Houston rapper Big Pokey, a member of the influential Screwed Up Click, died in June 2021 after suffering a heart attack during a performance. He was 45 years old. His death shocked and saddened the hip-hop community, especially in his hometown of Houston, where he was regarded as one of the best rap artists in the region. In this article, we will explore the life and legacy of Big Pokey, as well as the details of his tragic death.
Who was Big Pokey?
Big Pokey, whose real name was Milton Powell, was born in Houston, Texas, in 1976. He grew up in the southside of the city, where he became friends with George Floyd, the Black man whose murder by Minneapolis police sparked global protests and a national reckoning with racism and police brutality. Big Pokey and Floyd played football together at Yates High School, where they both excelled as athletes.
Big Pokey developed a passion for rap music at an early age, and became part of the Screwed Up Click, a rap collective led by DJ Screw, the pioneer of the chopped and screwed music style. The chopped and screwed technique involved slowing down and manipulating songs to create a distinctive sound that became synonymous with Houston hip-hop. DJ Screw would release mixtapes featuring his crew members and other local rappers, who would freestyle over popular beats.
Big Pokey was one of the most prominent and prolific members of the Screwed Up Click, appearing on numerous mixtapes and collaborating with other artists such as Lil’ Keke, Fat Pat, Z-Ro, E.S.G., Lil’ Flip, Paul Wall, Chamillionaire, Slim Thug, and UGK. He also released several solo albums, such as The Hardest Pit in the Litter (1999), D-Game 2000 (2000), Da Sky’s Da Limit (2002), Evacuation Notice (2008), and Sensei (2017). He was known for his deep voice, fast flow, witty punchlines, and street credibility.
Some of his most popular songs include “Ball N’ Parlay”, “Who Dat Talking Down”, “Menage Trois”, “On Choppers”, “Boss Hogg on Candy”, and “Sittin’ Sidewayz”. He also appeared on DJ Screw’s legendary “June 27th Freestyle”, a 35-minute-long track that featured several members of the Screwed Up Click rapping over a beat sampled from Kriss Kross’ “Da Streets Ain’t Right”. The freestyle is widely considered as one of the best examples of Houston rap culture and a tribute to DJ Screw’s influence.
How did Big Pokey die?
Big Pokey died on June 18, 2021, after collapsing on stage during a performance at Pour09, a bar and nightclub in Beaumont, Texas. He was performing as part of a Juneteenth celebration event, along with other rappers such as Lil’ Flip and E.S.G. According to eyewitnesses, Big Pokey took a deep breath into his microphone before falling backwards and hitting his head on the floor. He was rushed to St. Elizabeth Hospital in Beaumont, where he was pronounced dead.
An autopsy revealed that Big Pokey died of a heart attack caused by hypertensive and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. This means that he had high blood pressure and plaque buildup in his arteries that restricted blood flow to his heart. According to Justice of the Peace Tom Gillam III1, who confirmed the rapper’s cause of death to local media, Big Pokey had a pre-existing heart condition that led to the fatal cardiac arrest.
Big Pokey’s death was announced on his Instagram account, where a post read: “It is with deep sadness that we share the news of the passing of our beloved Milton ‘Big Pokey’ Powell. He was well loved by his family, friends, and loyal fans. In the coming days, we will release 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.”
What is Big Pokey’s legacy?
Big Pokey’s legacy is that of a Houston rap legend who helped shape the sound and culture of his city. He was one of the original members of the Screwed Up Click, a group that influenced generations of rappers and music fans across the world. He was also a friend and mentor to many artists in the Houston scene, who paid tribute to him after his death.
Some of the rappers who expressed their condolences and admiration for Big Pokey include Paul Wall, Slim Thug, Z-Ro, Trae Tha Truth, Bun B, and Megan Thee Stallion, who featured Big Pokey on her 2020 “Southside Royalty Freestyle”. They praised Big Pokey for his skills, his personality, his generosity, and his impact on the rap game.
Big Pokey’s music will live on as a testament to his talent and his contribution to Houston hip-hop. His songs will continue to inspire and entertain listeners who appreciate his unique style and voice. He will be remembered as a rap icon and a beloved member of the Screwed Up Click. Rest in peace, Big Pokey.
