DJ Unk, best known for his dance-centric breakout single, “Walk It Out,” has passed away at age 43.
According to the rapper’s widow, Sherkita Long-Platt, Unk — born Anthony Platt — died in his sleep on Friday January 24th as a result of a heart attack, a medical complication he had previously suffered back in 2009. Platt announced the news of her husband’s death on social media, expressing her grief while asking for their family to be given privacy at this time. An Atlanta native, DJ Unk gained national prominence in 2006 with the release of “Walk It Out,” which peaked at No. 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 and No. 2 on Billboard’s Hot Rap Songs chart. The upbeat party anthem also spawned a star-studded remix featuring Outkast and Jim Jones, which further capitalized on the success of the single, resulting in Unk performing the song at the inaugural BET Hip–Hop Awards.
Unk’s follow-up single, “2 Step,” further cemented his reputation after it became another hit that same year. Although DJ Unk’s popularity peaked in the 2000s, his influence on dance music and club culture remains evident. His tracks helped define the snap music era, a sub-genre characterized by its minimalist beats and energetic rhythms. Beyond music, Unk continued engaging with his community, performing live and using his platform to promote positivity. He also faced health challenges in the early 2010s, including a heart attack, which he overcame and later credited as a turning point in his life. As a result of the cardiac event, he gave up weed and alcohol.
Unk’s legacy lies not only in his contributions to the rap scene but also in his ability to create music that brought people together on the dance floor, inspiring countless DJs and artists in the process.
A representative from his former label Big Oomp Records also confirmed the news on social media.