Rapper OG Maco dies at 32, weeks after being rushed to hospital for a gunshot wound
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Rapper OG Maco, born Benedict Ihesiba Jr, died at the age of 32, weeks after being hospitalized for a gunshot wound.
His death was confirmed by his family on his official Instagram account on Friday, December 27.
OG Maco's family remembers rapper's 'boundless love'
Known for his breakout hit 'U Guessed It', OG Maco became a significant voice in the hip-hop community.
“His life was a testament to resilience, creativity, and boundless love,” his family wrote. “Through his music, passion, and unwavering spirit, he touched so many lives and left a lasting impact," they added.
His family emphasized the lasting influence of his artistry, adding, “While we grieve this immense loss, we also celebrate the extraordinary life he lived — one that will continue to inspire and uplift others.”
Fans were encouraged to share their condolences via direct messages, with the family expressing gratitude for their continued support throughout Maco’s journey.
“Today, we celebrate a life that was extraordinary in every way,” the family shared.
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Weeks of uncertainty about OG Maco's health after hospitalization
OG Maco's death comes after a critical hospitalization earlier this month.
On December 16, his family revealed he was in “critical but stable condition,” receiving intensive care at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles.
At the time, Maco’s manager, Poppa Perc, shared harrowing details about his condition. “I thought he was dead when I first saw him,” he told AllHipHop.
“We were about rebrand and drop [new music] under a whole new alias. We need everyone’s prayers,” he shared.
Maco was reportedly on life support, with medical teams performing tests and monitoring swelling in his brain.
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His immediate family remained by his side as doctors worked to stabilize his condition.
"We are staying hopeful as he continues to fight," the family said at the time.
OG Maco's story of 'healing' and resilience
This was not the first time OG Maco faced significant health challenges. In 2016, he lost an eye in a car accident, according to People.
Three years later, he revealed he was battling a severe “skin-eating disease” after being improperly treated for a rash.
“So much healing has occurred thanks to God and my doctors that I’m willing to show all a fraction of what I’ve been going through,” he wrote at the time, sharing photos of the damage on his face and scalp.
The family recently shared that Maco's influence will “remain forever etched in our hearts”.
