DJ Unk dead at 43: Atlanta rapper famous for Walk It Out passes away

The hip-hop community is mourning the loss of rapper and producer DJ Unk, who has passed away at the age of 43. 

The Atlanta-based artist, born Anthony Leonard Platt, gained fame in the mid-2000s with his contributions to Southern hip-hop, particularly within the 'crunk' music subgenre.

His wife Sherkita Long-Platt shared the heartbreaking news on Facebook Friday afternoon, writing, '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.'

DJ Unk’s career reached a pinnacle with his 2006 breakout hit Walk It Out from his debut album Beatin' Down Yo Block. 

It also sparked a viral dance craze.

His cause of death has not been officially confirmed, but TMZ reported that the rapper had been 'dealing with unspecified health issues' as far back as 2009. 

Following the success of Walk It Out, DJ Unk released his second album, The 69 Boyz (2007), which featured the hit single 2 Step.

While it didn’t achieve the same mainstream success as his debut, it helped solidify DJ Unk’s place within the Southern hip-hop scene.

DJ Unk’s music became synonymous with the 'snap music' movement.

It's a subgenre of Southern hip-hop known for its chill, rhythmic beats and the signature 'snap' sound.

Alongside other artists like D4L, Dem Franchize Boyz, and Lil Jon, DJ Unk helped bring this sound to the forefront of the hip-hop scene in the mid-2000s.

After his breakout success, particularly with the smash hit Walk It Out, DJ Unk’s mainstream presence started to fade. 

While he kept making music and performing, none of his later singles hit the same level of success as his debut track. 

Still, his impact on Southern hip-hop is undeniable, with his music shaping an entire era that dominated clubs and dance floors.

Even after the spotlight shifted, his contribution to the genre is still celebrated by fans and artists alike.

DJ Unk's death comes just days after the heartbreaking news of Project Pat’s son, Patrick Houston Jr., being shot and killed in a Tennessee park last week at the age of just 21.

Houston, who was also the nephew of Three 6 Mafia co-founder Juicy J, tragically lost his life in Imogene Heights, Memphis on Friday, according to TMZ.

Memphis Police reported that the shooting occurred around 1:15 p.m. and that Houston Jr. was found dead at the scene by responding officers