Houston rapper Big Pokey has died aged 48 after collapsing during a show in Texas
- The “Sittin’ Sideways” star passed away Saturday after video showed him falling backwards while rapping at a show in Beaumont, Texas
- Fellow Houston rapper Bun B announced Big Pokey’s death with a post on Instagram
- Big Pokey’s publicist said the cause of death is still under investigation while awaiting autopsy results
Houston rap legend Big Pokey has died aged just 48 after collapsing while performing in Texas.
The “Sittin’ Sideways” star – real name Milton Powell – died Saturday after video showed him falling backwards while rapping at a show in Beaumont, Texas.
A cause of death has not yet been released as the family awaits the results of the autopsy.
“It is with deep sadness that we share the news of the passing of our beloved Milton ‘Big Pokey’ Powell,” his publicist told FOX 26.
“Big Pokey passed away on June 18, 2023. He was well loved by his family, friends and loyal fans.
“In the coming days we will be releasing information about his celebration of life and how the public can pay their respects.”
“We ask that you respect his family and their privacy at this difficult time.”
“Big Pokey will forever be the toughest pit in the litter.”
Houston-based rapper Big Pokey – real name Milton Powell – died Sunday
A video posted online showed him performing at a Juneteenth celebration at a bar in Beaumont, Texas, when he suddenly collapsed backwards
A crowd soon gathered around him, and a woman claiming to be a nurse rushed to his side
Big Pokey had previously been seen at a Juneteenth show at Pour 09 Bar in Beaumont, where he was filmed with a microphone in hand as he suddenly collapsed.
A crowd soon gathered around him, and a woman claiming to be a nurse rushed to his side.
Beaumont Police were then dispatched to the bar around 00:03 on Sunday morning to assist fire and rescue workers. according to 12 News Now.
The rapper was then taken to St. Elizabeth’s Hospital where he died, Judge Tom Gillam III of the Jefferson County Justice of the Peace Precinct 8 told local news station.
Big Pokey was a member of Screwed Up Circle, a group of Houston rappers.
He began his rap career with Houston producer DJ Screw in the early 1990s and was featured on his groundbreaking mixtape June 27 Freestyle.
In 1999 Big Pokey released his own album Hardest Pit in the Litter.
He also appeared in the 2001 film Soldiers United for Cash and later starred in Dirty Third 2: Home Sweet Home.
A cause of death has not been released pending the results of an autopsy
Big Pokey is seen here with Paul Wall at the Lil KeKe Legends Only Listening Party Dinner at Five Central Houston on February 8th
Fellow rapper Bun B was the first to announce his death with a post on Instagram on Sunday
Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner tweeted, “Though many called him ‘low key,’ his presence has been a larger than life force in elevating our hip hop scene nationwide.” We are grateful’
Bun B, a fellow Houston rapper, was the first to announce his death with a post on Instagram on Sunday.
“The reserved, unassuming mountain of a man who moved with honor and respect.” “He was easy to love and hard to hate,” he wrote.
“There will never be another and we will miss him dearly.” We love and honor you. rest in heaven.’
Another Houston rap legend, Slim Thug, said on social media that it was a “sad day in town” and that he was “sending prayers to his family.”
DJ Spydermann also tweeted, “He was one of the toughest out of SUC and it saddens me to say rest in peace.’ We’ve lost another legend.’
Others remembered him online as a “Texas legend.”
And Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner tweeted, “Though many called him ‘low key,’ his presence has been a larger than life force in elevating our hip-hop scene nationwide.”
‘We’re thankful.’