Houston rapper Big Pokey tragically passed away at the age of 45 on Sunday after collapsing on stage during a late-night performance. Reports indicate that Big Pokey, a founding member of the esteemed Houston hip-hop collective Screwed Up Click, fell backward during a set at Pour 09 Bar in Beaumont, Texas. He was immediately rushed to the hospital, where he was later pronounced dead. Unfortunately, further details surrounding his death have not been released.
A statement from Big Pokey’s publicist expressed deep sadness and confirmed his passing, stating, “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. He was cherished by his family, friends, and dedicated fans. In the upcoming days, we will provide information about his celebration of life and how the public can pay their respects. During this difficult time, we kindly request that you respect his family’s privacy. Big Pokey will forever be remembered as ‘The Hardest Pit in the Litter.'”
While no response has been provided yet to HuffPost’s request for comment from Big Pokey’s representatives, it is important to acknowledge Big Pokey’s immense impact on the rap industry, particularly in Houston. He solidified his status as a rap legend with his remarkable six-minute freestyle on the “June 27th” freestyle session in 1996. His debut album, “The Hardest Pit in the Litter,” released in 1999, further solidified his presence. This was followed by the release of his sophomore album, “D-Game,” in 2000, and his third solo album, “Da Sky’s Da Limit,” in 2002. Big Pokey’s collaborations extended beyond his solo work; he was featured on Paul Wall’s hit “Sittin’ Sidewayz” in 2005, which made it to the Billboard Hot 100. Additionally, in 2022, he contributed to Houston rapper Megan Thee Stallion’s “Southside Royalty Freestyle.” Earlier this year, he released an EP titled “Play Tha Game.”
Furthermore, Big Pokey used his platform to speak out against police brutality and racism, particularly following the tragic death of George Floyd. He voiced the need for accountability in a powerful opinion piece for the Houston Chronicle in May 2020, exclaiming, “We need to start holding these policemen accountable just like they’re holding everybody else accountable. When the law starts to punish policemen correctly, harshly, then we’ll see a step in the right direction.” Big Pokey expressed his disbelief and personal connection to Floyd’s death, stating, “I can’t believe I just sat and watched the police kill Floyd. Black men like Floyd are dying at the hands of the law. As black men, we know it could be any one of us. But then it happens close to home.”
In the wake of Big Pokey’s passing, fellow Houston rapper Bun B, known for his work with UGK, paid tribute to him on Instagram, emphasizing his humble and honorable nature. He described Big Pokey as a cornerstone of the city and a person with a heart of gold, expressing that his presence would be deeply missed. “We love and honor you Sensei. Rest in heaven,” Bun B concluded.
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