The widow of legendary turntable titan and rapper DJ Unk wanted to clear up misconceptions that her husband died from a drug overdose.
Sherkita Long-Platt said DJ Unk, whose real name was Anthony Leonard Platt died at age 43 from a heart attack, according to TMZ.
Long-Platt added that DJ Unk suffered cardiac arrest while sleeping in their home on January 24, 2025.
Unk’s wife took to social media to make the somber announcement and asked for privacy and respect during her and their children’s time of bereavement.
“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”
The versatile hip-hop artist broke into the game in the late 1990s with the formation of the Southern Style DJs with DJ Montay and DJ Jelly. Unk got signed to Big Oomp Records in 2000 where he dropped his best-known hit, “Walk it Out,” which detonated on the culture and rocketed up the charts in 2006.
Despite his national fame and local iconic status in Atlanta, Unk was not too proud to discuss his mental and medical struggles in the ensuing years. He talked openly about having suicidal ideations and nearly followed through with it.
Unfortunately, a succession of debilitating health issues forced Unk to retire from the game in 2009.
Long-Platt said a neighborhood vigil for DJ Unk is scheduled for Sunday, Jan. 26.
