DJ Unk, ‘Walk It Out’ and ‘2 Step’ Rapper, Dies at 43

The husband and father was remembered as "a true ATL legend"

Atlanta rapper and hype man DJ Unk has died. He was 43.

Born Anthony Leonard Platt, the artist rose to fame in the early 2000s with hits like “Walk It Out” and “2 Step.”

His wife, Sherkita Long-Platt, confirmed the news via Facebook on Friday, Jan.24, Variety reported. A cause of death has not been revealed.

“Please respect me and my family,” Long-Platt wrote. “I just lost my husband and my kids just lost their father. Our life will never be the same. I LOVE YOU ANTHONY FOREVER.”

In addition to his wife, Platt’s music label, Big Oomp Records, also shared a tribute in his honor.

“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,’” the Instagram carousel began. “On behalf of Big Oomp Records and the BOR Family, we extend our deepest condolences to his family, friends, and the countless fans who were touched by his artistry and spirit.”

Related: Houston Rapper BeatKing Dies at 39 of Pulmonary Embolism: 'We Will Love Him Forever'

A picture of Platt performing, smiling while on stage in front of a large crowd was the first image the record label showed to remember the late artist. 

Other photos showed the “Hit the Dance Floor” artist showing off a custom chain, which read: “Big Oomp Records.”

The record label remembered Platt as “not just a legendary DJ, rapper and producer, but a true cornerstone of our label,” adding, “the imprint that he left globally will be cherished forever.” 

Unk’s music “left an indelible mark on the industry, and his legacy will continue to inspire artists, DJs, and fans alike for years to come," the label's tribute read. “His energy, creativity, and commitment to the craft will never be forgotten."

Related: Rapper Saafir Dies at 54, His Friend Xzibit Confirms: 'My Soul Is Crushed'

DJ Unk’s 2006 single “2 Step” peaked at No. 4 on the Billboard Hot Rap Songs chart, while “Walk It Out” went on to feature Andre 3000 and Jim Jones on the remix. The song was also featured in Stomp the Yard.

More recently, GloRilla sampled his 2006 song “Hold On Ho” in her 2024 single “Hollon.”

Platt spoke to XXL in 2010, opening up about how he planned to change his lifestyle after suffering a heart attack.

Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer​​, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

“It comes from not exercising, from not eating right,” Platt said at the time. “Basically man, I work hard everyday. Everything I do every day I try to make something happen in my household. I constantly be on the go, I constantly be on airplanes, in different weather and you know it just took a toll on me. It was stress.”