Rapper Big Pokey dead after collapsing during a Texas show

Houston rap legend Big Pokey has died aged just 48 after he collapsed while performing in Texas.

The ‘Sittin’ Sideways’ star — whose real name is Milton Powell — passed away on Saturday after video showed him falling backwards while rapping at a show in Beaumont, Texas.

A cause of death has not yet been released, as the family awaits autopsy results.

‘It is with deep sadness that we share the news of the passing of our beloved Milton ‘Big Pokey’ Powell,’ his publicist told FOX 26.

‘Big Pokey passed away on June 18, 2023. He was well-loved by his family, his friends, and his loyal fans.

‘In the coming days, we will release information about his celebration of life and how the public can pay their respects.

‘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.”

Big Pokey had earlier been seen performing a Juneteenth show at Pour 09 Bar in Beaumont, where he was filmed with a microphone in his hand when he suddenly collapsed.

A crowd soon gathered around him, with one woman claiming to be a nurse rushing to his side.

Beaumont police were then dispatched to the bar to assist fire and EMS crews at around 12.03am Sunday morning. according to 12 News Now.

The rapper was then rushed to St. Elizabeth hospital, where he died, Jefferson County Justice of the Peace Precinct 8 Judge Tom Gillam III told the local news station. 

Big Pokey was a member of Screwed Up Circle, a group of Houston-based rappers. He had also appeared in the 2001 film Soldiers United for Cash and later starred in Dirty Third 2: Home Sweet Home.

His fellow rapper Bun B was the first to announce his death with a post on Instagram Sunday.

‘Low key, humble mountain of a man who moved with honor and respect. He was easy to love and hard to hate,’ he wrote.

‘There will never be another and will be missed dearly. We love and honor you. Rest in heaven.’

Another Houston rap legend, Slim Thug, said on social media that it’s a ‘sad day in the city’ and that he is sending ‘prayers to his family.’

Others remembered him online as a ‘Texas legend.’

And Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner tweeted: ‘Though many called him “low key” his presence was larger than life in helping to catapult our hip hop scene nationally.

‘We are grateful.’