Current:Home > ScamsBig Pokey, pioneering Houston rapper, dies at 48-DB Wealth Institute B2 Expert Reviews
Big Pokey, pioneering Houston rapper, dies at 48
View Date:2024-12-23 18:20:36
Rapper Big Pokey died early on Sunday after collapsing on stage in Texas, a post on his Instagram page confirmed. Big Pokey, whose real name was Milton Powell, was 48.
"He was well loved by his family, his friends, and his loyal fans," the post said. "In the coming days, we will release information about his celebration of life and how the public can pay their respects... Big Pokey will forever be 'The Hardest Pit in The Litter!'"
Video circulating online showed the artist performing at a bar in Beaumont, Texas, on Saturday night before collapsing onto the floor. CBS affiliate KHOU reported that local police were called to the bar shortly after midnight Sunday to assist with the medical emergency.
The cause of death has yet to be released.
Beloved in his hometown of Houston, Big Pokey was one of the original members of the hip-hop collective "Screwed Up Click" and helped usher in the chopped and screwed music genre. His first full album, "Hardest Pit in the Litter," came out in 1999.
Tributes poured in following the announcement of his death, including a statement from Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner.
"The City of Houston and I extend our prayers and condolences to our own Screwed Up Click legendary rapper #BigPokey family and friends. Though many called him "low key", his presence was larger than life in helping to catapult our hip hop scene nationally," Turner wrote.
Fellow rapper Bun B described him as one of the "most naturally talented artists in the city" and said he was "easy to love and hard to hate."
"One of the pillars of our city," Bun B said. "If heart of gold was a person. Iconic member of the SUC. There will never be another and will be missed dearly. We love you and honor you Sensei. Rest in heaven."
Rapper Paul Wall, who is also from Houston, called Big Pokey a "great mentor and friend."
"A trendsetter and leader. I am so blessed to have known #BigPokey," he said on Instagram.
Christopher BritoChristopher Brito is a social media manager and trending content writer for CBS News.
veryGood! (7345)
Related
- Full House Star Dave Coulier Shares Stage 3 Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma Diagnosis
- Grammys 2024: See the Complete Winners List
- Hordes of thunderous, harmless cicadas are coming. It's normal to feel a little dread.
- Red carpet looks from the 2024 Grammy Awards
- Trump breaks GOP losing streak in nation’s largest majority-Arab city with a pivotal final week
- Clearwater plane crash: 3 victims killed identified, NTSB continues to investigate cause
- Judge rejects a claim that New York’s marijuana licensing cheats out-of-state applicants
- Rapper Killer Mike detained by police at the Grammy Awards after collecting 3 trophies
- The 10 Best Cashmere Sweaters and Tops That Feel Luxuriously Soft and Are *Most Importantly* Affordable
- Super Bowl squares: How to play and knowing the best (and worst) squares for the big game
Ranking
- US Diplomats Notch a Win on Climate Super Pollutants With Help From the Private Sector
- Supreme Court declines to block West Point from considering race in admissions decisions for now
- Grammys 2024: Paris Jackson Covers Up 80+ Tattoos For Unforgettable Red Carpet Moment
- Country star Brandy Clark on finding her musical soulmate and her 6 Grammy nominations
- ‘Maybe Happy Ending’ review: Darren Criss shines in one of the best musicals in years
- Goose found in flight control of medical helicopter that crashed in Oklahoma, killing 3
- The 2024 Grammy Awards are here; SZA, Phoebe Bridgers and Victoria Monét lead the nominations
- Rapper Killer Mike detained by police at the Grammy Awards after collecting 3 trophies
Recommendation
-
John Robinson, former USC Trojans and Los Angeles Rams coach, dies at 89
-
Fighting for a Foothold in American Law, the Rights of Nature Movement Finds New Possibilities in a Change of Venue: the Arts
-
How a Vietnam vet found healing as the Honey-Do Dude
-
Pennsylvania police shoot and kill a wanted man outside of a gas station, saying he pointed gun
-
What Just Happened to the Idea of Progress?
-
Lindsay Lohan Reveals Son Luai's Special Connection to Stephen and Ayesha Curry
-
Arab American leaders urge Michigan to vote uncommitted and send message to Biden about Israel policy
-
Pennsylvania police shoot and kill a wanted man outside of a gas station, saying he pointed gun