Big Pokey, a US rapper, has died after collapsing during a performance in Texas.
On stage, the performer, whose real name was Milton Powell, fell backwards on Saturday during a Juneteenth-themed event at a bar.
Before the 48-year-old was taken to a nearby hospital, witnesses sprang into action to aid him. He died on Sunday.
His publicist said in a statement that “he was well loved by his family, his friends, and his loyal fans.”
The statement continued, “Big Pokey will forever be ‘The Hardest Pit In The Litter!’,” a reference to the rapper’s debut record.
Powell was performing at the Pour09 Bar in Beaumont when he abruptly fell backwards while holding his microphone, as seen in a video that has gone viral on social media.
According to a Beaumont Police spokeswoman, paramedics were called just before midnight local time. It is unknown what caused the death.
Powell was best known as a founding member of the Screwed Up Click, an influential hip-hop collective of Houston-based artists.
When Powell appeared on Paul Wall’s single Sittin Sidewayz in 2005, it peaked on the Billboard Hot 100. He also appeared on Megan Thee Stallion’s Southside Royalty Freestyle last year.
Several musicians have paid tribute to Powell, including Juice J, Slim Thug, and Lil Flip.
“Low key, humble mountain of a man who moved with honour and respect. He was easy to love and hard to hate,” the rapper Bun B wrote on Instagram.
Source-BBC
