DJ Unk, ‘Walk It Out’ and ‘2 Step’ Rapper, Dies at 43
Mar. 15, 2025DJ Unk.Photo:Ben Rose/WireImage
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Ben Rose/WireImage
Atlanta rapper and hype man DJ Unk has died. He was 43.
Born Anthony Leonard Platt, the artist rose to fame in the early 2000s with hits like “Walk It Out” and “2 Step.”
His wife, Sherkita Long-Platt, confirmed the news viaFacebookon Friday, Jan.24,Varietyreported. A cause of death has not been revealed.
“Please respect me and my family,” Long-Platt wrote. “I just lost my husband and my kids just lost their father. Our life will never be the same. I LOVE YOU ANTHONY FOREVER.”
DJ Unk performs at 2019 Super Bowl Live.Prince Williams/Wireimage
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Prince Williams/Wireimage
In addition to his wife, Platt’s music label, Big Oomp Records, also shared a tribute in his honor.
A picture of Platt performing, smiling while on stage in front of a large crowd was the first image the record label showed to remember the late artist.
Other photos showed the “Hit the Dance Floor” artist showing off a custom chain, which read: “Big Oomp Records.”
DJ Unk in 2007.Raymond Boyd/Getty
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Raymond Boyd/Getty
The record label remembered Platt as “not just a legendary DJ, rapper and producer, but a true cornerstone of our label,” adding, “the imprint that he left globally will be cherished forever.”
Unk’s music “left an indelible mark on the industry, and his legacy will continue to inspire artists, DJs, and fans alike for years to come," the label’s tribute read. “His energy, creativity, and commitment to the craft will never be forgotten."
DJ Unk’s 2006 single “2 Step” peaked at No. 4 on theBillboardHot Rap Songs chart, while “Walk It Out” went on to feature Andre 3000 and Jim Jones on theremix. The song was also featured inStomp the Yard.
DJ Unk at the BET Awards 2023.Leon Bennett/WireImage
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Leon Bennett/WireImage
More recently,GloRillasampled his 2006 song “Hold On Ho” in her 2024 single “Hollon.”
Platt spoke toXXLin 2010, opening up about how he planned to change his lifestyle after suffering a heart attack.
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“It comes from not exercising, from not eating right,” Platt said at the time. “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 on me. It was stress.”
source: people.com
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