Turner on late Houston rap icon Big Pokey, 45: 'Though many called him ‘low key,’ his presence was larger than life'

Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner was among the slew of high-profile personalities who expressed their sadness over the passing of Houston rapper Big Pokey. 

The 45-year-old Big Pokey, who was born Milton Powell, died after he collapsed on stage during a performance at a nightspot in Beaumont.

“The City of Houston and I extend our prayers and condolences to our own Screwed Up Click legendary rapper Big Pokey [and his] family and friends,” Turner said in a tweet. “Though many called him ‘low key,’ his presence was larger than life in helping to catapult our hip-hop scene nationally.”

Houston CBS affiliate KHOU reported that Big Pokey was a pillar in Houston’s rap community whose influence had been felt for at least 20 years.

"He grew up with people I grew up with: Slim Thug, Paul Wall, Bun B, Lil Keke," Turner said, according to KHOU.

The names the mayor listed are essentially a who’s who in the Bayou City’s tight-knit hip-hop scene with whom Big Pokey collaborated with at one point or another.

Wall, who famously recorded his 2005 hit single, “Sittin’ Sidewayz,” with Big Pokey, delved more into the latter’s purportedly quiet demeanor and impact in a somber Instagram post, KHOU reported. 

Per the report, Turner, who’s in his final term as mayor, said his one regret is failing to show Big Pokey his appreciation. 

"My regret, even as mayor, is that we did not honor their loved one for his iconic contribution to the musical scene, at a time when he could hear it and see it," Turner told KHOU.

As of press time, a cause of death hasn’t been determined as Jefferson County Justice of the Peace (JP) Tom Gillam III said an autopsy was pending, ABC News reported.

According to ABC News, the owner of the venue where Big Pokey collapsed said police provided medical assistance until first responders arrived to take the Houston Independent School District (HISD) product to the hospital.