A rap legend has died. Several videos posted to social media showed Houston’s very own, Big Pokey, having a medical emergency after fainting while performing on a stage at Pour09 Bar in Beaumont, Texas. He received CPR from a nurse before being taken to St. Elizabeth Hospital where he was declared deceased during the early morning hours of Sunday, June 18. Big Pokey’s publicist confirmed his sudden death in a statement released to the media.
“It is with deep sadness that we share the news of the passing of our beloved Milton ‘Big Pokey’ Powell,” the statement reads. “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!”
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Bun B, one-half of the rap group UGK and Big Pokey’s music peer, also confirmed the 45-year-old’s passing via an Instagram post.
“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.”
The official cause of Big Pokey’s death has yet to be confirmed as of this writing.
Big Pokey’s Hit Single “Ballin’ Parlay”
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Big Pokey made an unforgettable impression with his freestyle flow on several mixtapes circulating the underground music scene. His claim to fame came through DJ Screw’s “June 27th Freestyle,” a classic compilation of chopped and screwed sessions that feature Big Pokey and a cohort of Texas artists.
Big Pokey’s “June 27th” Kappa Beach Freestyle
Big Pokey’s full-length album debut, Hardest Pit in the Litter, released in 1999 and consisted of the hit song, “Ball’n-Parlay,” featuring Big Moe and Lil Keke. He also made national acclaim through his collaboration with Swishahouse artist Paul Wall on the Gold-Certified single, “Sittin’ Sidewayz,” peaking at No. 24 on Billboard’s Hot Rap Songs Chart.
Paul Wall’s “Sittin’ Sidewayz,” Featuring Big Pokey
Throughout the years, he would release several mixtapes, such as Mob 4 Life (2003) and A Bad Azz Mix Tape Vol. 3 (2004), to name a few, and music projects, including D-Game 2000 (2000), Tha Collabo (2001), Da Sky’s Da Limit (2002), Evacuation Notice (2008), and his last project, Sensei (2021).
In Big Pokey’s words, “Whether sunny or grey, we gon’ ballin’ parlay.” Rest in peace.
