DJ Unk, the Atlanta rapper famous for his 2000s hits “Walk It Out” and “2 Step,” has passed away at the age of 43, as confirmed by his family and his former label, Big Oomp Records. Born Anthony Platt, Unk was a pivotal figure in the snap music movement, a subgenre of crunk that rose to prominence in the mid-2000s.

His track “Walk It Out” soared to No. 2 on the Billboard Hot Rap Songs chart, and “2 Step” peaked at No. 4 in 2006, solidifying his place in hip-hop history.

Unk’s wife, Sherkita Long-Platt, shared a heartfelt tribute on Facebook, 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.”

Big Oomp Records also released a statement mourning his loss, calling Unk “a true ATL legend” and noting that his contributions to the label and the global music scene would be forever cherished. While the cause of death has not been disclosed, fans and the music community are grieving the loss of the influential artist.