The rap community in the city is grieving today following the announcement of the passing of rap icon “Big Pokey.”
Eyewitness News has received confirmation from Justice of The Peace Tom Gillam III that Milton Powell, known by his stage name “Big Pokey,” passed away in Beaumont, Texas. Reports indicate that the Sensei rapper collapsed at a bar in Beaumont after his performance on Saturday, but the cause of his death on Sunday remains unclear.
Pour09 Bar & Rooftop, through social media posts, had announced that Big Pokey was scheduled to perform at their venue on Saturday as a special guest during a Juneteenth celebration. Prior to his appearance in Beaumont, Powell had performed at Bicentennial Park in Baytown on Saturday night.
Fellow Houston rapper Bun B took to Instagram to make the initial announcement of Big Pokey’s passing. His mournful caption read, “I wasn’t ready for this. He was one of the most naturally talented artists in the city. A low-key, humble mountain of a man who carried himself with honor and respect. He was easy to love and hard to hate. He would show up, do what he had to do, and then head home. He was one of the pillars of our city. If a heart of gold were a person. An iconic member of the SUC. There will never be another like him, and he will be deeply missed. We love and honor you, Sensei. Rest in heaven.”
Another Houston rap legend, Slim Thug, expressed his sadness on social media, referring to it as a “sad day in the city” and sending prayers to Big Pokey’s family. “In the days to come, we will provide information about his memorial service and how the public can pay their respects. We kindly ask that you respect his family and their privacy during this difficult time. Big Pokey will forever be remembered as ‘The Hardest Pit In The Litter!'” stated Powell’s team in a statement to ABC13.
“Houston has lost a remarkable artist whose impact on our hip hop scene helped elevate it nationally, even if he preferred to stay out of the spotlight. Rest in peace, Big Pokey,” tweeted Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner.
