5 Shocking Details About DJ Unk’s Cause Of Death And His Snap Music Legacy

The hip-hop world is still reeling from the sudden loss of Anthony Leonard Platt, better known as DJ Unk, the Atlanta icon who defined the mid-2000s 'snap music' movement with anthems like "Walk It Out." As of today, December 10, 2025, the music community continues to mourn the influential DJ and rapper, whose unexpected passing at the age of 43 has prompted fans to search for definitive answers regarding the circumstances of his death. The official cause has been confirmed by his family, putting an end to swirling speculation and allowing the focus to shift back to his vibrant and influential musical legacy.

DJ Unk's death, which occurred on January 24, 2025, was a profound shock. His wife, Sherkita Long-Platt, was quick to address the public, providing clarity on the tragic event. The information below provides a comprehensive look at the confirmed details of his passing, a complete biography of the artist, and a deep dive into the cultural phenomenon he helped create.

Anthony Leonard Platt (DJ Unk) Complete Biography

Anthony Leonard Platt, universally known by his stage name DJ Unk, was a pioneering figure in Southern hip-hop, famous for his infectious beats and dance-craze-inducing tracks. Born and raised in Atlanta, Georgia, he became synonymous with the city’s dominance in the rap landscape.

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• Full Name: Anthony Leonard Platt
• Stage Name: Unk, DJ Unk
• Date of Birth: November 28, 1981
• Place of Birth: Atlanta, Georgia, U.S.
• Date of Death: January 24, 2025
• Age at Death: 43
• Cause of Death: Cardiac Arrest/Heart Attack
• Wife: Sherkita Long-Platt
• Occupation: Rapper, DJ, Hype Man
• Genre: Hip Hop, Snap Music, Crunk
• Active Years: 1998–2025
• Key Collaborations: Sean Kingston, T-Pain, Soulja Boy
• Associated Acts: DJ Jelly, DJ Montay (Southern Style DJs)
• Debut Album: Beat'n Down Yo Block! (2006)
• Second Album: 2econd Season (2008)

Unk began his career as a DJ in 1998, quickly establishing himself in the Atlanta club scene. He partnered with fellow DJs Jelly and Montay to form the influential collective, Southern Style DJs, solidifying his role as a tastemaker in the city's burgeoning music culture. His transition from DJ to recording artist would cement his legacy in the annals of hip-hop history.

The Confirmed Truth: DJ Unk’s Cause of Death Revealed

Following his death on January 24, 2025, speculation about the health of the "2 Step" rapper began to circulate rapidly across social media. However, his wife, Sherkita Long-Platt, provided a clear and definitive statement to the press, confirming the tragic cause of death and dispelling rumors.

1. Death Attributed to Cardiac Arrest

The official cause of death for DJ Unk was confirmed as a heart attack, or cardiac arrest. This information came directly from his wife, who spoke to multiple media outlets. The suddenness of the event was a major part of the shock, as he was reportedly not known to be in poor health or suffering from a prolonged illness.

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2. Passed Away Peacefully in His Sleep

Sherkita Long-Platt specified that DJ Unk passed away peacefully while he was sleeping. This detail, while heartbreaking, offers a small measure of solace to his fans and family, confirming that his passing was not a prolonged or painful event. He died at the age of 43.

3. Wife Denied Speculation of Other Causes

In the wake of a celebrity death, particularly a sudden one, online rumors often emerge. Sherkita Long-Platt was proactive in addressing and denying any speculation that her husband's death was related to anything other than natural causes, specifically a heart attack. Her swift communication helped to honor his memory and provide clarity to the public.

The Enduring Legacy of "Walk It Out" and Snap Music

DJ Unk’s true cultural impact is inseparable from the genre he helped pioneer: snap music. This subgenre of hip-hop was a lighter, more dance-focused evolution of crunk, characterized by simple, catchy beats, 808 bass, and a signature finger-snapping rhythm.

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The Birth of Snap Music in Atlanta

Snap music emerged in the early 2000s from the Bankhead area of West Atlanta, Georgia. Unlike the aggressive, high-energy nature of crunk, snap music was more laid-back and centered entirely around dance moves. It quickly became the soundtrack for a generation of party-goers, with its infectious simplicity inspiring numerous dance crazes.

"Walk It Out": A Global Dance Phenomenon

Released in 2006 on his debut album, Beat'n Down Yo Block!, "Walk It Out" became DJ Unk’s signature hit and an international phenomenon. The track was more than just a song; it was a cultural instruction manual. The phrase "Walk It Out" referred to a specific dance move—a simple, rhythmic shuffle—that became a staple in clubs and parties across the country.

The success of the single was monumental, peaking at number 10 on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart. The song's influence extended beyond the charts, solidifying Atlanta's position as a dominant force and creative hub in the hip-hop industry. The track’s upbeat, unifying energy resonated with millions, inspiring joy and movement across diverse audiences.

The Follow-Up Hit: "2 Step"

Following the massive success of "Walk It Out," DJ Unk cemented his status with the subsequent hit, "2 Step." This track further established his expertise in creating dance-centric anthems, continuing the legacy of the snap music sound. Both songs are frequently cited as quintessential tracks of the mid-2000s era, demonstrating DJ Unk’s keen ability to capture the pulse of youth culture. His second album, 2econd Season, was released in 2008 and featured collaborations with major artists like T-Pain and Sean Kingston, showcasing his growing mainstream appeal.

Remembering a Hip-Hop Pioneer

DJ Unk, Anthony Leonard Platt, leaves behind a legacy defined by joy, rhythm, and a foundational contribution to the sound of modern Southern hip-hop. His work as a DJ and rapper was instrumental in transitioning the Atlanta sound from crunk to the more accessible and dance-focused snap music, paving the way for countless future artists.

While his life was cut short by a sudden heart attack, the music he created remains a timeless reminder of a fun, hyperlocal moment that transcended regional boundaries to become a global cultural force. The loss of the "Walk It Out" rapper is a reminder of his enduring influence and the vibrant, often undervalued, history of the snap music movement he led.