Rapper OG Maco has died at the age of 32, his family announced Friday on Instagram, reportedly two weeks after suffering a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
"With heavy hearts, we share the heartbreaking news of the passing of our beloved Ben, known to the world as OG Maco," the post read about the rapper, whose legal name was Benedict Chiajulam Ihesiba Jr. "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."
OG Maco's family did not reveal his official cause of death but told fans on December 16 that the Georgia native was "in critical, but stable condition" while receiving "the best possible care."
TMZ reported on December 12 that OG Maco had been taken to the hospital in Los Angeles with a gunshot wound to the head.
Newsweek reached out to representatives for OG Maco via email for comment.
What was OG Maco's flesh-eating skin disease, necrotizing fasciitis?
In March 2019, OG Maco revealed on Instagram that he had developed necrotizing fasciitis after being "improperly treated for a minor rash."
Necrotizing fasciitis, commonly known as flesh-eating disease, is a rare but severe bacterial infection that rapidly destroys soft tissue.
"I was improperly treated for a minor rash and ended up with a skin-eating disease for the last few months," he shared in a since-deleted Instagram post of his face, according to Complex. "This is the best it's looked. I hope it gives someone hope. I've been going through this alone 90 percent of the time, without the support of the person I love, without most of my 'friends,' without anything but my own strength and God."
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the disease is caused by Group A Streptococcus bacteria, which are contagious. While most cases occur randomly, less severe group A strep infections can develop into this serious condition.
Early symptoms of necrotizing fasciitis include a red, warm, or swollen area of skin that spreads quickly, severe pain beyond the affected area, and fever. As the condition progresses, symptoms may include changes in skin color, ulcers, blisters, black spots, pus or oozing from the infected area, fatigue, dizziness, and diarrhea or nausea.
Immediate medical attention is crucial, as the infection can lead to organ failure, sepsis, shock, and even death. Treatment typically involves prompt surgical removal of infected tissue and intravenous antibiotics.
People with weakened immune systems or chronic health conditions, such as diabetes or cancer, are at higher risk, especially if they have open wounds or recent injuries.
OG Maco's Battle With Depression
OG Maco also told fans in an Instagram video that he became depressed after receiving his necrotizing fasciitis diagnosis.
"Everybody I really thought would be here, who I really thought I could depend on, weren't there," he said.
"I was scared; I didn't know what was going to happen; I didn't know if I was going to lose my entire face...I almost did. My friend told me the other day that maybe I should share what I've been going through instead of beating myself down for feeling how I felt about it, which I wanted to die a bunch of days."
When did Doja Cat and OG Maco collab?
In 2015, Doja Cat briefly signed with OG Maco's label, OGG (Originality Gains Greatness). They later collaborated on the song "Monster," featured on Maco's 2017 mixtape Children of The Rage.
"I made another rock song," OG Maco tweeted at the time of the song's release, according to XXL. "It's not rap at all but the blogs gonna say it is because I'm supposed to be a 'rapper.'"
"Monster is one of those records that's built for arenas. It's made for you to enjoy that song with 20,000 other people with some lighters and cellphones. It's real rock star s***," he said in a 2015 interview with DJBooth.
Newsweek reached out to representatives for Doja Cat via email for comment.
Does OG Maco's record label still exist?
No, OG Maco's record label, OGG, no longer exists.
Born in College Park, Georgia, Maco began recording music in high school and cofounded OGG. He gained fame in 2014 with his mixtape Live Life and the hit single "U Guessed It," which peaked at No. 90 on the Billboard Hot 100 after a remix with 2 Chainz.
Later that year, OG Maco signed with Quality Control Music, which became an imprint of Capitol Music Group/Motown in 2015.
What People Are Saying
DJ Paul of Three 6 Mafia commented on OG Maco's Instagram post on Friday: "F–k bro!!!! Man i had a batch ready for u! Take it back to us sleeping in the studio on the floor n s–t in Noho 2015 trying to get them records right! U always had them hooks for any beat i had! We was a team the world never gota chance to witness... we was too early. Now was the time, the people want the hard s–t now! Rest up lil bro."
Zekaria Al-Bostani, a well-known music industry photographer based in London: "Rest in peace young king. Had the pleasure to capture his first show in London back in 2017 and was a blessing."
Noah Pesante, a fashion designer: "RIP brother I'm at a loss of words. Thank you for embracing me and younger creatives that no one else would listen to. You were a leader to us and we will always remember you. Love."
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If you have thoughts of suicide, confidential help is available for free at the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. Call 1-800-273-8255. The line is available 24 hours every day.
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