An American rapper has died after collapsing on stage during a show.

Big Pokey, whose real name was Milton Powell, was appearing at an event in Beaumont, Texas, on Saturday night when he appeared to faint or pass out.

Video shared on social media showed the 48-year-old falling backwards, with people rushing to help him and paramedics then performing CPR on him at the Pour09 Bar.

Powell was taken to hospital but died on Sunday.

In a statement following his death, Powell’s spokesperson said he was “well-loved by his family, his friends, and his loyal fans”.

“Big Pokey will forever be ‘The Hardest Pit In The Litter!’,” the statement added, referencing Powell’s debut album title.

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Powell was a member of Screwed Up Click, an influential group of Houston-based artists.

Last year, he featured on Megan Thee Stallion’s Southside Royalty Freestyle track.

Mayor of Houston Sylvester Turner paid tribute to Powell on Twitter, calling him a “legendary rapper” and offering “prayers and condolences” to his friends and family.

Other artists have paid tribute to Powell, with rapper Bun B calling him “one of the most naturally talented artists” in Houston and a “humble mountain of a man who moved with honour and respect”.

“He was easy to love and hard to hate,” he added.