OG Maco has died at the age of 32, just weeks after the rapper tragically shot himself.
The U Guessed It star had been hospitalised after suffering a gunshot wound to the head on December 12. According to reports, he died last night surrounded by his family in a Los Angeles hospital. Maco – real name Benedict Chiajulam Ihesiba Jr – was reportedly in a coma. However, as reported by the Mirror, his health then took a turn and he went into a critical condition.
The rapper was rushed to hospital after officers responded to a call of hearing gunshots go off nearby. His family flew to be with him while receiving medical care and are shook up by the loss, reports TMZ. Maco, who was from Atlanta, carved out his career and had success with his viral hit U Guessed It.
On December 13, rumours had circulated online that Maco had died. This was later defuncted by his manager and family. At the time they released a statement that read: “We want to inform OG Maco’s fans, friends, and supporters that he is currently in critical but stable condition. He is receiving the best possible care, and we are staying hopeful as he continues to fight.
“At this time, we kindly ask that you respect our privacy, but if you would like to send any messages or have anything you wish to get to the family, please reach out via DM.” They added: “We thank you for your understanding, support, and continued prayers during this difficult time.”
Maco signed to label Quality Control Music following the success of U Guessed It and was adorned in the Atlanta rap scene. According to reports, Maco felt he had a lack of support from his label and received negative response to follow-up songs and projects from fans.
Maco suffered a number of health issues. In 2016, he had a near fatal car crash where he sustained multiple skull fractures, cracked vertebrae, a broken orbital, heart palpitations, and almost lost his right eye. In 2019, he was diagnosed with flesh-eating bacteria that scarred his face. Maco struggled with depression from his battle with the illness.
Throughout his musical career, Maco credited Black Sabbath, Kid Cudi, and Currensy as major influences. He released his studio album The God of Rage in 2021, which became his last release. Maco was chosen as part of XXL magazine’s 2015 annual Freshman Class and was the founder of the hip hop collective OGG.
Through the collective, he discovered then-unknown producer OG Parker. In 2016, he released an extended play titled For Scott… as a tribute to his biggest influence, American rapper Kid Cudi, whose real name is Scott Mescudi.
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