Big Pokey has been laid to rest, with Hip Hop veterans such as Slim Thug, Paul Wall and Trae Tha Truth attending the rapper’s memorial service in Houston.
Per the Houston Chronicle, friends and family came out in droves to pay homage to the original member of Screwed Up Click, who was laid to rest in his hometown of Houston, Texas on Saturday (July 1).
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Pokey (real name Milton Powell) passed away unexpectedly on June 18 at the age of 48 after he collapsed on stage during a show in Beaumont.
The funeral’s attendees at the Fountain of Praise church in Houston included Mayor Sylvester Turner, Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee and rappers Paul Wall, Trae Tha Truth and Slim Thug.
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“I Honestly Thought Today Would Have Me Down And Out , But It Did Tha Total Opposite… Yo Spirit Had Us All Laughing and Thinkin Bout Tha Good Times,” Trae wrote on Instagram while sharing photos from the service.
He added: “Rest Easy Bro… And Love To All Who Made It There For You….. @sucbigpokey #ScrewedUp4Life.”
Fellow Texas rap legend Bun B also previously paid tribute to Big Pokey on Instagram, calling his friend one of Houston’s “most naturally talented artists.”
“I wasn’t ready for this,” Bun wrote alongside a photograph of Pokey. “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.
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“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.”
Following his death, Big Pokey’s family also shared a statement via the rapper’s official Instagram account.
“It is with deep sadness that we share the news of the passing of our beloved Milton ‘Big Pokey’ Powell,” it began. “Big Pokey passed away on June 18, 2023. He was well loved by his family, his friends, and his loyal fans.”
The statement went on to say that the family would release information about his “celebration of life” and how the public can pay their respects in the coming days, adding: “We ask that you respect his family and their privacy during this difficult time.”
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Bun B also honored his late friend by naming a limited edition Trill Burgers combo meal after him.
The “Big Poyo” meal was exclusively available on June 27 at the UGK member’s Trill Burgers restaurant in Houston, and a video showed that the line of fans interested in the combo meal was wrapped around the block.
