Walk It Out Rapper DJ Unk, Icon of Southern Hip-Hop, Passes Away at 43

DJ Unk, the Atlanta-based rapper best known for his 2006 hit Walk It Out, has tragically passed away at the age of 43. The cause of his death has not been made public, but his wife, Sherkita Long-Platt, took to social media to confirm his passing and requested privacy for her family during this difficult time.

Born Anthony Leonard Platt, DJ Unk gained recognition after signing with Big Oomp Records in 2000. His debut album, Beat’n Down Yo Block!, was released in 2006 and featured the platinum-selling single Walk It Out, which became a defining track of mid-2000s Southern hip-hop. He followed up with another hit, 2 Step, which further cemented his place in the Atlanta rap scene.

In a heartfelt post on Facebook, Unk’s wife shared, “Please respect me and my family. I just lost my husband, and my kids just lost their father. Our life will never be the same. I LOVE YOU ANTHONY FOREVER.”

Though he faced health struggles, including a heart attack in 2009, Unk continued to produce music. In a 2010 interview with XXL magazine, he revealed that his health issues were largely due to the stresses of constant touring, unhealthy habits, and the toll his lifestyle took on his body.

In 2017, Unk released an album titled Fresh Off Dem Papers, and in 2023, he performed Walk It Out at the BET Awards, reminding fans of his lasting impact.

Big Oomp Records honored Unk on social media, calling him a “legendary DJ, rapper, and producer” whose legacy will be cherished forever. The founder of Big Oomp Records, Korey Roberson, referred to Unk as “a true ATL legend,” adding that his legacy would continue to influence the music world. Roberson concluded with, “Rest in peace, Unk. You will forever be missed. Now walk it out!”

While the cause of DJ Unk’s death has yet to be disclosed, his passing marks the end of an era for Southern hip-hop and his fans.

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