Anthony Platt, also known as DJ Unk, has passed away at 43, leaving behind a legacy in the snap music subgenre.
The Atlanta rapper rose to fame in the mid-2000s with hits "Walk It Out" and "2 Step" before succumbing to an undisclosed illness, Variety reported.
DJ Unk was a pivotal member of the Southern hip-hop scene. Born Anthony Platt, he began DJing with Southern Style DJs at 17. This early start laid the groundwork for a career that would soon take the music world by storm.
By 2006, DJ Unk was a household name among fans of hip-hop. His debut album, "Beat’n Down Yo Block!," launched chart-topping singles like "Walk It Out" and "2 Step." The former peaked at No. 2, while the latter reached No. 4 on the Billboard Hot Rap Songs chart.
A remix of "Walk It Out" featured prominent artists André 3000 and Jim Jones, further boosting Unk's reputation. Despite the acclaim, his second album, "2econd Season," released in 2008, didn’t fare as well commercially. The project failed to replicate the success of his initial work.
Unk's family and Big Oomp Records confirmed his passing, with both expressing deep sorrow. His wife, Sherkita Long-Platt, urged for privacy during this difficult time.
In August 2009, Unk suffered a heart attack, prompting conversations about his lifestyle choices. He publicly attributed his health scare to poor eating habits, lack of exercise, and overwhelming stress.
It comes from not exercising, from not eating right. Basically man, I work hard every day. 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 on me. It was stress.
By 2010, DJ Unk had spoken candidly about his struggles with health, emphasizing the impact of his rigorous lifestyle. Despite these challenges, he continued to release music, including his 2017 album "Fresh Off Dem Papers."
In 2023, DJ Unk graced the stage at the BET Awards, illustrating his enduring relevance in the music industry. However, his death again brought attention to his past health struggles.
Details surrounding the cause of his death remain undisclosed, leaving fans and peers with unanswered questions. Yet, his impact on the music world, particularly in Atlanta, is undeniably profound.
Big Oomp Records released a statement praising his contributions, heralding him as a cornerstone of their label and a global force. His passing marks a significant loss for the community he helped shape.
DJ Unk's legacy endures through his music. From his early days in Southern Style DJs to topping charts nationally, Anthony Platt's influence is etched in hip-hop's narrative. His family mourns their loss while honoring his contributions and cherishing his memory. The music world reflects on his life and career, celebrating the enduring beats he created.
The Atlanta music landscape has lost a vital figure, with DJ Unk's presence felt in every rhythm and rhyme he inspired. The cause of his untimely passing might remain a mystery, but his artistic legacy continues to resonate with fans worldwide.
