Veteran Houston Rapper Milton Powell, well known as Big Pokey collapsed on Saturday night while performing on stage in Beaumont, Texas. The 45-year-old was said to be gasping for air while rapping before falling on stage. 

A paramedic in the audience tried to perform CPR on Big Pokey before he was taken to the hospital where he was confirmed dead on arrival. An autopsy has been conducted but the cause of death is yet to be known.

Since his publicist announced the passing of the rapper on behalf of his family, tributes have since poured in. He was well-loved by family, friends, and fans even in death.

Who Was Big Pokey?

Milton Powell also known as Rapper Big Pokey was born on November 29, 1974, in Houston, Texas. Until his death, he was well-known for his soulful and mind-blowing rap music.

Big Pokey rose to stardom in the latter years of the 1990s and early 2000s as a member of DJ Screw's rap group Screwed Up Click. DJ Screw pioneered the music genre known as "chopped and screwed," which features slowed-down beats, chopped samples, and repeated voices. Big Pokey's powerful words and appealing delivery had an enormous effect on Houston's rap culture.

"Hardest Pit in the Litter," Big Pokey's debut solo album, was put out in 1999. The piece was well appreciated and it contributed greatly to his rising profile as a musician and artist.

How Much Is Big Pokey Worth?

He made the most of his money by selling his records (Sensei, Evacuation Notice, and others), sponsors, concert tickets, and music streaming. He appeared in the 2001 film "Soldiers United for Cash." At the time of his death, Veteran American rapper Big Pokey’s net worth was estimated to be over $ 1 million.