Houston Rapper Big Pokey Dies After Collapsing Onstage at 45 or 48

Houston rapper Big Pokey, a foundational member of the Houston rap scene with the group Screw Up Click, died at the age of 45 after collapsing on stage while performing at a bar in Beaumont. He was rushed to a nearby hospital but died soon after. Big Pokey gained prominence for his 1999 debut solo album, “The Hardest Pit in the Litter,” and released numerous albums and collaborations over the years, including his most recent album, “Sensei.” Fellow Houston rappers paid tribute to the immensely talented and low-key artist, who was described as a pillar of the city's music scene.