45-Year-Old Rapper Dies After Collapsing During Performance

Big Pokey, a veteran in the Houston rap scene, died after collapsing on stage during a performance Saturday night in Beaumont, Texas.

The rapper, whose real name is Milton Powell, passed away at 45.

Video footage from the performance circulating on social media shows the artist gasping while singing, then falling on his back.

A nurse in the crowd administered CPR to the rapper and, shortly after, emergency responders transported him to a hospital.

He tragically passed away at the hospital shortly after midnight.

Here’s the footage circulating on social media via Rumble (Warning – Graphic)

A message on Big Pokey’s Instagram account confirmed his passing:

“It is with deep sadness that we share the news of the passing of our beloved Milton ‘Big Pokey’ Powell. 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.’”

Houston rapper Big Pokey dies after collapsing on stage. R.I.P. 🙏 pic.twitter.com/S1ZxrYODqE

— Daily Loud (@DailyLoud) June 18, 2023

“The City of Houston and I extend our prayers and condolences to our own Screwed Up Click legendary rapper #BigPokey family and friends. Though many called him ‘low key’, his presence was larger than life in helping to catapult our hip hop scene nationally,” Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner wrote.

The City of Houston and I extend our prayers and condolences to our own Screwed Up Click legendary rapper #BigPokey family and friends.

Though many called him “low key”, his presence was larger than life in helping to catapult our hip hop scene nationally.

We are grateful. st pic.twitter.com/5VI7nAL2V2

— Sylvester Turner (@SylvesterTurner) June 18, 2023

Deadline reports:

Houston rapper Bun B posted online about the death. “I wasn’t ready for this. 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.”