Houston Rapper Big Pokey Dies After Collapsing on Stage

Screengrab Instagram/@BunB

The rap world is mourning the loss of Big Pokey after the Houston hip-hop star collapsed on stage during a performance in Beaumont, Texas. It was confirmed on Sunday that Big Pokey, whose real name was Milton Powell, passed away at St. Elizabeth Hospital after losing consciousness at Pour 09 Bar late Saturday night. He was 45.

Justice of The Peace Tom Gillam III confirmed the rapper's death to KFDM, though the cause of death remains unknown pending an autopsy.

The news sent shockwaves through the internet as fans, friends, and fellow artists took to social media to express their grief. UGK rapper Bun B shared a heartfelt tribute on Instagram, calling Big Pokey "one of the most naturally talented artists in the city" and praising his humility and impact on the music scene.

Fellow rapper Trae Tha Truth also expressed his sorrow, sharing a post on Instagram where he described his disbelief and promised to honor Big Pokey's memory.

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A post shared by traeabn (@traeabn)

Big Pokey gained prominence as a member of the Screwed Up Click, a collective of artists associated with influential DJ Screw and his distinct chopped-and-screwed style of music. Known for his deep, gritty voice and captivating delivery, he made significant contributions to Houston's vibrant hip-hop scene.

Big Pokey released several solo albums, including "Hardest Pit in the Litter" and "Da Sky's Da Limit," which showcased his lyrical prowess and street storytelling.

Celebrate Father's Day and Juneteenth With Rare Music From Jazz Icon Nat 'King' Cole in New Digital Collection

Nat King Cole "From The Capitol Vaults (Vol. 4)" artwork

Nat "King" Cole fans have reason to celebrate this weekend as Capitol/UMe released a highly anticipated digital-only collection of rare music from the iconic jazz musician, "From The Capitol Vaults (Vol. 4)," today.

The collection features 14 timeless tracks, with 12 of them being available on streaming platforms for the very first time just in time for the upcoming Father's Day and Juneteenth celebrations.

According to a statement from Capitol/UMe, "From The Capitol Vaults (Vol. 4)" showcases Cole's "velvety-smooth" voice, capturing him at his most engaging. The album spans a variety of musical styles, from the dramatic and lilting "Little Child" (1951) to the charming romantic waltz of "You Will Never Grow Old" (1952).

Cole's playful side is revealed through tracks like "The First Baseball Game" (1961), while the bossa nova and samba rhythms of "More and More of Your Amor" (1964) add a touch of summer vibes. Notably, Cole's jazzy rendition of "You Are My Sunshine" breathes new life into the beloved American standard.

This compilation also features the thought-provoking track "We Are Americans Too" (1956), which carries a poignant Civil Rights message. Echoing the spirit of Juneteenth and the pursuit of equality, Cole's lyrics shed light on the struggles faced by fellow Americans, emphasizing their contributions and aspirations for a better future.

Born in 1919 in Montgomery, Alabama, Cole's career spanned several decades, and he became known for his rich baritone voice and masterful piano skills. He achieved great success with hit songs like "Unforgettable" and "The Christmas Song," leaving an indelible mark on popular music.

Beyond his musical achievements, he is remembered as a loving father to his five children. His daughter Casey Cole expressed her pride, stating, "We are so proud that our father touched the soul with his voice and was a quiet leader in the arts. He believed that he could bring harmony among people with his music. We want to continue that dream in a time when we really need it."

The tracklist for "From The Capitol Vaults (Vol. 4)" includes:

"Little Child" (1951)*

"You Will Never Grow Old" (1952)*

"You Are My Sunshine" (1955)

"True Blue Lou" (1956)*

"We Are Americans Too" (1956)

"This Holy Love" (1958)*

"Peace Of Mind" (1958)*

"Steady" (1960)*

"The First Baseball Game" (1961)*

"Goodnight Little Leaguer" (1961)*

"The Right Thing To Say" (1962)*

"Nothing Goes Up (Without Coming Down)" (1962)*

"More And More Of Your Amor" (1964)*

"Wanderlust" (1964)*

(*Denotes tracks available for the first time on streaming platforms.)

Congress Pays Tribute to Juvenile's Impact on Hip-Hop, NPR Tiny Desk Performance Revealed

Photo courtesy Office of Rep. Troy Carter

It has been an eventful week for Juvenile, the legendary rapper from Louisiana.

On Wednesday, Juvenile, a native of New Orleans, received a congressional resolution that recognized his significant contributions to hip-hop and the Black community. Rep. Troy Carter (D-La.) had the privilege of presenting this honor to Terius Gray, the artist's birth name.

Louisiana Rep. Troy Carter presents Juvenile with a Congressional resolution to honor the rapper’s contributions to hip-hop and Black America:

“May you always encourage [everyone] to Back That Azz Up.” pic.twitter.com/VHHR2lIbQy

— philip lewis (@Phil_Lewis_) June 14, 2023

Carter, also hailing from New Orleans, highlighted Gray's achievements in his music career, both within his hometown and beyond. He acknowledged Juvenile as a trailblazer of the Southern style of hip-hop, an artist who has captivated audiences worldwide. Carter emphasized Juvenile's unwavering representation of New Orleans and Louisiana, stating, "Juvenile is most deserving of the highest recognition for proudly representing the city of New Orleans and the state of Louisiana as a globally recognized musical artist." He extended his sincere wishes for Gray's continued success and acknowledged his pivotal role in popularizing the distinctive New Orleans Bounce style of music around the globe.

Juvenile's journey to stardom commenced as the flagship artist of Cash Money Records, a pioneering record label founded by brothers Ronald "Slim" Williams and Bryan "Birdman" Williams. During the 1990s and early 2000s, Juvenile gained immense popularity as a member of the label's Hot Boys group, alongside fellow artist Lil Wayne.

It was with his third album, the monumental "400 Degreez" released in 1998, that Juvenile soared to new heights. The album achieved an impressive four-times platinum certification from the Recording Industry Association of America, solidifying Juvenile's position as a powerhouse in the rap industry.

Juvenile's discography boasts chart-topping singles that have left an indelible mark on the music landscape. Memorable tracks such as "Ha," "Back That Azz Up," and the soulful "Slow Motion" featuring the late rapper Soulja Slim have become timeless classics.

This recent honor adds to Juvenile's accolades, as the Louisiana State Legislature unanimously passed a resolution earlier this month to honor his contributions to the hip-hop community and culture. However, the multi-talented artist was not content to rest on his laurels.

Wtf is a tiny desk 😂and no 😂😂 https://t.co/B88LOPWEWj

— JUVENILE (@juviethegreat) April 12, 2023

On Thursday, Juvenile, who previously poked fun at NPR's Tiny Desk series on Twitter by asking, "Wtf is a tiny desk?", surprised his fans by taping a performance for the esteemed platform. This unexpected development came after his followers enthusiastically responded to his challenge, retweeting a tweet that referenced his spiked hard tea, Juvie Juice, over 10,000 times.

The People Have Spoken!!!! 10k!! 🙌🙌🙌 and @NPR locked it in 🤝.

I appreciate the luv and I’m gonna put on a one of a kind show for y’all on #TinyDesk 🙏 https://t.co/Xc1SJ6KOZa pic.twitter.com/gNw1V1aYVV

— JUVENILE (@juviethegreat) April 12, 2023

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DJ Mannie Fresh unveiled the exciting news on his official TikTok account, sharing a behind-the-scenes video from the event. The footage showcased Juvenile and DJ Mannie Fresh surrounded by live musicians, playing music that will undoubtedly resonate with Juvenile's dedicated fanbase.

While the concert's airing date remains unknown, fans can get a preview of the forthcoming spectacle below.

@manniefreshofficial What we up to @Tiny Desk with @Juvenile #tinydesk #manniefresh #juviethegreat #juviejuice #tromboneshorty ♬ original sound - Mannie Fresh