US rapper Big Pokey died on Saturday night, June 17, after collapsing on stage during a performance in Beaumont in Texas. He was 45. The incident occurred at the Pour 09 Bar in the city when the rap legend fell to his back on the stage and gasped for air. A video of the rapper shows him singing with a mic in his hand and seen interacting with a DJ before he exhaled and suddenly collapsed on his back on the stage. Paramedics soon arrived at the scene and tried to perform CPR on Big Pokey before rushing him to the hospital. Authorities have confirmed his death and the cause of his demise is yet to be ascertained.
Big’s publicist told KPRC Click2Houston, "It is with deep sadness that we share the news of the passing of our beloved Milton ‘Big Pokey’ Powell. Big Pokey passed away on June 18, 2023. He was well-loved by his family, his friends, and his loyal fans. In the coming days, we will release information about his celebration of life and how the public can pay their respects. We ask that you respect his family and their privacy during this difficult time. Big Pokey will forever be 'The Hardest Pit in the Litter!' " Born Milton Powell, Big Pokey was a name synonymous with the beginning of the rap scene in Houston along with the popular group Screw up Click. He garnered fame after his solo debut album, The Hardest Pit in the Litter, in 1999, and released several albums, while also being a part of a number of collaborations over the years. His last major studio album was Sensei released in 2021.
The news of Big Pokey's death has come as a major shock to the American music industry and many rappers and singers have been paying their tributes on social media. Sharing pictures of the late rap legend, fellow rapper Paul Wall wrote on Facebook, "It is with an extremely heavy heart that I make this post saying rest in peace to SUC BIG POKEY what a great mentor and friend. A trendsetter and leader. I am so blessed to have known #BigPokey My love, prayers, and condolences go out to your family. Rest in peace big bro. Sensei Forever #ripbigpokey (sic)".
Taking to Twitter, Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner tweeted, "The City of Houston and I extend our prayers and condolences to our own Screwed Up Click legendary rapper #BigPokey family and friends. Though many called him “low key”, his presence was larger than life in helping to catapult our hip hop scene nationally. We are grateful. st. (sic)"