Milton Powell, also known by his stage name "Big Pokey," passed away on Sunday, June 18, in Beaumont, Texas. He was 45.
According to reports via Fox News, the Houston-based rapper had a medical emergency while performing at a neighborhood pub. The reason for his death is yet unclear.
A Report for an 'Unconscious Person'
As stated by Beaumont Police Department public information officer Haley Morrow, when dispatch got a report for an "unconscious person" at the Pour09 Bar & Rooftop Lounge, officers were already there, as is standard procedure for large gatherings at the facility.
Morrow said, "We had officers there on the scene." At 11:57 PM local time, the authority got the 911 call about the unconscious individual. After about 10 minutes, police requested more units for crowd control since a large number of people had gathered in the area.
Morrow stated the Justice of the Peace would perform the autopsy.
Condolences Expressed on Social Media
In a Facebook post on Sunday morning, Pour09 expressed its continued prayers for Big Pokey and his loved ones.
"Out of respect for those involved we will not be commenting on the incident to allow his family and friends ample time to mourn and make a statement when they are ready. This is a tragedy that no one expect and only our prayers go out to his family and friends," the statement reads.
Houston's mayor, Sylvester Turner, sent sympathies and prayers to Big Pokey's family and friends via Twitter. "Though many called him 'low key,' his presence was larger than life in helping to catapult our hip hop scene nationally. We are grateful."
The City of Houston and I extend our prayers and condolences to our own Screwed Up Click legendary rapper #BigPokey family and friends.
— Sylvester Turner (@SylvesterTurner) June 18, 2023
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 pic.twitter.com/5VI7nAL2V2
Bun B, an iconic musician from Houston, expressed his shock on Instagram. He said Big Pokey was one of the city's most gifted artists in their field who was a quiet, modest person who carried himself 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," Bun B added.
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His Rapping Career
According to Fox News, Big Pokey's first full-length studio album, Hardest Pit in the Litter, was released in 1999.
He worked with local legends, including DJ Screw, Fat Pat, Z-Ro, Lil' Keke, and Lil' Flip, on production and recording sessions.
Pokey released an array of subsequent collections, such as Da Sky's Da Limit and Sensei. He worked with Paul Wall on the 2005 Billboard Hot 100 hit Sittin Sidewayz and appeared on the 2022 hit Southside Royalty Freestyle by fellow Houston rapper Megan Thee Stallion.
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