June 18, 2023Updated: June 18, 2023 10:42 am
Houston rapper Big Pokey collapsed during a performance Saturday night in Beaumont, video shared on social media showed, and a local outlet – citing a government official – said he had died.
Big Pokey, whose real name was Milton Powell, had been performing a show at the Pour 09 bar, according to KFDM, the outlet that also reported his death. A video posted to social media showed Powell holding a microphone as he suddenly fainted or passed out, falling backwards and landing on his back. The video shows people rushing to offer him help.
Powell was a member of Screwed Up Click, a group of Houston rappers.
Artists have publicly expressed their condolences following Powell’s death.
“I wasn’t ready for this. One of the most talented artists in town. Reserved, unassuming mountain of a man who moved with honor and respect. He was easy to love and hard to hate,” fellow rapper Bun B wrote on Instagram.
“He stopped, did what he had to do and headed home. One of the pillars of our city. If Heart of Gold were a human. Iconic member of the SUC. There will never be another and we will miss him greatly.” “We love and honor you, sensei. Rest in heaven,” Bun B continued.
This is an evolving story. Check back for updates.
Clare Fonstein is a Hearst Fellow and contributor to the Houston Chronicle.
Clare was born and raised in the San Francisco Bay Area. She studied journalism and international relations at Lehigh University in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. She worked for her school newspaper and became editor-in-chief last year.