Top 23 of 2023: Houston Legend Big Pokey Passes Away, Migos Reunite & More

Big Pokey

As the world slowly wraps up for 2023, SOHH remembers how June was a month filled with significant moments and unexpected turns. From the heartbreaking news of the loss of Big Pokey to drama-filled events, June 2023 was one to remember.

18. A Bittersweet Month

Big Pokey Passes Away

Houston’s music scene mourned the loss of a legend on June 18, as Big Pokey, aged 45, tragically passed away

The rapper collapsed on stage while performing at a bar in Beaumont, Texas, due to a heart attack. Despite being rushed to a nearby hospital, Big Pokey could not be revived, leaving fans and fellow artists devastated by his unexpected departure. 

The 2023 BET Awards

The BET Awards, known for its cultural significance, took place on June 25 and provided a platform for memorable moments. 

One highlight of the night was the reunion of Migos on stage. Offset and Quavo came together once again to pay tribute to their late bandmate, Takeoff. Their performance served as a poignant reminder of the musical legacy left behind by the trio. 

Another standout moment came when legendary singer Patti Labelle graced the stage to honor the iconic Tina Turner, who had passed away the previous month. Labelle delivered a heartfelt rendition of Turner’s 1989 hit, “The Best,” despite some struggles with reading the teleprompter. 

The 2023 BET Awards also celebrated the rising R&B star Coco Jones, who won the coveted title of “Best New Artist”. Jones was on fire in the summer of 2023, propelled to the forefront by the success of her hit single “ICU,” which quickly went platinum after initially achieving Gold status. Starting as a Disney star, the “Double Back,” singer has showcased her versatility as both an actress and a singer.

Family Feud

Amidst the 2023 Father’s Day celebrations, drama unfolded between Kimora Lee and Russell Simmons, stirring up controversy

It all began when Kimora and Russell’s daughter, Ming Lee Simmons, took to Instagram to honor her mother, omitting any mention of her father. This sparked a series of revelations from Russell’s other daughter, Aoki Lee Simmons, who accused their father of narcissistic and abusive behavior throughout their lives. 

Aoki also disclosed Russell’s attempts to coerce Ming Lee into signing over her inheritance by sending people to their residences.

The extent of the drama was further detailed by Kimora, who claimed that Russell had harassed her and Aoki by contacting their friends and had even blackballed Aoki from the fashion industry. The situation reached such a point that Aoki contemplated legal action. 

May-Mayhem 2023

Just as June 2023 was eventful, the preceding month of May had its own share of significant moments. From Halle Bailey‘s success in The Little Mermaid and the subsequent celebration of the “Black Girl Renaissance” to shocking industry events, 2023 has been an eventful year thus far.

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Cause of Death Revealed in the Sudden Death of Rapper Big Pokey

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A cause of death has been revealed for Houston rapper Big Pokey. Big Pokey collapsed on stage this past weekend, resulting in his death. TMZ notes Big Pokey, born Milton Powell, was performing on a stage at a bar in Beaumont, Texas. The video shows Pokey taking in a deep breath, leaning backward, and falling over on the stage.

In a new update, Big Pokey died of a heart attack. Tom Gillam II, Justice of the Peace for Jefferson COunty, Texas, signed the death certification, TMZ revealed.

A woman at the show attempted to help Big Pokey before he was transported to a local hospital, where he passed away.

“It is with deep sadness that we share the news of the passing of our beloved Milton ‘Big Pokey’ Powell,” his representative wrote. “Big Pokey passed away … He was well loved by his family, his friends, and his loyal fans. In the coming days, we will release information about his celebration of life and how the public can pay their respects. We ask that you respect his family and their privacy during this difficult time. Big Pokey will forever be ‘The Hardest Pit in the Litter!’”

Bun B remembered Pokey online. “I wasn’t ready for this. 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. He’d pull up, do what he had to do and head home. One of the pillars of our city. If heart of gold was a person. Iconic member of the SUC. There will never be another and will be missed dearly. We love and honor you Sensei. Rest in heaven.”

Footage from the performance is available below. Warning, it is graphic.

The post Cause of Death Revealed in the Sudden Death of Rapper Big Pokey first appeared on The Source.

The post Cause of Death Revealed in the Sudden Death of Rapper Big Pokey appeared first on The Source.

Houston Rapper Big Pokey Died of Massive Heart Attack, Autopsy Reveals

Big Pokey

An autopsy report has revealed the cause of death for late Houston rapper, Big Pokey. On June 17th, 2023, the legendary rapper collapsed during a performance at a Beaumont Bar and tragically passed away. The autopsy confirmed that Big Pokey suffered from “hypertensive and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease,” leading to a massive heart attack.  Big Pokey […]

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Big Pokey’s Friends & Family Pay Tribute To The Late Houston Rapper

Big Pokey

During a heartfelt memorial service, the beloved Houston rapper Big Pokey’s family and friends gathered to honor his life and legacy. The late Milton Powell, better known by his stage name Big Pokey, passed away on June 18 after collapsing on stage at a bar in Beaumont. The funeral service, held in Houston, was attended […]

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Houston Legend, Big Pokey, Dead At 45: Hip-Hop Community Mourns The Loss Of Iconic Rapper

Big Pokey

Houston’s vibrant music scene is mourning the tragic loss of Houston rapper Big Pokey, who passed away at 45. The beloved artist collapsed on stage during a performance at a Beaumont bar, leaving fans and fellow musicians devastated. Despite the immediate efforts of the stage crew and a nurse in the crowd, Big Pokey could […]

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Houston Rapper Big Pokey Collapses On Stage, Pronounced Dead at Age 45

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Houston rapper Big Pokey collapsed on stage this past weekend, resulting in his death. TMZ notes Big Pokey, born Milton Powell, was performing on a stage at a bar in Beaumont, Texas. The video shows Pokey taking in a deep breath, leaning backward, and falling over on the stage.

A woman at the show attempted to help Big Pokey before he was transported to a local hospital, where he passed away.

“It is with deep sadness that we share the news of the passing of our beloved Milton ‘Big Pokey’ Powell,” his representative wrote. “Big Pokey passed away … He was well loved by his family, his friends, and his loyal fans. In the coming days, we will release information about his celebration of life and how the public can pay their respects. We ask that you respect his family and their privacy during this difficult time. Big Pokey will forever be ‘The Hardest Pit in the Litter!’”

Bun B remembered Pokey online. “I wasn’t ready for this. 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. He’d pull up, do what he had to do and head home. One of the pillars of our city. If heart of gold was a person. Iconic member of the SUC. There will never be another and will be missed dearly. We love and honor you Sensei. Rest in heaven.”

Footage from the performance is available below. Warning, it is graphic.

The post Houston Rapper Big Pokey Collapses On Stage, Pronounced Dead at Age 45 appeared first on The Source.