DJ Unk, Snap Music Pioneer Behind “Walk It Out,” Passes Away at 43
DJ Unk, Snap Music Pioneer Behind "Walk It Out," Passes Away at 43
DJ Unk, the Atlanta rapper famous for his hits “Walk It Out” and “2 Step,” has tragically passed away at the age of 43.
Born Anthony Platt, Unk was a key figure in the rise of snap music, a subgenre of crunk that dominated the mid-2000s. As a solo artist, he gained widespread recognition with “Walk It Out” in 2006, which peaked at No. 2 on the Billboard Hot Rap Songs chart, followed by “2 Step,” which reached No. 4. These songs made him a prominent name in the Southern hip-hop scene.
Unk’s death was confirmed through heartfelt tributes shared by his family and close associates on social media. His wife, Sherkita Long-Platt, expressed her grief on Facebook, writing, “I just lost my husband, and my kids just lost their father. Our life will never be the same. I LOVE YOU ANTHONY FOREVER.” A representative from his former label, Big Oomp Records, also posted a statement mourning his passing, calling him “a true ATL legend” and recognizing his lasting influence on the music world.
DJ Unk began his career in 1998 at the age of 17, initially DJing with Southern Style DJs alongside DJ Jelly and DJ Montay. He signed with Big Oomp Records in 2000 and released his debut album Beat’n Down Yo Block! in 2006. The album’s standout hit, “Walk It Out,” became a cultural anthem, even spawning a remix featuring André 3000 and Jim Jones. Unk followed up with his sophomore album 2econd Season in 2008, which was moderately successful but did not replicate the success of his first album.
In 2009, Unk suffered a heart attack, attributing it to the demanding lifestyle of constant touring, poor diet, and lack of exercise. In an interview with XXL Magazine in 2010, he revealed that stress and the rigors of his career had taken a toll on his health. Despite this setback, he continued to make music, releasing his 2017 album Fresh Off Dem Papers. Unk also made a memorable appearance at the 2023 BET Awards, performing “Walk It Out” in a medley alongside Soulja Boy and F.L.Y.
DJ Unk leaves behind a legacy as a pioneer of snap music, and his influence on Southern rap remains undeniable.
DJ Unk’s Legacy and Influence on Southern Hip-Hop
DJ Unk’s contributions to the Southern hip-hop scene, particularly in the era of snap music, will continue to be remembered by fans and fellow artists alike. His hits “Walk It Out” and “2 Step” defined the sound of mid-2000s rap and dance culture, marking him as one of Atlanta’s most iconic figures in hip-hop.
