Rapper OG Maco dead at 32

OG Maco died at the age of 32 on Thursday, December 26, his manager, Poppa Perc, has confirmed.

Maco, born Benedict Chiajulam Ihesiba Jr., died at a Los Angeles hospital surrounded by friends and family, according to TMZ, the first to report the tragedy.

OG Maco performs onstage at Hot 107.9 Birthday Bash Block Show at Phillips Arena on June 20, 2015 in Atlanta.

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His family later confirmed his death in a joint statement posted on his Instagram account. "With sorrowful hearts, we announce the loss of our dear Ben, also known as OG Maco. His life exemplified endurance, ingenuity, and infinite love. He impacted so many people's lives with his music, passion, and unshakeable spirit, leaving an indelible mark," they wrote. "While we mourn his loss, we also celebrate his exceptional life, which will continue to inspire and encourage others. Maco's influence as an artist and as a person will live on in our hearts forever."

His family initially confirmed the rapper's hospitalization in an Instagram post on December 16. "We want to inform OG Maco's fans, friends, and supporters that he is currently in critical but stable condition," according to the statement. "He is receiving the best possible care, and we are staying hopeful as he continues to fight."

While they did not reveal the reason for the rapper's medical care, Poppa Perc earlier told AllHipHop that the "U Guessed It" rapper had sustained a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

The manager, who has kept fans updated on the rapper's condition in recent weeks, appeared to post about the Atlanta rapper's death on Friday. "We lost a legend last night," he captioned his Instagram Story with a devastated heart emoji.

OG Maco rose to prominence in Atlanta with his viral song "U Guessed It" in 2014. He secured a contract with Quality Control Music the same year.

The OG Parker-produced "U Guessed It" reached No. 90 on the Billboard Hot 100 and spawned a remix starring fellow ATLien 2 Chainz. OG Maco's last solo studio album, The God of Rage, was released in 2021.