Rapper Big Pokey dies at 48 after collapsing on stage

Big Pokey, a Houston rapper and original member of the city's pioneering Screwed Up Click, died Sunday after collapsing during a performance, a representative confirmed to USA TODAY.

Known for Texas and Gulf Coast hits such as "Ball N' Parlay," "Who Dat Talking Down," and a verse on DJ Screw's nearly 36-minute iconic freestyle known as "June 27th," he collapsed while performing at Pour09, a Beaumont bar and nightlife space about an hour east of Houston.

The musician, whose real name was Milton Powell, was then rushed to the hospital. His cause of death is unknown; family and officials are awaiting autopsy results.

Videos quickly circulated on social media of the rapper, who was featured on Megan Thee Stallion’s 2022 "Southside Royalty Freestyle," taking a deep breath into his microphone before appearing to pass out and fall onto his back.

Pokey released his debut album, "Hardest Pit in the Litter" in 1999, and “Da Game 2000" the following year.

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In 2005, he was featured on the Billboard Hot 100 single "Sittin' Sidewayz" with Paul Wall. His last project was 2021’s "Sensei," referring to another one of his nicknames and dubbed as his comeback album.

The rapper's death was first announced by fellow Houston rapper and Screwed Up Click associate Bun B, who shared an Instagram tribute Sunday.

"One of the most naturally talented artists in the city. Low key, humble mountain of a man who moved with honor and respect. He was easy to love and hard to hate," the UGK rapper wrote. "One of the pillars of our city. If heart of gold was a person."

Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner also shared a tribute to the late rapper. "Though many called him "low key," his presence was larger than life in helping to catapult our hip hop scene nationally," Turner wrote on Twitter.

An official statement was also posted to Powell's Instagram account Sunday. "It is with deep sadness that we share the news of the passing of our beloved Milton 'Big Pokey' Powell," the message read. "In the coming days, we will release information about his celebration of life and how the public can pay their respects."

Powell leaves behind a wife and three college-aged children.

Contributing: Gary Gerard Hamilton, The Associated Press