‘He was easy to love’: Tributes pour in as legendary Houston rapper Big Pokey dies after collapsing on stage

Footage shows 45-year-old Big Pokey starting to gasp while rapping at the Pour 09 Bar, before falling back on the stage

Updated on: Jun 19, 2023, 14:24:49 IST

By Sumanti Sen

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Houston rap legend Big Pokey died after collapsing on stage on Saturday night, June 17,while performing at a bar in the city of Beaumont. Footage shows the 45-year-old starting to gasp while rapping at the Pour 09 Bar, before falling back on the stage.

Authorities have confirmed that Big Pokey died soon after collapsing (sucbigpokey/Instagram)

Big was taken to a hospital after paramedics tried to perform CPR. Authorities have confirmed that he died soon after collapsing. His cause of death has yet to be revealed.

“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,” Big’s publicist told KPRC Click2Houston.

“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!'”

Big's real name is Milton Powell, and he was a foundational member of the Houston rap scene, along with the group Screw up Click. He became famous following the release of his 1999 debut solo album ‘The Hardest Pit in the Litter’. Big went on to release several albums and collaborations. His most recent album, ‘Sensei,’ was released in 2021.

Tributes poured in after the news of Big’s death surfaced. Fellow rapper Bun B wrote on Instagram, “I wasn’t ready for this. One of the most naturally talented artists in the city. Low key, humble mountain of a man who moved with honor and respect. He was easy to love and hard to hate. He’d pull up, do what he had to do and head home. One of the pillars of our city. If heart of gold was a person. Iconic member of the SUC. There will never be another and will be missed dearly. We love and honor you Sensei. Rest in heaven.”

“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,” rapper Paul Wall wrote.

Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner wrote, “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”.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Sumanti Sen
Sumanti Sen covers everything that’s happening in the US, from politics to entertainment, but her expertise lies in covering crime news. She has comprehensively chronicled the Idaho student murders, the Laken Riley and Iryna Zarutska cases, and the killing of Charlie Kirk, among other incidents. Over the years, she has interviewed several victims/families of victims of crimes seeking justice. She digs up stories that might otherwise remain unheard, and does her bit to ensure that victims and survivors’ voices are heard. Sumanti’s many years of experience also include interviews with Hamas attack survivors and mental health experts, among others. Her coverage of the October 7 Hamas attack on Israel and interviews with survivors of the tragedy, coupled with her other works including the Titan submersible coverage, earned her the Digi Journo of the Quarter award during her first year at Hindustan Times. Sumanti actively tracks missing person cases in the United States, and peruses Reddit and other social media platforms to bring to light cases that frequently elude public attention. She has extensively covered the disappearances of Nancy Guthrie, Thomas Medlin, Beau Mann, and Sudiksha Konanki, among others. When not at work, you will either find her with her novels, or with her beloved rescue pooches.Read More

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