Milton’ Big Pokey’ Powell, a HoustON rapper respected within the industry, collapsed and died on stage during a performance in Beaumont, Texas, early Sunday morning.
Big Pokey performed during the Juneteenth celebration at the Pour09 Bar & Rooftop lounge.
The tragic news was shared on Instagram by his publicist.
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“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,” the statement said.
“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.'”
The shocking incident was captured on video showing the rap artisr gasping and then falling to the ground in the middle of his performance.
A healthcare professional who was present at the show, administered CPR, and a police officer was also present.
Emergency responders later arrived to take the rapper to a local hospital.
Sadly, despite their efforts, Big Pokey died shortly after midnight.
Big Pokey’s cause of sudden death is pending the results of an autopsy.
Pour09 Bar & Rooftop released a statement on their Facebook page following the incident/:
On behalf of the city of Houston, Mayor Sylvester Turner sent condolences and prayers to Big Pokey’s loved ones.
“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,” Turner wrote.
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