HOUSTON — Houston rap legend Big Pokey died Sunday at age 45, according to local media reports.

The rapper, whose real name is Milton Powell, collapsed at a bar during a performance Saturday, but the cause of his death is currently unknown.

Beaumont Police Officer Haley Morrow said the department had an off-duty officer working at the venue and confirmed a call was made for EMS around 11:57 p.m. Saturday night after Powell passed out.

Beaumont Police Department officers requested additional officers for crowd control around 12:03 a.m., Morrow said, but is not investigating Powell's death.

Bun B, another Houston rapper, broke the news of the death on Instagram and remembered Big Pokey as a "one of the pillars of our city." He had the following to say about the rap legend, "I wasn’t ready for this. 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. 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."

Powell was set to perform Saturday at Pour09 Bar & Rooftop Saturday for a Juneteenth celebration, according to social posts by the venue.

Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner honored the rap legend on Twitter saying, “The City of Houston and I extend our prayers and condolences to our own Screwed Up Click legendary rapper #BigPokey family and friends.”

Tom Gillam III, a justice of the peace in Jefferson County, where Powell was performing when he collapsed Sunday, said an autopsy to determine the cause of death was pending. He said Powell was 48.

“In the coming days, we will release information about his celebration of life and how the public can pay their 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!’” Powell’s team said in a statement to ABC13.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.