Sherkita Long-Platt shared the devastating news on Facebook, sparking a wave of other tributes from industry pals.
She wrote: “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.”
DJ Unk is best known for Walk It Out, which peaked at No. 2 in the Billboard Hot 100 as well as 2 Step which hit No. 4.
The Atlanta star, whose full name was Anthony Leonard Platt, dealt with unspecified health issues in 2009, according to TMZ.
However, the cause of his death is currently unknown.
Unk signed to Big Oomp Records in 2000 and became a key figure in ‘snap music’, a subgenre of crunk that came to prominence in the mid-2000s
In a statement, the founder of the label, Korey “Big Oomp” Robinson, told The Atlanta Journal-Constitution: “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.
“Hit songs such as ‘Walk It Out’ and ‘2 Step’ have left an indelible mark on the industry, and his legacy will continue to inspire artists, DJs, and fans alike for years to come.
“His energy, creativity, and commitment to the craft will never be forgotten.”
Meanwhile, DJ Montay, who collaborated with Unk, wrote on Facebook: “RIP Unk glad to say we was able to make history together.”
Fans also rushed to social media, with one writing: “A real Atlanta legend.. May he rest in peace.”
Another said: “Shout out to DJ Unk, who passed away today at 42.
“Dude may have been one of, if not the first, ATL artists to have a local indie nightclub hit take off and go mainstream platinum in the early blogging/social media era.”
And even the official Instagram page for Atlanta’s NFL team joined the swathes of tributes, saying: “Rest in Peace, DJ Unk.”
As well as DJ Montay, Unk collaborated with other stars including V.I.C. over the course of his career.
He is credited as central to the Atlanta hip-sop scene during the 2000s with snap music, a sub-genre specific to the south.
However, his later tracks didn’t reach the same mainstream success.
Anthony is survived by his wife and children.