Big Pokey.Photo:Bob Levey/Getty
Bob Levey/Getty
Big Pokey, the Houston rapper and founding member of the Screwed Up Click collective, has died. He was 45.
Pokey, whose real name was Milton Powell, died after collapsing during a performance in Texas early Sunday, according to multiple reports and various social media messages from peers.
“In the coming days, we will release information about his celebration of life and how the public can pay their respects,” Pokey’s publicist continued. “We ask that you respect his family and their privacy during this difficult time. Big Pokey will forever be ‘The Hardest Pit in the Litter.'”
Reps for Pokey later confirmed the death to PEOPLE as well.
Big Pokey.Big Pokey/Instagram
Big Pokey/Instagram
Pokey was performing late Saturday night into Sunday morning at Pour09 Bar & Rooftop in Beaumont, Texas, when he fell mid-performance, per aTMZreport.
The venue itself shared a message to fans early Sunday morning, writing onFacebook: “The Pour09 family would like to ask that you keep Big Pokey in your prayers at this time.”
The musician gained notoriety through freestyling on the legendary DJ Screw’s early Screw Tapes as a founding member of the Screwed Up Click, and is notably featured for six minutes on Screw’s 35-minute track “June 27th."
In 1999, Pokey released his debut LPHardest Pit in the Litterand albumD-Gamejust a year later. In 2002, he shared his third albumDa Sky’s Da Limit,before appearing on Paul Wall’s“Sittin’ Sidewayz” three years later. The track peaked at No. 93 on the Billboard Hot 100.
He released his most recent albumSenseiin 2021,and notably joinedMegan Thee Stallionfor the track “Southside Royalty Freestyle” off 2022’sTraumazine,alongside Sauce Walka, Lil Keke and Mike D. “Shoutout @theestallion for putting on for the city,” Pokeywroteat the time.
“I wasn’t ready for this,” southern rap greatBun B wrote of Pokeyon Instagram Sunday. “One of the most naturally talented artists in the city. Low key, humble mountain of a man who moved 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,” he continued.
Wall shared a few clips and photoson Instagram himself, writing that Pokey was a “great mentor and friend.”
“A trendsetter and leader,” he said. “I am so blessed to have known #BigPokey My love, prayers, and condolences go out to your family. Rest in peace big bro. Sensei Forever #ripbigpokey”
RapperSlim Thugalso mourned the loss on Instagram, calling it a “sad day in the city.”
“Htown legend 👑👑👑,” he added.
source: people.com
