Legendary Houston rapper Big Pokey died after all of a sudden collapsing on stage whereas acting at a bar within the metropolis of Beaumont on Saturday evening. He was 45.
Dramatic footage from the evening of the live performance exhibits Big Pokey gasping into the microphone mid-lyric whereas rapping on the Pour 09 Bar.
He then falls on his again as shocked viewers members regarded on.
Paramedics rushed to the stage and carried out CPR earlier than the rapper was taken to a close-by hospital simply after midnight.
Authorities confirmed he died quickly after the incident.
His explanation for dying has not but been launched.
Big Pokey — actual title Milton Powell — was regionally famend as a foundational member of the Houston rap scene with the group Screw up Click.
The artist gained prominence for his 1999 debut solo album, “The Hardest Pit within the Litter.”
He launched quite a few albums and collaborations through the years, most just lately his 2021 album “Sensei.”
“It is with deep disappointment that we share the information of the passing of our beloved Milton ‘Big Pokey’ Powell. Big Pokey handed away on June 18, 2023,” his publicist advised KPRC Click2Houston.
“He was nicely beloved by his household, his associates, and his loyal followers. In the approaching days, we are going to launch details about his celebration of life and the way the general public will pay their respects. We ask that you simply respect his household and their privateness throughout this tough time. Big Pokey will ceaselessly be ‘The Hardest Pit within the Litter!’”
Fellow Houston rappers responded with an outpouring of help to a person who they described as “low key” and immensely proficient.
“I wasn’t prepared for this. One of essentially the most naturally proficient artists within the metropolis,” wrote rapper Bun B on Instagram. “Low key, humble mountain of a person who moved with honor and respect. He was straightforward to like and laborious to hate. He’d pull up, do what he needed to do and head house. One of the pillars of our metropolis. If coronary heart of gold was an individual. Iconic member of the SUC. There won’t ever be one other and can be missed dearly. We love and honor you Sensei. Rest in heaven.”
Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner joined the tributes, tweeting “The City of Houston and I lengthen our prayers and condolences to our personal Screwed Up Click legendary rapper #BigPokey household and associates.”
“Though many referred to as him ‘low key’, his presence was bigger than life in serving to to catapult our hip hop scene nationally. We are grateful.”
