Houston rapper ‘Big Pokey’ of ‘Screwed Up Click’ dies after passing out while performing on stage
Social media timelines are loaded with “RIP” condolences for Houston’s own “Big Pokey,” an original member of the iconic “Screwed Up Click.” The 45-year-old rapper died early Sunday after passing out on stage during a performance.
Videos circulating on multiple social media platforms show Pokey, whose real name is Milton Powell, standing on a platform in front of a crowd at a venue in Beaumont, Texas. He was holding a microphone, took a deep breath, then dropped to the ground.
Attendees rushed to his side, including a woman, claiming to be a nurse. The video then stops.
First, the prayers of concern were posted, followed by RIP messages.
His longtime publicist, Lemon Limelight Media, issued the following statement:
“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!’”
Bun B also shared condolences on social media via Instagram.
“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 temperatures across Texas are at dangerously high levels, with heat indexes topping 100 degrees on the day of the performance. Many commenters were speculating that his falling ill could be heat-related.
According to Wikipedia, Big Pokey began rapping with Houston producer DJ Screw and DJ PRIMETIME in the early 1990s releasing songs on many of DJ Screw’s mixtapes. Like pokapolis and pokeys box of magic tricks. Big Pokey was featured on DJ Screw’s mixtape “June 27th Freestyle” which became a landmark album in chopped and screwed hip hop.
His first full-length album, Hardest Pit in the Litter, appeared in early 1999.The following year, Pokey returned with D-Game 2000, another album pop of mid-tempo 808-driven beats featuring several of his Houston peers as guests. In 2001, he collaborated with the Wreckshop Wolfpack for Tha Collabo and then returned in 2002 with another solo album, Da Sky’s Da Limit. In 2004, a clip of Pokey’s song “Who Dat Talkin Down” was featured in the pilot episode of HBO‘s Entourage. In 2005 Pokey was featured on Paul Wall‘s track “Sittin’ Sidewayz” which peaked at #93 on US Billboard Hot 100.
In 2001, Pokey appeared in the film “Soldiers United for Cash.” He also starred in the movie Dirty Third 2: Home Sweet Home
A vintage video posted by Chowtime TV, shows Pokey being interviewed shortly after the death of DJ Screw. Pokey, who played football for Jack Yates High School talked about how he went from sports to entertainment.
“At the time, when we did the tape, I was still in school playing ball. I thought I was going to be getting my check from football,” he said. “Back when we were young, we used to get on the block freestyling and playing around. At Screw’s house, we were all doing it for the fun of it, then it just blew up and the tables turned.”
WE LOVE YOU BIG POKEY! Our deepest prayers go out to him, his family, friends, colleagues and fans.
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