Photo by Prince Williams/WireImage
Fans are heartbroken over the loss of DJ Unk, the Atlanta rapper behind Y2K bangers like ‘Walk It Out’ and ‘2 Step.’ The beloved artist has passed away at the age of 43, TMZ reports.
DJ Unk, born Anthony Platt, blew up in 2006 with his hit single, ‘Walk It Out’ from the album ‘Beat’n Down Yo Block,’ which smashed into the Billboard Hot 100’s top 10. Another banger from the same album, ‘2 Step,’ also went gold.
DJ Unk’s wife, Sherkita Long-Platt, confirmed the news of his passing on Facebook on Friday, January 24. “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,” Platt’s post read.
Additionally, Sherkita confirmed her husband’s cause of death. She told TMZ that she and her family were aware of the rumors circulating that he passed away from drugs, but she wanted to set the record straight and confirm that wasn’t true. Sherkita revealed that her husband passed away in his sleep on January 24 after suffering a heart attack.
Furthermore, as news broke about Unk’s passing, his music label, Big Oomp Records, also paid tribute to him with a heartfelt Instagram post.
It is with a heavy heart and profound sadness that we announce the passing of a true ATL legend, Anthony Platt better known as DJ Unk.” On behalf of Big Oomp Records and the BOR Family, we extend our deepest condolences to his family, friends, and the countless fans who were touched by his artistry and spirit.
Fans and social media users packed The Shade Room’s comment section with reactions to DJ Unk’s passing. Many shared memories tied to his music and the good times it brought them.
Instagram user @geewavy_ wrote, “That record Walk It Out was a CLASSIC in the party scene in 2006. RIP to him!”
Instagram user @cultchathrowback wrote, “Walk It Out & 2 Step had the streets flooded ”
While Instagram user @strozay wrote, “Class of 2005 folks are not ok ”
Then Instagram user @brskash wrote, “Real Atl Legend Walk It Out In Heaven!!!”
Another Instagram user @no_ig_syd wrote, “I still play walk it out and that remix with Andre 3000 is epic.”
Instagram user @remembering_aaliyah wrote, “its only January sheesh.. too much going on.”
While another Instagram user @pinknpatron wrote, “Me and my friends had whole dance routines to his songs that we used to do at parties RIP ”
Instagram user @_the.godess.era_ wrote, “Definitely a big part of my childhood music this is sad ”
Lastly, Instagram user @doryblue1x wrote, “Imma walk it out all night for Unk ”
