Big Pokey, a local legend on the Houston hip-hop scene and a member of the city’s influential Screwed Up Click, has died at the age of 45.
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| Big pokey death video |
The rapper born Milton Powell reportedly collapsed at his show Saturday in Beaumont, Texas, with the Jefferson County Justice of the Peace confirming to Houston’s ABC 13 that Powell had died.
In the video the rapper was seen breathing heavily into the microphone in his hand as he addressed the crowd below before he lost consciousness and slammed down hard on the ground, flat on his back.
He was barely able to move his arms and feet as struggled to breathe. A person off-camera was heard asking, “Is he alright?” A number of people rushed to his aid, including a security guard.
People are speculating that the rapper has died following his performance but there is no official confirmation yet.
He began his rap career with Houston producer DJ Screw in the early 1990s and was featured on the DJ's landmark mixtape June 27 Freestyle. Big Pokey then released his own full-length album Hardest Pit in the Litter in 1999.
Fellow Houston 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.'