OG Maco, real name Benedict Chiajulam Ihesiba Jr., was hospitalized Thursday morning (12 December) with a gunshot wound to the head. Police responded to a 911 call in the Los Angeles area that heard a gunshot inside a home. The rapper was found unresponsive and rushed to Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, where he immediately underwent surgery; additionally, a firearm was retrieved at the scene. According to Poppa Perc’s message to AllHipHop, the rapper had shot himself

Last night (26 December), after a few weeks in “critical but stable condition,” the rapper passed away at 32. As sources tell TMZ: Maco's coma took a turn and he went into critical condition, and he was unable to be revived.

The Atlanta-native is best known for his 2014 breakout single “U Guessed It”, which reached No. 90 on the Billboard Hot 100 and eventually got a remix with 2 Chainz. Landing him a year later to sign with Quality Control (home of Migos and Lil Yachty, among others.) He was part of XXL magazine's 2015 annual Freshman Class along with DeJ Loaf, Vince Staples, Fetty Wap, GoldLink, K Camp, Raury, Shy Glizzy, Tink, and Kidd Kidd.

In 2015, he founded the Hip Hop label OGG (Originality Gains Greatness), where he recruited future big names in the industry such as Doja Cat, then unknown producer OG Parker, and Larry June. His latest and first studio album, The God Of Rage, came out in 2021 via Desperado, but he has many other mixtapes and projects, like the OG Maco EP.

The former Quality Control member has dealt with different health issues. In 2016, he suffered a car crash that left him with “multiple skull fractures, a broken eye socket, cracked vertebrae and heart palpitations,” as well as an injured eye for which he had to undergo surgery. In 2019, he was diagnosed with necrotizing fasciitis, a flesh-eating disease caused by an improperly treated minor skin rash.

Maco's family left a message on the rapper's social media accounts today:

With heavy hearts, we share the heartbreaking news of the passing of our beloved Ben, known to the world as OG Maco. 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. Maco's influence, both as an artist and as a person, will remain forever etched in our hearts.

For those who wish to offer condolences, share memories, or connect with the family, please reach out through this account. Your support means more than words can express.

To all of Maco's fans, friends, and supporters: thank you for standing by him throughout his journey. Today, we celebrate a life that was extraordinary in every way.

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— OG MACO (@OGMACO) December 27, 2024