Latest news with #DJUnk
Yahoo
29-01-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Celebrity deaths of 2025: Who we've lost this year
LOS ANGELES - As the year unfolds, 2025 has already seen the loss of several celebrities who have left a mark on the entertainment world. From iconic actors and musicians to renowned athletes and artists, these figures shaped the cultural landscape and captured the hearts of millions. Here's a look at the celebrities we have lost this year. Jan. 24, 2025: Anthony Leonard Platt, known professionally as DJ Unk, an influential figure in Atlanta's hip-hop scene and a pioneer of the snap music subgenre, passed away on Jan. 24, according to TMZ. He was 43 years old. RELATED: Atlanta hip-hop icon DJ Unk dies at 43: TMZ DJ Unk rose to fame in the mid-2000s with his breakout hit single, "Walk It Out," which climbed into the top 10 of 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. Jan. 21, 2025:Garth Hudson, the last member of "The Band," died at age 87. RELATED: Garth Hudson, legendary instrumentalist and last member of The Band, dies Hudson was the Band's virtuoso keyboardist and all-around musician who drew from a unique palette of sounds and styles to add a conversational touch to such rock standards as "Up on Cripple Creek," "The Weight" and "Rag Mama Rag." Jan. 15, 2025:David Lynch, the renowned filmmaker and artist, died on Jan. 15, according to a post published on his official Facebook account. He was 78 years old, and died just a few days before his 79th birthday. Lynch was considered an auteur director with a dark, surreal, and sometimes unsettling artistic style. RELATED: David Lynch, filmmaker known for 'Blue Velvet' and TV series 'Twin Peaks,' has died He directed iconic films including "Blue Velvet," "Lost Highway," Mulholland Drive," and the TV series "Twin Peaks." Jan. 12, 2025: Leslie Charleson, known for her role on "General Hospital," died on Jan. 12, 2025. She was 79. RELATED: Leslie Charleson, 'General Hospital' star, dead at 79 The Daytime Emmy-nominated actress portrayed Monica Quartermaine on the soap opera for nearly 50 years. "It is with a heavy heart that I announce the passing of my dear friend and colleague, Leslie Charleson," executive producer Frank Valentini confirmed on the show's official Instagram account. Jan. 10, 2025: Sam Moore, part of the 1960s duo Sam & Dave known for hits like "Soul Man" and "Hold On, I'm Comin'," died on Jan. 10. He was 89 years old. His publicist confirmed his death to the Associated Press Friday, stating that he died in Coral Gables, Florida, due to complications while recovering from surgery. RELATED: Sam Moore, 'Soul Man' singer, dies at 89 Moore, a 1992 Rock Hall of Fame inductee, influenced musicians including Michael Jackson, Al Green and Bruce Springsteen. Jan. 3, 2025: Writer and director Jeff Baena, Aubrey Plaza's husband, died on Jan. 3, according to multiple reports. He was 47 years old. The Los Angeles County Coroner's Office confirmed his death and said his body was found at a home in Los Angeles. The medical examiner's report listed Baena's manner of death as a suicide. RELATED: Director Jeff Baena, Aubrey Plaza's husband, dies at 47: reports Baena had more than a dozen films to his name, with his most notable movie credit as co-writer of the 2004 film "I Heart Huckabees" starring Jason Schwartzman, Jude Law and Naomi Watts. In 2014, he wrote and directed "Life After Beth," a zombie comedy starring Plaza. It was nominated for the Grand Jury Prize at the Sundance Film Festival. Jan. 3, 2025:Brenton Wood, the singer best known for "The Oogum Boogum Song," died on Jan. 3, according to multiple reports. He was 83. RELATED: Brenton Wood, 'The Oogum Boogum Song' singer, dies at 83 According to Variety, Wood's manager said he died from natural causes in Moreno Valley, California, surrounded by family. Jan. 1, 2025:Wayne Osmond, a singer, guitarist and founding member of the famous family act The Osmonds, has died at 73. Wayne died this week at a Salt Lake City hospital after suffering a "massive stroke," sibling Merrill Osmond posted on his Facebook page. RELATED: Wayne Osmond, founding member of The Osmonds, dies at 73 "I've never known a man that had more humility. A man with absolutely no guile," Merrill wrote. "An individual that was quick to forgive and had the ability to show unconditional love to everyone he ever met."
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.
Yahoo
27-01-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Rapper DJ Unk's wife reveals his cause of death
Rapper DJ Unk died of a heart attack, his wife has revealed days after his death at age 43. The attack killed him as he slept, his wife, Sherkita Long-Platt, told TMZ. Long-Platt noted that her husband, whose given name was Anthony Platt, did not do drugs, dispelling rumors his death was substance-related. She revealed the news on Sunday, the same day family, friends and fans honored him at a vigil and balloon release in Atlanta's Central Park. They remembered him for his charity and kindness as well as his artistry, as WXIA-TV reported. DJ Unk had had a heart attack in 2009 when he was just 27, he told hip-hop news website XXL in a 2010 interview. The 'Walk it Out' and '2 Step' rapper attributed that to bad eating habits and running himself into the ground with a punishing tour schedule. 'I constantly be on the go, I constantly be on airplanes, in different weather and you know it just took a toll on me,' he told the outlet. 'It was stress.' Unk said the experience had inspired him to modify his habits. On Friday Long-Platt broke the devastating news, posting on Facebook that she had 'just lost my husband and my kids just lost their father.' His recording label, Big Oomp Records, paid tribute with an Instagram post encouraging people to shower virtual flowers on a post from website Atlanta Culture, which called DJ Unk an artist whose work 'brought energy that defined an era.' 'Today, we celebrate the life and legacy of DJ Unk,' Big Oomp said. 'Put your flowers in the comments as we honor his impact on Atlanta and beyond.' Unk was known for his 'Beat'n Down Yo Block' debut album, which hit No. 21 on the 2006 Billboard R&B and Hip-Hop chart. 'Walk It Out' took the nation by dance storm, and '2 Step' went gold. That debut album 'didn't just give us hits, they gave us culture,' Atlanta Culture said in its post honoring the fallen rapper. 'From club floors to block parties, his music made everyone move.'
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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.
