Rapper OG Maco has succumbed to his injuries from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. He was 32 years old.
TMZ reported the rapper, born Benedict Ihesiba Jr., took a turn for the worse and died at a hospital in Los Angeles on Thursday, Dec. 26.
OG Maco’s family later confirmed his passing in a statement on the rapper’s Instagram account Friday.
“With heavy hearts, we share the heartbreaking news of the passing of our beloved Ben, known to the world as OG Maco,” the family’s statement began. “His life was a testament to resilience, creativity, and boundless love. Through his music, passion, and unwavering spirit, he touched so many lives and left 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,” the statement continued. “Maco’s influence, both as an artist and as a person, will remain forever etched in our hearts.”
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The rapper had been hospitalized since Dec. 12, after “an apparent suicide attempt,” TMZ reported at the time.
Police responded to a 911 call after a neighbor heard a gunshot and notified authorities. Law enforcement sources told the outlet the rapper was found unresponsive. He was rushed to a hospital and immediately taken to surgery.
His family released a statement earlier this month saying he was fighting for his life, as previously reported.
Best known for his viral 2014 debut single “U Guessed It,” Maco signed with Quality Control Music that same year.
In 2015, the Atlanta artist was selected as part of XXL magazine’s annual Freshman Class.
He had been dealing with a flesh-eating disease for five years.
In a 2019 Instagram post, OG Maco said the disease began after he was “improperly treated” for a rash.
In 2022, he spoke with Vlad TV about how the condition had affected his mental health.
“For a solid year straight, I had no face, you know I had like a gigantic painful open wound on my face,” said Maco. “It happened at the worst time because it happened and COVID happened and I had those two issues where I couldn’t go outside.”
He added, “When I finally could — you know everyone was like super germaphobic at the time, so when you see a guy with half a f–king face, you immediately start, ‘Oh my god.’ So, I felt like an f—king zombie. I was hella depressed, but I had to just stay on it.”
If you or someone you know needs help, call 988 to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. You can also call the network, previously known as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, at 800-273-8255.
