OG Maco had died at the age of 32.
The rapper – born Benedict Chiajulam Ihesiba Jr. – died Thursday evening in a hospital in Los Angeles, TMZ reported the next day.
Maco – who previously went by the stage names Maco Mattox and Maco Curry – was reportedly surrounded by family members during his final moments.
He had been hospitalized since December 12 and was in a coma when he suffered an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head.
Sources told the publication that Maco’s condition recently began to deteriorate and doctors were unable to save him.
Later on Friday, his family shared a somber statement about his death on his Instagram account.
Rapper OG Maco has died at the age of 32 after being hospitalized in LA since December 12. He was in a coma before his condition worsened, TMZ reported; pictured in 2015 in Atlanta
Maco was found earlier this month after a neighbor called 911 about a gunshot. He suffered an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head, and a firearm was reportedly found on him; seen in 2015 in Atlanta
They described the rapper’s life as “a testament to resilience, creativity and boundless love” and praised him for touching “so many lives” with his music and leaving a “lasting impact.”
“While we mourn this immense loss, we also celebrate the extraordinary life he lived – a life that will continue to inspire and uplift others,” his family wrote. “Maco’s influence, both as an artist and as a person, will forever be etched in our hearts.”
They urged friends and fans to share their condolences or connect with Maco’s family through his account, and thanked his supporters.
“To all of Maco’s fans, friends and supporters, thank you for supporting him throughout his journey. Today we celebrate a life that was extraordinary in every person,” his family concluded, concluding with “love and gratitude.”
Maco’s relatives reportedly flew 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 were unable to get a proper brain scan during his hospitalization, which might have allowed them to better address his injuries.
Maco, who was best known for the 2014 viral 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 was reportedly called after a neighbor heard a gunshot from Maco’s home.
His family released a statement on his Instagram account on Friday praising Maco for his influence and artistry
Doctors were reportedly unable to perform a brain scan that could 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 reportedly discovered near Maco, who underwent surgery shortly after arriving at the hospital.
Maco signed with 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 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.
Born in College Park, Georgia, Maco rose to fame with 2014’s U Guessed It, which received a popular remix with 2 Chainz and helped him land a record deal with QC.
He was honored as one of XXL Magazine’s 2015 Freshman Class of rappers, but accidents and health issues posed major obstacles to further success.
In July 2016, Maco almost died in a serious car accident, in which he suffered multiple skull fractures and cracked vertebrae.
He also revealed on social media that he suffered a fractured orbital, one of the bones that protected the eye, and later presented with a seriously injured eye, although it is unclear whether he was later able to function in it again.
Maco, who had a viral hit with 2014’s U Guessed It, suffered career setbacks due to serious injuries, including a 2016 car accident that nearly hit his eye and fractured his skull; seen in 2015 in Hollywood
In 2019, his face was disfigured by flesh-eating bacteria. Maco reportedly suffered from depression due to his health problems
He suffered another setback in 2019, when he was struck by necrotizing fasciitis due to 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 reportedly suffered from depression as a result of his illness, although it is unclear whether he had suffered from the condition before his serious injuries.
If you or someone you know needs help, call or text the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline on 988.