Atlanta hip-hop icon DJ Unk dies at 42: TMZ

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Singer Sammie (Sammie Lee Bush, Jr.) and rappers DJ Unk (Anthony Leonard Platt) and Rich Boy (Marece Benjamin Richards) pose for photos after their performance during the ‘School Jump-Off’ concert at the DuSable Museum in Chicago, Illinois in June

ATLANTA – Anthony Leonard Platt, professionally known as DJ Unk, an influential figure in Atlanta’s hip-hop scene and a pioneer of the snap music subgenre, has passed away, according to TMZ.

He was 42.

DJ Unk dies at age 42, Essence reports

What we know:

Platt died on January 24, 2025. Both TMZ and Essen’s magazine reports his death.

His wife, Anthony Leonard Platt, first announced his death on her social media on Friday, asking for respect for her and her family.

He is remembered as a leader of the snap music movement, with his hits continuing to reverberate in clubs and on playlists across the country.

Who was Anthony Leonard Platt?

Dig deeper:

Born on November 28, 1982 in Atlanta, Platt rose to fame in the mid-2000s with his breakout hit single “Walk It Out,” which climbed into the top 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. Known for his infectious beats and energetic delivery, DJ Unk became a defining voice of Southern hip hop and gained widespread recognition for his contributions to the genre.

Unk’s debut album from 2006, Beat’n Down Yo Block!cemented his presence in the music industry with hits like “Walk It Out” and “2 Step”, both of which became club anthems and cultural staples for many millennia. He followed up with his second studio album, 2 second seasonin 2008, further demonstrating his talent as a DJ, rapper and producer.

Throughout his career, Unk worked with notable artists and producers, including DJ Montay and VIC, leaving an indelible mark on the Atlanta music scene.

Atlanta rapper remembered

What they say:

Prominent producer and artist DJ Montay, who worked closely with DJ Unk on several tracks, posted on Facebook writing:

“RIP Unk happy to say we were able to make history together”

Several other artists in the Atlanta hip-hop community also posted on social media about his loss.

What we don’t know:

FOX 5 Atlanta has not been able to independently confirm his death from his representatives.

Funeral details have not yet been released.

The source: This article cites TMZ and Essence magazine reports of the death of Anthony Leonard Platt, known professionally as DJ Unk. The links to these reports can be found in the article. Several social media accounts have expressed condolences, including artist DJ Montay.

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