Pioneering Atlanta hip-hop artist DJ Unk Transition at 43

Pioneering Atlanta hip-hop artist DJ Unk dead at 43
The hypeman and rapper was known for songs Walk It Out and 2 Step
DJ Unk holds up his bling for a photo on the black carpet before Atlanta's Dirty Awards in 2008. The artist, born Anthony Platt, died on Friday, Jan. 24, 2025. He was 43. Photo credit: Jessica McGown
DJ Unk holds up his bling for a photo on the black carpet before Atlanta's Dirty Awards in 2008. The artist, born Anthony Platt, died on Friday, Jan. 24, 2025. He was 43. Photo credit: Jessica McGown
By DeAsia Paige and
Mike Jordan
Updated 6 hours ago
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 statement sent from long-time producer and collaborator Korey Big Oomp Roberson. He was 43. A cause of death is unknown at this time.

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 Beatn Down Yo Block reached No. 21 on Billboards R&B and Hip-Hop chart.

Walk It Out, the albums lead single and DJ Unks 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 countryshowcasing its in-real-life virality long before social media trends.

The track got so big that Andrn 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, 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 Atlantas 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.

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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.

Not even gone flex that one hurt fr fr Dj Unk blessed all the street dancers in the snap era with an opportunity to show off what was going on in Atlanta on the biggest scale always showing love real pioneer in the culture man damn..

 Atlanta Hood Historian (@kodakk6000) January 24, 2025
The snap era wouldnt have been the same without DJ Unk, another user wrote.

The snap era wouldnt have been the same without DJ Unk. From Walk It Out to 2 Step, he gave us tracks that defined a moment in music history.

Rest in peace to a legend whose beats will live on forever. #DJUnk pic.twitter.com/hvZOnsnN87

 The HBUC (@TheHBUC) January 25, 2025
The Atlanta Falcons even posted a tribute:

Rest in Peace, DJ Unk =O pic.twitter.com/vINpoPGqJO

 Atlanta Falcons (@AtlantaFalcons) January 25, 2025
Please respect me and my family, his wife, Sherkita 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.

Editors note: A previous version of this story misstated Big Oomps last name. His name is Korey Big Oomp Roberson.

This is a breaking story. Check ajc.com for updates.

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