The Southern rap scene faces a devastating loss as news of DJ Unk's passing sends shockwaves through the Atlanta music community.

According to Billboard, the 43-year-old rapper, best known for his 2006 hit single "Walk It Out," died in his sleep from cardiac arrest on January 24, as confirmed by his wife Sherkita Long-Platt.

Long-Platt addressed the public through social media, requesting privacy during this difficult time for her family. She also took the opportunity to dispel circulating rumors about substance abuse, firmly stating that her husband had not struggled with drugs.

The Atlanta hip-hop community has organized a candlelight vigil to honor the departed artist's memory, scheduled for Sunday evening in his neighborhood.

Career Highlights Shape Legacy in Southern Hip-Hop

DJ Unk, whose real name was Anthony Leonard Platt, carved his path in the music industry through dedication and innovative sound.

His journey began with the Southern Style DJs, eventually leading to a significant record deal with Big Oomp Records in 2000. The artist's breakthrough came in August 2006 with the release of "Walk It Out," a track that would define the snap music movement and cement his place in hip-hop history.

His debut album, "Beat'n Down Yo Block!" achieved remarkable success, reaching No. 21 on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart. The album's lead single, "Walk It Out," demonstrated impressive commercial performance, peaking at No. 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 and securing the second position on both Hot Rap Songs and Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs charts. This success established DJ Unk as a pivotal figure in Southern hip-hop's evolution.

Speaking at the 2023 BET Awards, DJ Unk shared his thoughts about the impact of his signature hit. His words reflect the pride he took in creating music that resonated across different spheres of society:

I'm glad that it's good energy and good vibes in the song 'cause they use it as far as work out dances, they use it in church, they use it for anything

Collaborative Success Marks Musical Journey

DJ Unk's influence extended beyond his solo work through notable collaborations with industry giants. A particularly meaningful achievement came through the "Walk It Out" remix, which featured contributions from OutKast and Jim Jones.

The artist expressed particular gratitude for André 3000's participation, comparing the experience to collaborating with Michael Jackson.

The success continued with his second single, "2Step," also from "Beat'n Down Yo Block!" The track achieved significant chart success, reaching No. 24 on the Hot 100 and securing top 10 positions on both Hot Rap Songs and Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs charts. These achievements solidified DJ Unk's position as a leader in the snap subgenre of Southern hip-hop.

His sophomore album, "2econd Season," released in 2008, demonstrated his sustained appeal by reaching No. 15 on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart. The album further established his artistic evolution and contributed to his lasting influence on the genre.

DJ Unk's Enduring Influence

DJ Unk's musical legacy continues to influence contemporary artists, as evidenced by recent sampling of his work. GloRilla's 2024 debut album "Glorious" features a sample from "Hold on Ho," a track from his first album, demonstrating the lasting impact of his musical contributions on newer generations of artists.

His wife's heartfelt social media message captured the profound personal loss behind the public figure. Long-Platt wrote with raw emotion about the impact on their family:

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

The planned candlelight vigil represents the community's desire to honor DJ Unk's memory and celebrate his contributions to hip-hop culture. The event provides an opportunity for fans, friends, and family to gather and pay their respects to the influential artist.

Final Farewell to Southern Hip-Hop Pioneer

Anthony Leonard Platt, known professionally as DJ Unk, passed away at age 43, leaving behind a legacy that helped shape Southern hip-hop music. His death on January 24, 2025, resulted from cardiac arrest while sleeping at his Atlanta home, as confirmed by his wife Sherkita Long-Platt.

The artist's contributions to the snap movement in hip-hop, particularly through hits like "Walk It Out" and "2Step," established him as a significant figure in Atlanta's music scene.

His influence continues through his music's ongoing impact on contemporary artists, while his passing leaves a void in the Southern hip-hop community that will be commemorated through a neighborhood candlelight vigil.