'Walk It Out' Rapper DJ Unk Dead at 43, Atlanta Music Scene in Mourning

Anthony Leonard Platt, known to hip-hop fans as DJ Unk, the Atlanta rapper who rose to fame with the 2006 hit "Walk It Out," has died at the age of 43.

News of his passing was shared Wednesday by family and collaborators, including his wife, Sherkita Long-Platt, who confirmed his death in an emotional Facebook post.

“I just lost my husband and my kids just lost their father,” Long-Platt wrote. “Our life will never be the same. I LOVE YOU ANTHONY FOREVER.” She asked for privacy as her family processes their loss.

Rest in Peace, DJ Unk 🙏 pic.twitter.com/vINpoPGqJO

— Atlanta Falcons (@AtlantaFalcons) January 25, 2025

No cause of death has been disclosed.

DJ Unk, a pioneer of Atlanta's snap music movement, was signed to Korey “Big Oomp” Robinson’s Big Oomp Records in 2000. The label released his breakout hits, including "Walk It Out" and "2 Step," both of which became anthems of the mid-2000s.

In a heartfelt tribute, Big Oomp Records reflected on his impact. “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,’” the label wrote in an Instagram post. “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.”

R.I.P. MY BOY DJ UNK MAN…. REAL ATLANTA LEGEND! pic.twitter.com/dkpZPNfoBR

— Atlanta Hood Historian (@kodakk6000) January 24, 2025

The Falcons, Atlanta’s NFL team, also paid tribute on social media, posting, “Rest in peace DJ Unk.”

Unk’s music, known for its high-energy beats and infectious hooks, was emblematic of the snap music era that dominated Atlanta in the 2000s. “Walk It Out” peaked at No. 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, and its remix featured hip-hop heavyweights André 3000, Jim Jones and Big Boi.

Though he kept a low profile in recent years, DJ Unk openly discussed his health struggles after suffering a heart attack in 2009. In a 2010 interview with XXL, he detailed how stress and poor lifestyle habits led to his health scare.

Legendary Atlanta rapper and DJ Unk has died ... His wife, Sherkita Long-Platt, posted on Facebook Friday afternoon ... "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" pic.twitter.com/9qZPfk6IxI

— RAPCARTEL (@RAPCARTEL_) January 25, 2025

“I got to get healthy not just for my sake, but also for my kids and for my wife,” he said at the time. The rapper emphasized his efforts to change his lifestyle, cutting back on drinking and smoking while focusing on his faith.

“Everything was so fast. Instead of praying once like before, I go twice a day,” Unk shared. “It’s a blessing to be here.”

DJ Unk’s influence on Atlanta’s music scene remains undeniable. His sound helped define a generation of Southern hip-hop and continues to inspire artists today.