Big Pokey, the American rapper, has passed away after collapsing while performing at a show in Texas, US.
The 45-year-old was performing at a Juneteenth-themed event at a bar in Beaumont on Saturday when he fell backwards on stage.
He was thereafter rushed to the hospital where he was confirmed dead by medical officials.
In now-viral video of the incident, fans were seen expressing shock as officials gathered around him.
And just like that, this 45 year old rapper “Big Pokey” aka Milton Powell, collapses on stage and is pronounced dead. 45. pic.twitter.com/4dYqfiAwcY
— David Vance (@DVATW) June 19, 2023
The rapper’s death was also announced in a statement via his Instagram page on Sunday.
“It is with deep sadness that we share the news of the passing of our beloved Milton ‘Big Pokey’ Powell,” the statement reads
“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 respect’s.
“Big Pokey will forever be ‘The Hardest Pit In The Litter.”
Big Pokey, whose real name is Milton Powell, was born on November 29, 1977 in Houston, Texas.
He started his career as a rapper with DJ Screw, the late American entertainer, in the early 1990s.
He featured on DJ Screw’s mixtape ‘June 27th Freestyle’ which became a landmark album in chopped and screwed hip-hop.
Big Pokey gained prominence as a founding member of the Screwed Up Click, an influential hip-hop group comprising Houston-based artistes.
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