Pioneering Houston rapper Milton Powell known as Big Pokey in the music industry, died after collapsing onstage in Texas on Saturday.
While no cause of death has been given, the 45-year-old helped transform the city’s hip-hop scene.
“It is with deep sadness that we share the news of the passing of our beloved Milton ‘Big Pokey’ Powell,” a representative for the musician confirmed in a statement.
News of Big Pokey’s death surfaced shortly after a video of the “Who Dat Talking Down” artist abruptly falling to the floor during his show in Beaumont, Texas, began circulating online.
The Times reports that Big Pokey was among the original members of the influential Houston hip-hop collective Screwed Up Click.
He was also known for his solo work, including his 1999 debut album, “The Hardest Pit in the Litter.”
In recent years, Big Pokey had remained active on the Houston hip-hop scene.
He released his latest studio album, “Sensei,” in May 2021, as well as an EP with fellow Houston rapper J Dawg in March 2023.
He collaborated with another Houston rapper, Megan Thee Stallion, on the song “Southside Royalty Freestyle” from her 2022 record, “Traumazine.”
