Big Pokey died at the age of 45 after collapsing on stage

Rapper Big Pokey has died aged 45 after collapsing on stage in Texas.

The artist, real name Milton Powell, passed away on Sunday, according to a post on his verified Instagram account.

“It is with deep sadness that we share the news of the passing of our beloved Milton ‘Big Pokey’ Powell,” the post reads.

“He was deeply loved by his family, friends and loyal fans. In the coming days, we will be releasing 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. time,” it continues.

“Big Pokey will forever be ‘The Hardest Pit in the Litter’,” it adds, referring to the title of his debut album, released in 1999.

A video posted to Twitter showed Big Pokey reclining while holding a microphone at a bar in Beaumount, Texas, on Saturday.

The rapper was from the city of Houston, Texas and was a member of the rap collective Screwed Up Click.

Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner said in a post on Twitter that his “larger than life presence to help 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,” Sylvester wrote.

And fellow member Bun B of Screwed Up Click paid tribute on Instagram.

“I was not ready for this. One of the most naturally talented artists in town. Quiet, humble mountain of a man who moved with honor and respect,” wrote Bun B.

“He was easy to love and hard to hate. He stopped, did what he had to do and went home. One of the pillars of our city. If a heart of gold were a person.”