Born Anthony Platt, renowned Atlanta rapper DJ Unk, has passed away at the age of 43. As a pivotal figure in the snap music scene, he gained popularity in the mid-2000s. Particularly, snap music is a subgenre of crunk. Notably, the rapper left a significant mark on the music industry by achieving numerous successes. As a solo artist, he found fame following the release of his hit singles, Walk It Out and 2 Step in 2006. While the former reached No. 2, the latter hit No. 4 on the Billboard Hot Rap Songs Chart. Ultimately, these numbers solidified Unk’s position as a key player in the snap music movement.
Heartfelt Tribute to DJ Unk’s Memory
Several family members and close associates of the rapper confirmed the news of DJ Unk’s passing on social media. Specifically, his wife, Sherkita Long-Platt, shared a heartful message on Facebook asking for respect and privacy during this difficult time. In expressing the profound impact of her husband’s passing on their family, Sherkita acknowledged that their lives wouldn’t be the same moving forward. Lastly, she conveyed her enduring love for Unk, leaving a poignant tribute to his memory.
DJ Unk’s former label, Big Oomp Records, also confirmed the rapper’s passing on social media. Moreover, the label expressed its profound sadness in a statement shared on their Instagram Stories, paying tribute to the legendary artist. Described as a true ATL legend, Unk is celebrated for his talents as a DJ, rapper, and producer and his enduring impact on the music world. Additionally, the label acknowledged and cherished his lasting imprint on the global music scene. At present, the cause of the rapper’s death remains undisclosed.
The Beginning of a Successful Music Career
At the young age of 17, DJ Unk’s music career took shape in 1998 when he started spinning records. Eventually, he joined forces with DJ Jelly and DJ Montay, forming the Southern Style DJs. Furthermore, this collaboration led to his signing with Big Oomp Records in 2000, where he released his debut album, Beat’n Dow Yo Block! through Koch Records six years later. Namely, Jasse Pha, DJ Montay, and Baby D were notable guests on the album.
Lastly, DJ Unk’s standout track, Walk It Out, became a massive hit that spawned a remix featuring other iconic rappers, André 3000 and Jim Jones. Released in 2008, his sophomore album, 2econd Season, performed slightly better than its predecessor. However, it failed to produce singles that replicated the same level of success as Walk It Out.
Shocking Health Scare Affects Music Output
In a shocking twist of events, DJ Unk suffered from a terrible heart attack in August 2009. The rapper attributes this health scare to various factors. In a 2010 XXL Magazine interview, he highlighted his grueling touring schedule, poor dietary habits, and excessive drinking and smoking habits as contributors. Specifically, he acknowledged these factors and the constant stress of striving to provide for his family had caught up with him. As a result, he believes his health scare was a wake-up call for the artist to improve his physical health.
Following his heart attack, DJ Unk’s releases became less frequent as he continued to produce music at a slower pace. In the subsequent years, Unk released multiple standalone singles, Have A Toast (2013) and Wait (2014). Despite his reduced output, the rapper’s legacy continued to be celebrated, particularly in Hip Hop spaces. One of his most notable appearances was on stage at the BET Awards in 2003, performing his iconic hit, Walk It Out. This performance was part of a medley featuring fellow artists Soulja Boy and F.L.Y, which served as a testament to his enduring impact.
Unk’s Viral Song in the Pre-Social Media Era
DJ Unk’s song, Walk It Out, helped to popularize snap music in Atlanta, peaking at No. 10 on the Billboard Hot 100. Cementing its status as a breakout hit, the song’s impact extended beyond the music charts, inspiring a signature dance that spread throughout the country. As a staple on streets and dance floors across the country, the dance is characterized by bent knees and twisting legs. Additionally, Unk’s popular dance demonstrates its remarkable virality in the pre-social media era.
