OG Maco, the Atlanta rapper best known for his 2014 hit “U Guessed It,” died at the age of 32.
The musician, born Benedict Chiajulam Ihesiba Jr., was admitted to a Los Angeles hospital on Dec. 12 after apparently shooting himself in the head. His family shared news of his death on his social media accounts, honoring his legacy and what he provided to the world.
“With heavy hearts, we share the heartbreaking news of the passing of our beloved Ben, known to the world as OG Maco,” reads the statement. “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.”
Born in College Park, Georgia, Maco recorded music in high school before co-founding his label OGG (Originality Gains Greatness). He burst onto the music scene in 2014 with his mixtape “Live Life,” breaking through with his hit single “U Guessed It.” Its remix featuring 2 Chainz peaked at No. 90 on the Billboard Hot 100.
He subsequently inked a deal with Quality Control Music, the influential label that’s been home to Migos and Cardi B, and signed a major label partnership with Capitol Music Group/Motown the following year. He continued to release EPs and mixtapes throughout his career, though his output slowed before his death.
In 2016, he was in a near-fatal car crash that resulted in skull fractures and a cracked vertebrae. Three years later, Maco shared that he was battling the flesh-eating disease necrotising fasciitis, which subsequently led to depression. “I was improperly treated for a minor rash and ended up with a skin eating disease for the last few months,” he wrote on Instagram at the time. “This is the best it’s looked. I hope it gives someone hope. I’ve been going through this alone 90% of the time, without the support of the person I love, without most of my ‘friends,’ without anything but my own strength and God.”
