What was DJ Unk's cause of death? Rapper's wife debunks drug overdose rumors

On Sunday, January 26, two days after DJ Unk's death, his wife, Sherkita Long-Platt, talked to TMZ about the cause of her husband's death in his sleep. Sherkita said that DJ Unk's death had not been caused by a drug overdose but by a cardiac arrest.

Unk, whose real name is Anthony Leonard Platt, was 42 when he died in his Atlanta home in the early morning of January 24. Long-Platt said DJ Unk's death had not been caused by a drug overdose, as is claimed in many speculations circulating online. She seems to have spotted the speculations and is saying that her family is aware of them.

In an earlier announcement on Facebook, Long-Platt 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."

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DJ Unk was an accomplished rapper of the 2000s

DJ Unk was born and raised in Atlanta, Georgia, and rose to fame in the mid-2000s. His career hit an upward trajectory from Walk It Out, followed by a debut album in 2006 titled Beat'n Down Yo Block! The track was a dance-floor hit for a long time, grabbing the national spotlight.

Unk was also credited for creating several hit remixes alongside artists like Big Boi, Andre 3000, and Jim Jones. The 42-year-old made major contributions to dance music and club culture for over a decade.

His work also promoted positivity in the community. Around the 2010s, Unk once suffered severe health challenges, leading him to make healthy lifestyle changes. He left weed and alcohol in the process.

Following his death, his former label, Big Oomp Records, paid tribute to him over social media:

"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.’ DJ Unk was not just a legendary DJ, rapper and producer but a cornerstone of our label. The global impact of his music will be cherished forever."

In 2023, Unk performed Walk It Out on stage at the BET Awards. At the red carpet event, the DJ said:

"I'm glad that it’s good energy and good vibes in the song ‘cause they use it as far as work out dances, they use it in church, they use it for anything."

Talking about the featured appearances he had made, especially Andre 3000, Unk said:

"I still can’t believe that to this day. I never dreamed that he would get on a record like that because he’s so powerful as far as hip-hop and music and everything, so it’s a blessing. That was a dream come true. It was like doing a song with Michael Jackson."

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DJ Unk's death comes within a month of another Georgia rapper

Exactly a month before DJ Unk met his end, another Georgia rapper had died. OG Maco, who was famous for his 2014 single, U Guessed It, lost his life when he was 32. Maco's family confirmed the news of his death on Friday, writing on social media:

"With heavy hearts, we share the heartbreaking news of the passing of our beloved Ben, known to the world as OG Maco. His life was a testament to resilience, creativity, and boundless love. Through his music, passion, and unwavering spirit, he touched so many lives and left a lasting impact."

Maco's U Guessed It earned the rapper a spot on the Billboard Hot 100. Later, the track's remix featured 2 Chainz. In 2015, OG Maco was recognized in the XXL's Freshman Class alongside Fetty Wap and Vince Staples.