CNN
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Rapper Big Pokey died at the age of 45 after collapsing on stage in Texas.

The artist, real name Milton Powell, died on Sunday, according to A mail on his verified Instagram account.

“It is with great sadness that we share the news of the passing of our beloved ‘Big Pokey’ Milton Paul,” the post read.

“He was much loved by his family, friends and loyal fans. In the coming days, we will be posting about his celebration of life and how the public can pay his 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,'” the statement adds, referring to the title of his debut album, which was released in 1999.

Video posted to Twitter showed Big Pokey collapsing backwards while holding a microphone at a bar in Beaumount, Texas, on Saturday.

The rapper hails from Houston, Texas and was a member of the popular rap group Screwed Up Click.

Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner said in a statement mail on Twitter that “his presence was larger than life in helping launch the hip-hop scene nationally”.

“The City of Houston and I extend our prayers and condolences to the family and friends of the legendary Screwed Up Click rapper,” Sylvester wrote.

and fellow tight click member Bun B Pay tribute to Instagram.

“I wasn’t ready for this. One of the most instinctively gifted artists in town,” Boone B. wrote.

“It was easy to love and hard to hate. He would stop what he was doing and go home. A corner of our city. If a man had a heart of gold.”