The hip-hop community is mourning the loss of rapper OG Maco, who tragically passed away at the age of 32 after suffering from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. His family confirmed the heartbreaking news on December 27, 2023, via his official social media accounts, stating he died surrounded by loved ones at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles.
Maco, born Benedict Chiajulam Ihesiba Jr., had been hospitalized for two weeks prior to his death. Reportedly, his condition had worsened during this time; he had been placed in a coma, unable to recover from the injuries he sustained. The family described OG Maco's life as one filled with resilience and creativity, highlighting how he touched many lives through his music and passion. “With heavy hearts, we share the heartbreaking news of the passing of our beloved Ben, known to the world as OG Maco,” they wrote on Instagram. “His life was a testimony to resilience, creativity, and boundless love. Through his music, passion, and unwavering spirit, he touched so many lives and left a lasting impact.”
Prior to his passing, his family had issued updates about his condition. On December 16, they confirmed he was stable but critically injured, stating they appreciated the outpouring of support and compassion from fans. The family emphasized the importance of privacy during this challenging time, indicating they would keep fans informed through OG Maco’s official accounts.
OG Maco rose to fame virtually overnight with his 2014 single "U Guessed It," which went viral and helped earn him notoriety within the music industry. The song peaked at No. 90 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, paving the way for his career and leading him to make XXL’s Freshman class the following year alongside other rising stars like Vince Staples and K Camp. His energetic style, raw lyrics, and engaging performances caught the attention of audiences and critics alike, firmly establishing him within the hip-hop genre.
But Maco’s life was not without struggle; battles with personal health issues plagued him throughout his career. He had been involved in a near-fatal car crash in 2016, which resulted in skull fractures and serious spinal injuries. A few years later, Maco revealed on Instagram he was battling necrotizing fasciitis, which he described as “the flesh-eaten disease.” He expressed the challenges he faced from this condition, which included complications and subsequent depression. “I was improperly treated for a minor rash and ended up with a skin eating disease for the last few months. This is the best it’s looked. I hope it gives someone hope. I’ve been going through this alone,” he shared at the time. His candid discussions about mental health helped many fans feel connected to him on a personal level, turning them from casual listeners to loyal supporters.
Maco’s family concluded their tribute by recognizing the extraordinary life he lived. “While we grieve this immense loss, we also celebrate the extraordinary life he lived – one which will continue to inspire and uplift others,” they stated. They invited fans to share their thoughts, memories, and condolences through messages on social media, urging them to support each other during this difficult time.
His manager, Poppa Perc, shared the shock and devastation felt within the industry upon learning of Maco's condition. He noted how excited the rapper was about upcoming projects, indicating he was preparing to release new music under a fresh alias and brand. This enthusiasm for creativity, even amid personal struggles, characterized OG Maco's spirit and passionate dedication to his craft.
OG Maco leaves behind not only his music but also the strong influence he had on the lives of fans around the world who found solace and connection through his lyrics. The overwhelmingly positive reflections from his family about his impact resonate deeply within the community. The passing of OG Maco serves as a loss monumental to the hip-hop world, which remembers him not just for his music but for the way his life reflected resilience and strength.
OG Maco’s legacy will undoubtedly continue to inspire many. His contributions to hip-hop and the candidness he exhibited about his struggles will be remembered as key elements of what made him uniquely influential. He will be missed by fans, friends, and family alike, leaving behind memories of his incredible talent and the positive changes he strived to make through his art.
