OG Maco, the Atlanta rapper celebrated for his 2014 viral hit "U Guessed It," has tragically passed away at the age of 32. According to reports from TMZ, Maco, whose real name was Benedict Chiajulam Ihesiba Jr., died last night at a Los Angeles hospital after battling complications from a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head.
The rapper was reportedly surrounded by his family during his final moments. He had been hospitalized since December 12 after the incident, which led to him falling critically ill and slipping unconscious. Despite the doctors' best efforts to stabilize him, his condition rapidly worsened, resulting in his eventual passing.
On the night of his shooting, responded authorities found Maco unconscious at his residence after receiving 911 calls from neighbors who reported hearing gunfire. They later recovered a firearm from the vicinity, confirming suspicions about the cause of his traumatic injury. Earlier this month, Maco’s family had to endure the ordeal of false rumors about his death before the tragic news was officially confirmed.
Maco’s rise to fame came with the explosive success of "U Guessed It," which not only captured the spirit of Atlanta’s hip-hop scene but also propelled him to national recognition and secured him a spot with Quality Control Music, one of the industry's premier labels. His infectious track quickly became synonymous with the viral internet era, earning him respect among fans and peers alike.
His success did not come without significant hurdles. Maco faced personal battles, including serious health issues like suffering from flesh-easting disease necrotizing fasciitis, which he publicly discussed, providing insights on his struggles with mental health during recovery. These challenges only added to his narrative of resilience as he fought to maintain his career amid setbacks.
Reports show he was also involved in a near-fatal car crash in 2016, which severely damaged his right eye. These incidents contributed to his disillusionment with the music industry, leading to feelings of abandonment by the label after his initial success.
Despite the challenges he faced, Maco continued to innovate within his music, not conforming to traditional styles but rather exploring new artistic avenues. He was included as part of the prestigious 2015 XXL Freshman class alongside artists like Vince Staples and K Camp, which highlighted his potential and credibility within the hip-hop community.
The news of OG Maco's passing has sent shockwaves throughout the music world, leaving fans and fellow artists to mourn the loss of a talented figure who made significant contributions to the genre. His story is one of both triumph and tragedy, embodying the struggles many artists face behind the scenes.
Statements of condolence have poured out from various figures within the industry, emphasizing the impact Maco had both as an artist and as someone who shared his struggles openly, potentially providing solace to others facing similar issues.
The loss of OG Maco leaves not just sadness but also inspiration from his brave battles against adversity and his relentless drive to create and share music. His work will continue to resonate with fans, ensuring his legacy within hip-hop endures.
For anyone affected by issues related to mental health or crisis, help is available. Individuals are encouraged to call or text 988 or visit 988lifeline.org for support.
