15 hours ago
8
OG Maco had died at the age of 32.
The rapper — born Benedict Chiajulam Ihesiba Jr. — died in a hospital in Los Angeles on Thursday night, TMZ reported the following day.
Maco — who previously went by the stage names Maco Mattox and Maco Curry — was reportedly surrounded by family members in his final moments.
He had been hospitalized and in a coma since December 12, when he suffered an apparently self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head.
Sources told the publication that Maco's condition began to deteriorate recently, and doctors were unable to save him.
Later on Friday, his family shared a somber statement about his death to his Instagram account.
The rapper OG Maco has died at 32 after being in an LA hospital since December 12. He had been in a coma before his condition deteriorated, TMZ reported; pictured in 2015 in Atlanta
Maco was found earlier this month after a neighbor called 911 over a gunshot. He suffered an apparently self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head, and a firearm was reportedly found near him; seen in 2015 in Atlanta
They described the rapper's life as 'a testament to resilience, creativity and boundless love' and applauded him for touching 'so many lives' with his music and leaving a 'lasting impact.'
'While we grieve this immense loss, we also celebrate the extraordinary life he lived — one that will continue to inspire and uplift others,' his family wrote. 'Maco's influence, both as an artist and as a person, will remain forever etched in our hearts.'
They urged friends and fans to share condolences or to connect with Maco's family via his account, and they offered thanks to his supporters.
'To all of Maco's fans, friends and supporters: Thank you for standing by him throughout his journey. Today we celebrate a life that was extraordinary in every we,' his family concluded, signing off with 'love and gratitude.'
Maco's family members reportedly flew in to LA to be with him in his final days, and sources said they were distraught over his death.
According to TMZ, the rapper's doctors had been unsuccessful in getting a proper brain scan during his hospitalization, which might have helped them to better target his injuries.
Maco, who was best known for the viral 2014 song U Guessed It, was rushed to the hospital earlier this month after police responded to a 911 call and discovered him around 10 a.m.
The emergency line had reportedly been called after a neighbor heard a gunshot from Maco's home.
His family issued a statement praising Maco for his influence and artistry on his Instagram account on Friday
Doctors were reportedly unable to perform a brain scan that might have helped pinpoint his injuries. His family reportedly flew to LA to be by his side in his final days; seen in 2015 in La
A firearm was allegedly discovered near Maco, who was taken to surgery shortly after arriving at the hospital.
Maco was signed to Quality Control (QC) Music, an Atlanta-based record label founded in 2013 that had far-reaching distribution deals with Capitol Records from 2017 to 2020, and then with Motown Records.
QC has had major artists on its roster, including Migos, Lil Yachty and Lil Baby, and it also had a management deal with Cardi B.
The label was bought last year by Hybe America — which is run by CEO Scooter Braun — for a reported $300 million.
Maco, who was born in College Park, Georgia, rocketed to fame with 2014's U Guessed It, which received a popular remix featuring 2 Chainz and helped him get a record deal with QC.
He was honored as one of XXL Magazine's 2015 Freshman Class of rappers, but accidents and health issues created major obstacles to continued success.
In July 2016, Maco nearly died in a severe car crash that left him with multiple skull fractures and a cracked vertebrae.
He also revealed on social media that he had suffered a broken orbital, one of the bones protecting the eye, and he later displayed a severely injured eye, though it's unclear if he later regained functioning in it.
Maco, who had a viral hit with 2014's U Guessed It, suffered career setbacks due to serious injuries, including a 2016 car crash that nearly took his eye and cracked his skull; seen in 2015 in Hollywood
In 2019, his face was disfigured by flesh-eating bacteria. Maco had reportedly suffered from depression following his health issues
He had another setback in 2019, when he was struck by necrotizing fascitis as the result of so-called flesh-eating bacteria.
Maco revealed in a video that the condition had left him with disfiguring marks on his forehead and the side of his face.
He had reportedly been dealing with depression following his illnesses, though it's unclear if he had suffered from the condition prior to his severe injuries.
If you or someone you know needs help, call or text the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988.
English (US) ·