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 via Facebook on Friday, Jan.24, Variety reported. 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.”
In addition to his wife, Platt’s music label, Big Oomp Records also paid tribute in his honor.
It is with a heavy heart and profound sadness that we announce the passing of one true ATL legend, Anthony Platt better known as ‘DJ Unk,'” the Instagram carousel began. “On behalf of Big Oomp Records and the BOR Family, we extend our sincerest condolences to his family, friends, and the countless fans whose lives he touched with his gift and purpose.
He record label still remembers Platt as “not only a legendary DJ, rapper, and producer, but a real pillar of our label,” continuing with, “the mark he has left upon the world is forever etched.”
DJ Unk dies at 42, Essence reports
What we know:
death.
His wife was the first to announce her husband’s passing via her social media on Friday and asked her people to keep a respectful attitude about her and the rest of her family. ” PLEASE RESPECT me and my family. I JUST LOST my HUSBAND and my Kids JUST LOST THEIR DAD-our life WILL NEVER BE the same. LOVE YOU ANTHONY FOREVER,.
He is remembered as a leader of the snap music movement, with his hits continuing to resonate in clubs and on playlists nationwide.
Who was Anthony Leonard Platt?
Dig deeper:
Born on Nov. 28, 1982, in Atlanta, Platt gained widespread attention during the mid-2000s when his single “Walk It Out” hit into the top 10 of the Billboard Hot 100 chart. Famous for their energetic beats and infectious delivery, DJ Unk quickly became the definition of Southern hip-hop, taking a good-sized place within hip-hop music’s annals of fame.
Unk’s 2006 debut album, Beat’n Down Yo Block!, solidified his presence in the music industry, featuring hits such as “Walk It Out” and “2 Step,” both of which became club anthems and cultural staples for many millennials. He followed up with his second studio album, 2econd Season, in 2008, further showcasing his talent as a DJ, rapper, and producer.
Throughout his music career, Unk collaborated with famous artists and producers, DJ Montay, and V.I.C., and Atlanta will never be the same with his music remaining.
What people are saying:
Major producer and recording artist DJ Montay, who often collaborated with rapper DJ Unk on many recordings, posted a message on Facebook:
“RIP Unk glad to say we was able to make history together