Bun B remarked in a tribute to Big Pokey, “One of the pillars of our city,” Rapper Big Pokey, a founding member of the Screwed Up Click collective from Houston, has passed away. He was 45.
Pokey, whose true name was Milton Powell, passed away early on Sunday in Texas after collapsing during a performance, according to numerous reports and numerous messages from friends on social media.
Pokey’s publicist announced his passing in a statement to the local news station KRIV and noted that “he was well-loved by his family, his friends, and his loyal fans.”
Pokey’s publicist stated, “In the following days, we will announce details about his celebration of life and how the public can pay their condolences. “In this trying time, we ask that you respect his family’s privacy. “Big Pokey will always be known as ‘The Hardest Pit in the Litter.'” A request for a response from PEOPLE was not immediately answered by Pokey’s representatives.
According to a TMZ claim, Pokey fell mid-performance at Pour09 Bar & Rooftop in Beaumont, Texas, late on Saturday night into early on Sunday. The venue itself issued a request to supporters early on Sunday morning via Facebook, writing: “The Pour09 family would like to ask that you keep Big Pokey in your prayers at this time.”
As a founding member of the Screwed Up Click, the musician rose to fame by freestyling on DJ Screw’s early Screw Tapes. He is notable for appearing for six minutes on Screw’s 35-minute tune “June 27th.”
Pokey released his debut LP Hardest Pit in the Litter in 1999, followed a year later by the album D-Game. Before making an appearance on Paul Wall’s “Sittin’ Sidewayz” three years later, he released his third album, Da Sky’s Da Limit, in 2002. The song’s position on the Billboard Hot 100 peaked at No. 93.
In 2021, he released his most recent album, Sensei, and in 2022, along with Sauce Walka, Lil Keke, and Mike D, he appeared on the tune “Southside Royalty Freestyle” by Traumazine. Pokey wrote at the time, “Shoutout @theestallion for putting on for the city.”
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R.I.P. the legend Big Pokey
— juicy j (@therealjuicyj) June 18, 2023
Southern rap legend Bun B wrote about Pokey on Instagram on Sunday, “I wasn’t ready for this. “One of the city’s most naturally gifted artists. A quiet, modest mountain of a man who carried himself with respect and honor. He was simple to love and difficult to despise.
He would arrive, complete his tasks, and then depart for home. one of the city’s main pillars. If a person had a heart of gold. iconic SUC participant. There will never be another like it, and it will be sorely lost. We value and respect you, Sensei. Rest in paradise,” he said.
Wall himself posted several videos and images to Instagram, praising Pokey as a “great mentor and friend.” “A trendsetter and leader,” he proclaimed. “I feel so fortunate to have met #BigPokey.” My heartfelt sympathies, prayers, and love are with your family. Big bro, rest in peace. #ripbigpokey “Sensei Forever”
Slim Thug, a rapper, lamented the loss on Instagram and referred to it as a “sad day in the city.” “Htown legend,” he continued.