Staff Reports
This week, the rap music industry faced a heart-wrenching tragedy with the sudden passing of Milton “Big Pokey” Powell, a legendary Houston-based rapper. The prominent performer collapsed during his Sunday evening performance at the Pour09 Bar & Rooftop Lounge located in Beaumont, Texas. This incidence left both his fans and fellow artists in shock.
Milton Powell, a Houston rapper who performed under the name Big Pokey and is credited with elevating the city’s hip-hop scene, died after collapsing during a show in Texas, a local official said Monday. https://t.co/rCBv0JvpIU
— The Associated Press (@AP) June 19, 2023
Known for his sensational debut studio album “Hardest Pit in the Litter,” which released in 1999, Big Pokey was a proud voice of Houston and its thriving music culture. He collaborated with other renowned artists in the city such as Fat Pat, Lil’ Keke, DJ Screw, Z-Ro, and Lil’ Flip to elevate Houston’s hip-hop scene further. The Houston Mayor, Sylvester Turner, eulogized the deceased rapper, extolling his significant contributions to the genre. He further described Big Pokey as a larger-than-life figure who played a crucial role in Houston’s prominence nationwide.
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.
We are grateful. st pic.twitter.com/5VI7nAL2V2
— Sylvester Turner (@SylvesterTurner) June 18, 2023
Rapper “Big Pokey” died suddenly during live performance
45-year-old dropped dead on the spot.
Remember there’s a new factor that we cannot disregard until further notice. ? pic.twitter.com/MpJz4RV3Ew
— Luther ‘Ćyrus’ (@Censored4sure) June 19, 2023
Amidst all this mourning, some Twitter users questioned whether ongoing COVID-19 vaccination could have played a role in Powell’s untimely death. This possibility underscores the significant concern that many people now have regarding the safety of the COVID vaccine. It raises questions about the vaccine’s efficacy and whether its use is more risky than beneficial. In light of this event, many are urging authorities to reassess the vaccine’s safety measures and ensure that such tragic incidents are prevented in the future.
Big Pokey’s legacy in rap music will never fade away, and we can remember him best as a sensitive, humble, and selfless artist who always promoted respect and dignity in his work. His lifelong dedication to bringing Houston hip hop to greater heights has left a unique and powerful mark on the music industry, and he will always be missed.
