This headline was not only upsetting to hear about, but also completely traumatizing to fans who directly witnessed what happened.
Well-known Houston rapper Big Pokey was performing on stage at a bar in Beaumont early Sunday morning on June 18 when he suddenly collapsed and died.
According to news outlets, the “Sittin’ Sidewayz” singer, whose real name was Milton Powell, was at the Pour09 Bar to perform for a Juneteenth-themed show.
Videos have surfaced online showing Powell with a microphone in his hand as he fainted, falling backwards landing on his back.
Milton “Big Pokey” Powell, who spent nearly three decades contributing rhymes as part of Houston’s hip-hop scene with the Screwed Up Click, has died. https://t.co/D7oqqorWqd
— Houston Chronicle (@HoustonChron) June 18, 2023
Sudden Death – Rapper Big Pokey died suddenly during live performance
45-year-old dropped dead on the spot
The “Sittin’ Sidewayz” singer, whose real name was Milton Powell, was performing during a Juneteenth-theme show at the Pour09 Barhttps://t.co/ZC7Dwc7n5m pic.twitter.com/QG0yDIDWln
— Hello Dave (@David83823494) June 18, 2023
Emergency services were called around 11:57 p.m. on Saturday about an unconscious individual at the bar.
Authorities stated that Powell was rushed to St. Elizabeth Hospital in Beaumont, where he sadly was pronounced dead. A cause of death has not yet been determined.
Many turned to social media to offer their condolences for late rapper, including Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner.
Turner posted a tribute on Twitter stating:
“Though many called him ‘low key,’ 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.
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
