On Saturday night, a 45-year-old Houston, Texas, rapper perished while performing at a tavern in Beaumont.

Social media footage depicts “Big Pokey,” aka Milton Powell, collapsing shortly after he gasped for oxygen while holding a microphone near to his mouth.

The incident occurred at Beaumont’s first rooftop bar, Pour 09 Bar.

Later that night, Powell was hospitalized after paramedics attempted CPR on him. Authorities later verified Powell’s demise, the New York Post reported.

According to the publication, the cause of Powell’s death remains unknown.

“It is with deep sadness that we share the news of the passing of our beloved Milton ‘Big Pokey’ Powell,” the rapper’s publicist wrote in a statement for KPRC-TV.

The publicist wrote, “He was well-liked 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,” stated the press release.

Through a Facebook post, Pour 09 Bar expressed condolences to the deceased rapper’s family.

Houston rapper Big Pokey dies after collapsing on stage. R.I.P. 🙏 pic.twitter.com/S1ZxrYODqE

— Daily Loud (@DailyLoud) June 18, 2023

“We would like everyone to send their prayers to Big Pokey and his family,” the bar’s management wrote.

“Out of respect for those involved we will not be commenting on the incident to allow his family and friends ample time to mourn and make a statement when they are ready,” the social media post stated. “This is a tragedy that no one expected and only our prayers go out to his family and friends.”

More on this story via The Western Journal:

Powell was known for his work in the “chopped and screwed” style of Southern hip-hop music, which finds its roots in the 90s and is characterized by low tempos.

Powell initially began his music career working on remixes with DJ Screw in the early half of the decade before releasing his first full-length album, “Hardest Pit in the Litter” in 1999, according to AllMusic. CONTINUE READING…