Rapper DJ Unk Passes Away Due to Heart Attack; Wife Dispels Drug Rumors
Atlanta mourns the loss of a musical legend as rapper DJ Unk, famed for hits like “Walk It Out” and “2 Step,” tragically passed away in his sleep at the age of 43 from a heart attack. His devastated wife, Sherkita Long-Platt, confirmed the heartbreaking news to TMZ, putting to rest baseless rumors suggesting a drug overdose as the cause of his untimely death.
Unk, born Anthony Leonard Platt, had a history of heart issues, having been hospitalized for a heart attack in 2009. In an interview with XXL, he attributed his health struggles to the toll of nonstop touring, unhealthy eating habits, drinking, and smoking. Long-Platt took to Facebook shortly after her husband’s passing to request privacy and respect during this difficult time for her and their children, emphasizing the profound impact of their loss.
Korey “Big Oomp” Roberson, founder of Big Oomp Records, the label that launched Unk’s career in 2000, expressed deep sorrow at the rapper’s sudden demise. In a statement to The Post, Roberson hailed Unk as an Atlanta icon, extending condolences to his loved ones and the legions of fans who cherished his music and spirit.
The rapper shot to stardom in the mid-2000s with his debut album, “Beat’n Down Yo Block!” The album’s standout tracks, “Walk It Out” and “2 Step,” catapulted Unk to national recognition, with the former climbing the Billboard Hot 100 chart’s top 10 and inspiring a popular remix featuring André 3000 and Jim Jones. André 3000 reminisced in a 2023 interview about the infectious energy of collaborating with Unk on “Walk It Out,” underscoring the song’s lasting impact.
Following his initial success, Unk released his second album, “2econd Season,” in 2008, which reached No. 15 on Billboard’s Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart, solidifying his status as a hip-hop luminary. To honor his legacy, a candlelight vigil was held in his Atlanta neighborhood, a heartfelt tribute to the enduring influence of his music on the local community and beyond.