Who was DJ Unk AKA Anthony Platt? Walk It Out rapper dies at 43

Atlanta rapper DJ Unk passed away at 43 on January 24. His family confirmed the news through Facebook, while his former label, Big Oomp Records, also paid tribute. The cause of death has not been disclosed.

DJ Unk, whose real name is Anthony Leonard Platt, rose to prominence in the mid-2000s with hits like Walk It Out and 2 Step, among others. His wife, Sherkita Long-Platt, took to Facebook on January 25 requesting fans for privacy as they mourn the loss of the singer. She said online:

“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.”

Big Oomp Records also recognized DJ Unk as a “legendary DJ, rapper, and producer.” They added:

“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.”

They also said:

“On behalf of Big Oomp Records and the BOR Family, we extend our deepest condolences to his family, friends, and the countless fans who were touched by his artistry and spirit."

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DJ Unk entered the music industry at the young age of 17

In 1998, DJ Unk started spinning records at 17 with DJ Montay and DJ Jelly at Southern Style DJs. Two years later, he signed to Big Oomp Records and released his debut album Beat 'n Down Yo Block!, which reached No. 21 on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart. His second album, 2econd Season, was released in 2008 and peaked at No. 15 on the same chart.

In 2009, DJ Unk suffered from a heart attack, which he blamed on smoking, touring, drinking and his poor eating habits. Discussing the same with XXL Magazine, he said in 2010:

“Basically man, I work hard everyday. Everything I do every day I try to make something happen in my household. I constantly be on the go, I constantly be on airplanes, in different weather and you know it just took a toll me. It was stress.”

In 2009, he released a couple more singles and was subsequently featured on the 2K Sports NBA 2K9 video game as well.

In 2017, he released his album Fresh Off Dem Papers and also appeared on stage at the BET Awards in 2023 to perform Walk It Out. While on the red carpet for the event, Platt 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.”

He went on to praise Andre 3000 for appearing on the song’s remix, which also featured Jim Jones and OutKast. Platt 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.”

GloRilla also sampled Platt’s song Hold On Ho for her 2024 single Hollon which appeared on her debut album Glorious.