Houston rapper Big Pokey, a founding member of the influential hip-hop collective Screwed Up Click, died of a heart attack in June 2023, according to his autopsy report. The rapper, whose real name was Milton Powell, collapsed during a performance at a bar in Beaumont, Texas, and was pronounced dead at a nearby hospital. He was 48 years old.
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A Legend of the Houston Hip-Hop Scene
Big Pokey was one of the pioneers of the Houston hip-hop scene, along with DJ Screw, Z-Ro, Fat Pat, Lil’ Flip, Lil’ Keke and others. He was known for his deep voice, rapid flow and witty lyrics. He appeared on many of DJ Screw’s famous mixtapes, such as June 27th and 3 ‘N The Mornin’. He also released several solo albums, such as Hardest Pit in the Litter, D-Game 2000 and Evacuation Notice.
Big Pokey was respected and admired by his peers and fans alike. Fellow rapper Bun B called him one of the city’s most naturally talented musicians in a tribute message posted on Instagram. He described him as a humble, low-key mountain of a man who moved with respect and honor. “He was easy to love and hard to hate. He’d pull up, do what he had to do and head home. One of the pillars of our city,” Bun B wrote.
A Mysterious Death with No Pathological Cause
Big Pokey’s death shocked and saddened the hip-hop community, especially since the cause of his death was initially unknown. The preliminary autopsy findings did not point to a “pathological cause of death,” according to Tom Gillam III, justice of the peace for Jefferson County’s Precinct 8. Toxicology results were pending and could take up to 90 days to complete.
However, on Monday (July 31), Gillam confirmed that Big Pokey died as a result of a heart attack. He said that the rapper had hypertensive and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, which means that he had high blood pressure and plaque buildup in his arteries. These conditions can increase the risk of heart attack or stroke.
Gillam also said that there was no evidence of foul play or drug use involved in Big Pokey’s death. He ruled the death as natural.
A Memorial Event to Honor His Legacy
Big Pokey’s fans and friends gathered to pay their respects and celebrate his life at a memorial event hosted by the bar where he died. The event, which took place on Saturday (June 24), featured performances by Houston-based DJ Mr. Rogers and comedian Bubba Dub. The rapper’s family received half of the proceeds from tickets sold to the event.
Big Pokey’s legacy will live on through his music and his impact on the Houston hip-hop scene. He will be remembered as one of the original members of the Screwed Up Click, a group that revolutionized rap music with their chopped and screwed style. He will also be remembered as a humble and honorable man who loved his city and his craft.
Rest in peace, Big Pokey. You will be missed.
