by The hip-hop community is mourning the loss of one of its beloved figures, DJ Unk, born Anthony Platt, who passed away at the age of 43 due to a heart attack. The news, confirmed by his wife, Sherkita Long-Platt, marks a solemn moment for fans and peers alike who were touched by his music and his vibrant presence in the mid-2000s rap scene.
Sherkita Long-Platt took to social media to set the record straight regarding the cause of her husband’s passing, dispelling rumors of a drug overdose and emphasizing that his death was health-related. The Atlanta-born rapper had faced health challenges in the past, including a heart attack in 2009, which he attributed to poor health habits at the time. “He fought hard to prioritize his health in recent years,” Long-Platt shared in a heartfelt statement, “and he was doing it for us — for his family and his fans.”
To honor his life and legacy, a candlelight vigil was held in Unk’s Atlanta neighborhood, where family, friends, and fans gathered to celebrate the music and memories he left behind. The event was a testament to the deep impact DJ Unk had on the community, not just as a musician but as a symbol of Atlanta’s thriving hip-hop culture. Attendees shared stories, sang along to his timeless tracks, and celebrated the life of a man whose music brought people together on dance floors around the world.
DJ Unk burst onto the scene in 2006 with his debut album Beat’n Down Yo Block!, featuring the smash hit “Walk It Out.” The song, a club anthem with an infectious beat and universal appeal, quickly climbed the Billboard charts, reaching No. 10 on the Hot 100. Its remix, featuring Andre 3000, Jim Jones, and Big Boi, cemented its place as a cultural phenomenon. His follow-up hit, “2 Step,” was another instant success, continuing the legacy of dancefloor-ready bangers. The track encouraged fans to hit the floor and embrace movement, inspiring countless viral dance challenges long before the TikTok era. These songs didn’t just dominate the airwaves; they became staples of parties, weddings, and celebrations worldwide.
DJ Unk’s ability to craft universally appealing tracks bridged generational and regional divides. His music was not only a soundtrack to the mid-2000s but also an enduring reminder of Atlanta’s influence on hip-hop. Beyond the dancefloor hits, his artistry also reflected the spirit of perseverance, embodying the ethos of overcoming personal and professional obstacles.
As a DJ and producer, he influenced a new generation of artists who looked to him for inspiration. His knack for creating tracks that celebrated joy, movement, and togetherness resonated deeply in an era when hip-hop was becoming more diverse and globally recognized. He played a pivotal role in popularizing the Atlanta snap music sound, a subgenre that paired laid-back beats with high-energy rhythms, further solidifying the city’s dominance in the hip-hop world.
While his passing is a heartbreaking loss, his contributions to music and culture will continue to inspire and uplift for generations to come. One thing remains clear: his music will endure as a celebration of joy, resilience, and creativity. His work was more than just entertainment; it was a call to action—an invitation to hit the dancefloor, embrace the moment, and live life fully.
Rest in peace, DJ Unk. May your beats and spirit forever echo in the hearts of those who walked it out and two-stepped to your timeless tunes.
