DJ UNK’s Cause of Death Revealed

DJ UNK’s Cause of Death Revealed

DJ UNK’s cause of death has been disclosed.

The Atlanta rapper, renowned for his 2006 hits “Hit It” and “2 Steps,” passed away at the age of 42 last Friday (January 24), as confirmed by his wife, Shequita Long-Platt, on social media.

At the time, she wrote, without disclosing the cause of death: “Please respect me and my family. I just lost my husband and my children just lost their father. Our lives will never be the same. I love you Anthony forever.”

Speculation Clarified

On Sunday (January 26), Long-Platt spoke with TMZ to address conjecture surrounding his death, clarifying that he did not suffer from drug-related complications. She stated that he had not taken any drugs and died peacefully in his sleep from a heart attack.

The artist, whose real name was Anthony Leonard Platt, had a prior history of heart issues, experiencing a heart attack in 2009 following the release of his second studio album, “2 Econd Season.” At that time, he attributed the heart attack to “not exercising or eating right.” His release of music slowed after this health scare, although he did drop the album “Fresh Off Dem Papers” in 2017.

Legacy and Tribute

DJ UNK began his career as a teenager in Atlanta in 1998, initially as part of a Southern-style DJ crew, eventually signing with Big Oomp Records, where he rose to prominence as a solo artist.

He is regarded as a significant figure in Snap Music, a subgenre of crunk, achieving major success in 2006 with hit singles “Walk It Out” and “2 Step,” both reaching the top ten on the Billboard Hot 100, and led to a remix featuring Andre 3000. Both tracks were part of UNK’s debut album “Beat’n Down Yo Block!” the same year, which included collaborations with artists such as Baby D and Jazze Pha.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O05S7ZLPBEW

A representative from Big Oomp Records expressed their condolences, stating: “It is with a heavy heart and deep sadness that we announce the passing of a true ATL legend, Anthony Platt, better known as ‘DJ UNK.’”

“DJ UNK was not only a legendary DJ, rapper, and producer, but a true cornerstone of our label, and the imprint he left on the world will be cherished forever.”

UNK’s last major performance was at the 2023 BET Awards, where he performed “Take a Walk” alongside a mix that included Soulja Boy and Fly Fly.