Title: Houston Rapper Big Pokey Laid to Rest After Tragic Onstage Collapse
Subtitle: Local community mourns the loss of a talented musician and key figure in Houston’s rap scene
Houston, TX – The music industry mourns the loss of Houston rapper Big Pokey, who tragically collapsed and died onstage during a performance last week. The 48-year-old artist, whose real name was Milton Powell, was a beloved member of the rap collective Screwed Up Click and a pioneer in the “chopped and screwed” music style developed by DJ Screw.
On June 18, Big Pokey took the microphone in front of a crowd during a performance in Beaumont, Texas, before suddenly collapsing. A video of the incident circulated online, capturing the shocking moment. Despite immediate medical attention, Big Pokey could not be revived. The cause of his death remains unknown, as a preliminary autopsy report was inconclusive.
A week later, on Saturday, Big Pokey was laid to rest following a heartfelt service at the Fountain of Praise church in Houston. The funeral was attended by notable figures such as Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner, U.S. Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee, and fellow rappers Paul Wall, Trae Tha Truth, and Slim Thug, according to The Houston Time.news.
Big Pokey’s impact on the rap industry is undeniable. As a founding member of the Screwed Up Click, he played a vital role in popularizing the “chopped and screwed” music style. His debut album “The Hardest Pit in the Litter” released in 1999, followed by “D-Game” in 2000 and “Yes Sky’s Yes Limit” in 2002.
In his illustrious career, Big Pokey collaborated with various artists, including Paul Wall, with whom he featured on the hit track “Sittin’ Sideways,” and DJ Screw on the iconic song “June 27th.” More recently, he released his last album, “Sensei,” in 2021 and made a memorable appearance on Megan Thee Stallion’s 2022 track “Southside Royalty Freestyle” alongside Sauce Walka and Lil Keke.
Big Pokey’s Instagram account shared a statement following his untimely passing, expressing gratitude for the support of his family, friends, and loyal fans. The statement revealed plans for a celebration of his life and urged the public to respect the family’s privacy during this difficult time.
As the community grieves the loss of a talented rapper and influential figure in the Houston music scene, Big Pokey’s legacy will continue to live on through his contributions to the genre he loved so dearly.