In the video, Big Pokey, who was seen holding a microphone on stage, breathed heavily before he collapsed and died.
The rapper died at the age of 45 after collapsing on stage in Texas.
Big Pokey, whose real name Milton Powell, collapsed backwards while holding a microphone at a bar in Beaumont, Texas on Saturday, June 17, 2023.
Family confirmed Big Pokey’s death through his verified Instagram account.
“It is with deep sadness that we share the news of the passing of our beloved Milton ‘Big Pokey’ Powell,” the post reads.
“He was well loved by his family, friends and 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,” it continues.
“Big Pokey will forever be ‘The Hardest Pit in the Litter,’” it adds, referencing the title of his debut album, which was released in 1999.
The rapper hailed from the city of Houston, Texas and was a member of the Screwed Up Click rap collective.
Mayor of Houston Sylvester Turner said in a post on Twitter that his “presence was larger than life in helping to catapult our hip hop scene nationally.”
“The City of Houston and I extend our prayers and condolences to our own Screwed Up Click legendary rapper #BigPokey family and friends,” Sylvester wrote.
