The world is saying goodbye to DJ Unk, the Atlanta artist who made us all dance with his iconic hits “Walk It Out” and “2 Step.” The beloved rapper and producer, whose real name was Anthony Leonard Platt, passed away on January 24, 2025, at just 43 years old. His wife, Sherkita Long-Platt, shared the devastating news, expressing the immense pain of losing her husband and the father of their children. The family has asked for privacy as they navigate this difficult time.
What Connected Us Through Music
DJ Unk was a major force in the mid-2000s music scene. Not only was his first album, Beat’n Down Yo Block!, a commercial success, but it also became a cultural phenomenon. In addition to becoming hits, songs like “Walk It Out” and “2 Step” were the lifeblood of dance floors, cookouts, and gatherings all over the nation. His goal was to use movement and sound to spread happiness and unite people, not to follow fads.
Heartfelt Tributes Pour In
Since news of his passing broke, tributes have been pouring in from across the music world. Korey “Big Oomp” Roberson, who signed DJ Unk to Big Oomp Records in 2000, described him as more than an artist—he was family. “Unk wasn’t just a rapper; he was an ATL legend,” Roberson said. He remembered Unk’s infectious energy, boundless creativity, and the love he had for his city and his craft. “His music will live on forever,” Roberson added.
A Fighter to the End
DJ Unk faced challenges in his life but always fought through them. He subsequently acknowledged that his heart attack in 2009 was brought on by an unhealthy lifestyle and the demanding demands of touring. He refused to allow the setback to define him. Unk persisted in creating music and performing, giving his all to the artistic endeavor that made him and his followers so happy.
A Tradition That Will Never End
Even though DJ Unk’s cause of death has not been made public, his legacy is indisputable. His music produced enduring memories, not only a part of a certain time. His songs, like “Walk It Out” and “2 Step,” continue to be celebrations of joy, life, and movement. He not only personified Atlanta’s hip-hop culture, but also contributed to its development. For many years to come, people will be dancing, smiling, and remembering DJ Unk because of his music.
