Another Atlanta legend is gone.
DJ Unk, most known for snap-era songs like “2 Step” and “Walk It Out,” died on Friday, according to a Facebook post from his wife, Sherkita Long-Platt. Long-Platt later told The Atlanta Journal-Constitution that her husband died in his sleep from a heart attack. He was 43.
“Please respect me and my family,” Long-Platt wrote on Facebook. “I just lost my husband and my kids just lost their father. Our life will never be the same. I love you Anthony forever.”
The Atlanta DJ and rapper, whose real name is Anthony Platt, signed to the esteemed indie label Big Oomp Records in 2000. His 2006 debut album “Beat’n Down Yo Block” reached No. 21 on Billboard’s R&B and Hip-Hop chart.
“Walk It Out,” the album’s lead single and DJ Unk’s debut song, was a foundational track that fueled the rise of snap music, a dance-crazed subgenre of crunk that derived in Atlanta. It reached No. 10 on the Billboard Hot 100.
The song inspired a dance, which includes bending your knees and twisting your legs from side-to-side, that became ubiquitous on streets and dancefloors across the country—showcasing its in-real-life virality long before social media trends.
The track got so big that André 3000 and Jim Jones hopped on the remix.
DJ Unk dropped his sophomore album “Second Season” in 2008. The following year, he was rushed to the hospital after suffering a heart attack. He talked to XXL Magazine in 2010 about his health scare, stating, “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.”
“DJ Unk was not just a legendary DJ, rapper and producer, but a true cornerstone of our label and the imprint that he left globally will be cherished forever,” long-time collaborator and producer Korey “Big Oomp” Roberson wrote in a statement sent to The Atlanta Journal-Constitution that was later posted on social media.
“Hit songs such as ‘Walk It Out’ and ‘2 Step’ have left an indelible mark on the industry, and his legacy will continue to inspire artists, DJs, and fans alike for years to come. His energy, creativity, and commitment to the craft will never be forgotten.”
DJ Unk marks the latest death in Atlanta’s rich hip-hop scene. Last month, rapper OG Maco died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound at 32. Rich Homie Quan died from an accidental drug overdose last September. He was 34. In April of last year, legendary Organized Noize producer Rico Wade died from heart failure at 52.
On Friday, legions of fans took to social media to mourn DJ Unk:
“DJ Unk blessed all the street dancers in the snap era with an opportunity to show off what was going on in Atlanta,” wrote one user.
“The snap era wouldn’t have been the same without DJ Unk,” another user wrote.
The Atlanta Falcons even posted a tribute:
Update: This story was updated Monday afternoon to reveal DJ Unk’s cause of death
Editor’s note: A previous version of this story misstated Big Oomp’s last name. His name is Korey “Big Oomp” Roberson.
This is a breaking story. Check ajc.com for updates.
