Latest news with #BigOompRecords
Yahoo
27-01-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
DJ Unk's cause of death confirmed by wife after 'Walk It Out' rapper dies at 43
Rapper DJ Unk, who was best known for the bouncy early-2000s crunk hit "Walk It Out," has died. The musician's wife Sherkita Long-Platt announced his death Friday morning on Facebook. "I just lost my husband and my kids lost their father," she wrote. "Our life will never be the same." DJ Unk, born Anthony Leonard Platt, was 43. "I LOVE YOU ANTHONY FOREVER," Long-Platt wrote. Long-Platt confirmed to TMZ on Sunday that Platt died in his sleep after suffering a heart attack. She also shut down speculation that drugs played a role in the "2 Step" and "Show Out" artist's death. Read more: The 50 greatest moments in hip-hop history Atlanta label Big Oomp Records, which signed Platt in 2000, said in an Instagram tribute Saturday that the rapper "was not just a legendary DJ, rapper and producer, but a true cornerstone of our label" whose legacy "will be cherished forever." An Atlanta native, Platt began his music career in the late 1990s, spinning for the Southern Style DJs with DJ Montay and DJ Jelly. The trio brought its music to various community events across Georgia. Platt eventually signed to Big Oomp and released his debut single, "Walk It Out," in 2006. That same year he released "Beat'n Down Yo Block," his debut album. Platt was also known for the 2006 single "2 Step" and released three albums over his career, but "Walk It Out" remained his claim to fame. It climbed several Billboard charts and inspired a remix featuring OutKast and Jim Jones. The single also found new life beyond the music scene. In a 2023 interview with Billboard, Platt said listeners used his 2006 smash in "workout dances, they use it in church, they use it for anything." Read more: Rich Homie Quan, Atlanta rapper who touted Young Thug and YG among collaborators, dies at 33 The rapper was "my EVERYTHING," Long-Platt said on Instagram. On Sunday, she shared a video collage, set to Monica's "Love All Over Me," that featured photos of Platt performing and spending time with his family. Dozens of residents gathered at a park in downtown Atlanta on Sunday for a candelight vigil in Platt's honor. According to videos shared on Facebook, attendees released white and blue balloons into the sky as they voiced their love for the late rapper. Some attendees sang along to DJ Unk's "Walk It Out" and "2 Step" as others exchanged hugs. Get notified when the biggest stories in Hollywood, culture and entertainment go live. Sign up for L.A. Times entertainment alerts. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
Los Angeles Times
27-01-2025
- Entertainment
- Los Angeles Times
DJ Unk's cause of death confirmed by wife after ‘Walk It Out' rapper dies at 43
Rapper DJ Unk, who was best known for the bouncy early-2000s crunk hit 'Walk It Out,' has died. The musician's wife Sherkita Long-Platt announced his death Friday morning on Facebook. 'I just lost my husband and my kids lost their father,' she wrote. 'Our life will never be the same.' DJ Unk, born Anthony Leonard Platt, was 43. 'I LOVE YOU ANTHONY FOREVER,' Long-Platt wrote. Long-Platt confirmed to TMZ on Sunday that Platt died in his sleep after suffering a heart attack. She also shut down speculation that drugs played a role in the '2 Step' and 'Show Out' artist's death. Atlanta label Big Oomp Records, which signed Platt in 2000, said in an Instagram tribute Saturday that the rapper 'was not just a legendary DJ, rapper and producer, but a true cornerstone of our label' whose legacy 'will be cherished forever.' An Atlanta native, Platt began his music career in the late 1990s, spinning for the Southern Style DJs with DJ Montay and DJ Jelly. The trio brought its music to various community events across Georgia. Platt eventually signed to Big Oomp and released his debut single, 'Walk It Out,' in 2006. That same year he released 'Beat'n Down Yo Block,' his debut album. Platt was also known for the 2006 single '2 Step' and released three albums over his career, but 'Walk It Out' remained his claim to fame. It climbed several Billboard charts and inspired a remix featuring OutKast and Jim Jones. The single also found new life beyond the music scene. In a 2023 interview with Billboard, Platt said listeners used his 2006 smash in 'workout dances, they use it in church, they use it for anything.' The rapper was 'my EVERYTHING,' Long-Platt said on Instagram. On Sunday, she shared a video collage, set to Monica's 'Love All Over Me,' that featured photos of Platt performing and spending time with his family. Dozens of residents gathered at a park in downtown Atlanta on Sunday for a candelight vigil in Platt's honor. According to videos shared on Facebook, attendees released white and blue balloons into the sky as they voiced their love for the late rapper. Some attendees sang along to DJ Unk's 'Walk It Out' and '2 Step' as others exchanged hugs.
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Express Tribune
27-01-2025
- Entertainment
- Express Tribune
Cause of death revealed for 'Walk It Out' rapper DJ Unk
Atlanta-based rapper DJ Unk, best known for his chart-topping hits "Walk It Out" and "2 Step," has died at the age of 43. His wife, Sherkita Long-Platt, confirmed to TMZ that the musician passed away in his sleep on Friday after suffering a heart attack. She also debunked unfounded rumors of an overdose, stating, "He didn't do drugs." Born Anthony Leonard Platt, DJ Unk rose to fame in the mid-2000s with his debut album, *Beat'n Down Yo Block!* The album's breakout singles, "Walk It Out" and "2 Step," became instant classics, with "Walk It Out" reaching the top 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. The track's popularity led to a star-studded remix featuring André 3000 and Jim Jones. In a 2023 interview, André 3000 reflected on their collaboration, saying, "The beat was so jammin' that you just wanted to get on it." DJ Unk's sophomore album, *2econd Season*, released in 2008, also made waves, peaking at No. 15 on Billboard's Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart. Long-Platt shared her grief on Facebook shortly after her husband's passing, writing, "Please respect me and my family. I just lost my husband and my kids just lost their father. Our life will never be the same. I LOVE YOU ANTHONY FOREVER." Korey 'Big Oomp' Roberson, founder of Big Oomp Records, which signed DJ Unk in 2000, also paid tribute to the late artist. In a statement to *The Post*, Roberson said, "It is with a heavy heart and profound sadness that we announce the passing of a true ATL legend, Anthony Platt better known as 'DJ Unk.' We extend our deepest condolences to his family, friends, and the countless fans who were touched by his artistry and spirit." DJ Unk's health struggles were not new. In 2009, he suffered a heart attack, which he attributed to nonstop touring, poor eating habits, drinking, and smoking. Despite these challenges, he remained a beloved figure in the hip-hop community, known for his energetic performances and infectious beats. A candlelight vigil was held Sunday night in DJ Unk's Atlanta neighborhood, where fans gathered to honor his memory. As the music world mourns his loss, his legacy lives on through his timeless hits and the impact he made on the industry.
Yahoo
27-01-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Unk, Atlanta Rapper Behind 'Walk It Out' and '2 Step,' Dies at 43
Anthony Leonard 'Unk' Platt, April 2008 (Ben Rose/WireImage) Unk, the Atlanta rapper known for the hits 'Walk It Out' and '2 Step,' has died, according to social media posts from his wife, Sherkita Long-Platt, and one of his former labels, Big Oomp Records. A cause of death was not provided. Unk was 43 years old. Unk, or DJ Unk, was born Anthony Leonard Platt in Atlanta, Georgia. He broke out, in the early 2000s, as part of his city's snap music scene. His first hit, 'Walk It Out,' stood alongside other totemic snap and crunk tracks like 'Crank That (Soulja Boy),' Lil Jon's 'Get Low,' Yung Joc's 'It's Goin' Down,' and D4L's 'Laffy Taffy.' 'Walk It Out' and follow-up single '2 Step' both featured on Unk's debut album, 2006's Beat'n Down Yo Block! Both tracks got all-star remixes, too, with Jim Jones and Outkast's André 3000 and Big Boi hopping on 'Walk It Out (Remix),' and Jones, T-Pain, and E-40 featuring on '2 Step (Remix).' Unk released just one more major album in his lifetime, 2008's 2econd Season. Project Pat, Ray J, Ying Yang Twins, Sean Kingston, and more featured on the album, and it performed well commercially. It did not, however, have the same cultural impact as Unk's debut, with its single 'Show Out' not reaching the heights of 'Walk It Out' or '2 Step.' 'Please respect me and my family,' wrote Sherkita Long-Platt on social media. 'I just lost my husband and my kids just lost their father. Our life will never be the same. I LOVE YOU ANTHONY FOREVER.' 'DJ Unk was not just a legendary DJ, rapper and producer, but a true cornerstone of our label and the imprint that he left globally will be cherished forever,' Big Oomp Records shared. 'Hit songs such as 'Walk It Out' and '2 Step' have left an indelible mark on the industry, and his legacy will continue to inspire artists, DJs, and fans alike for years to come. His energy, creativity, and commitment to the craft will never be forgotten.' Originally Appeared on Pitchfork
