DJ Unk, ‘Walk It Out’ Rapper and Snap Music Pioneer, Passes Away at 42/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Anthony Leonard Platt, professionally known as DJ Unk, passed away on January 24, 2025, at age 42. The Atlanta hip-hop legend gained fame in the mid-2000s with his hit singles “Walk It Out” and “2 Step,” shaping the snap music movement. His contributions to Southern hip-hop remain influential, with tributes pouring in from the Atlanta Falcons, DJ Montay, and others.
DJ Unk’s Passing: Quick Looks
- Who Was DJ Unk?: Atlanta rapper and snap music pioneer, famous for hits like “Walk It Out.”
- Legacy: Defined 2000s club culture and Southern hip-hop.
- Tributes: DJ Montay and Atlanta Falcons honor the late rapper.
- Cause of Death: Not yet disclosed; reportedly faced health issues in 2009.
- Funeral Arrangements: Details pending.
Side Headlines:
- “DJ Unk’s Music Still Resonates: A Look Back at ‘Beat’n Down Yo Block!’”
- “Snap Music Pioneer Remembered by Atlanta’s Hip-Hop Community”
- “Fans and Friends Pay Tribute to DJ Unk Following His Death at 42”
DJ Unk, ‘Walk It Out’ Rapper and Snap Music Pioneer, Passes Away at 42
Deep Look
ATLANTA, GA — Anthony Leonard Platt, better known as DJ Unk, a trailblazer of Atlanta’s snap music scene and the voice behind hits like “Walk It Out,” has died at age 42, according to reports from TMZ and Essence magazine. His passing was confirmed by his wife, who shared an emotional statement on social media Friday.
“Our life will never be the same,” she wrote. “I LOVE YOU ANTHONY FOREVER.”
The Legacy of DJ Unk
Born on November 28, 1982, in Atlanta, Georgia, DJ Unk rose to prominence in the mid-2000s with a sound that became synonymous with Southern hip-hop. His breakout single, “Walk It Out,” dominated the charts, reaching the top 10 on the Billboard Hot 100. The song’s success cemented his status as a leader of the snap music subgenre, defined by its minimalist beats and catchy hooks.
Unk’s 2006 debut album, Beat’n Down Yo Block!, featured both “Walk It Out” and “2 Step,” which became club staples and cultural touchstones. His follow-up album, 2econd Season, in 2008, showcased his versatility as a DJ, rapper, and producer.
“Madison Square Garden, clubs, house parties—Unk’s music was everywhere,” said Atlanta music producer DJ Montay, a frequent collaborator.
Tributes from the Hip-Hop Community
Tributes have poured in from across the music industry and Atlanta’s tight-knit hip-hop community.
- DJ Montay, who worked closely with Unk, wrote on Facebook: “RIP Unk. Glad to say we made history together.”
- The Atlanta Falcons shared a photo of Unk performing in a Falcons jersey, honoring his connection to the city.
- Other artists, producers, and fans flooded social media with condolences and memories of Unk’s music and influence.
An Uncertain Cause of Death
The cause of DJ Unk’s death has not been disclosed. Reports note that he battled an undisclosed illness in 2009, which sidelined parts of his career, though no official connection to his passing has been confirmed.
Unk’s family has requested privacy, and funeral arrangements have not yet been announced.
A Lasting Impact on Atlanta’s Music Scene
DJ Unk’s music became a defining element of Atlanta’s sound during the rise of snap music, influencing countless artists and producers who followed. His collaborations with DJ Montay, V.I.C., and others solidified his reputation as a key figure in Southern hip-hop.
Even years after their release, “Walk It Out” and “2 Step” continue to resonate in clubs and playlists across the country.
“Unk’s music was a vibe,” said one Atlanta fan. “It defined an era. We’ll miss him.”
What’s Next?
As the hip-hop community mourns the loss of one of its own, DJ Unk’s legacy will live on through his music and the culture he helped shape. Details about his memorial service are expected in the coming days.
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