OG Maco, the rapper known for his breakout hit “U Guessed It,” has tragically passed away at the age of 32. His family confirmed the heartbreaking news on December 27, following two weeks of his hospitalization. Born Benedict Ihesiba Jr. in Georgia, OG Maco’s death marks a profound loss in the music industry, with tributes pouring in from fans and fellow artists alike.
OG Maco’s family shared the sad announcement on his official Instagram, saying, “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.”
The rapper’s family continued, expressing both grief and celebration of his life: “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.”
OG Maco had been hospitalized in critical condition in Los Angeles since December 12. His family remained hopeful, updating fans regularly and urging them to rely solely on his official social media accounts for information. Maco’s death comes after a career that saw him rise quickly to fame. He was featured in XXL’s influential Freshman Class of 2015, a list that included other notable names like Gucci Mane and Vic Mensa.
The rapper had faced several challenges throughout his career. In 2016, he survived a serious car accident, which left him with multiple skull fractures and a cracked vertebrae. Despite the severity of his injuries, OG Maco displayed remarkable resilience and humor, sharing updates with his fans on social media. He famously joked that his surgeon told him he couldn’t get any uglier after the accident, showing his determination to remain positive even in the face of hardship.
In a 2016 interview, Maco revealed his struggles with depression and suicidal thoughts. The musician was candid about his battles with mental health, a period in which he felt emotionally drained despite his professional success. He shared that during the darkest times, his music reflected his pain, with lyrics that spoke to his despair and the feeling of being alone.
In 2019, OG Maco revealed he was battling a rare and painful skin disease, which he had developed after a rash was improperly treated. His struggle with the disease left him severely depressed, and he admitted that there were days when he questioned whether he would survive the ordeal. Yet, even in the face of these personal challenges, Maco remained determined to fight on and inspire others with his story.
Throughout his career, OG Maco released two full-length albums—2021’s The God of Rage and 2023’s self-titled album—along with numerous mixtapes and EPs. His music was an extension of his raw, unfiltered experiences, allowing fans to connect with his journey of personal pain and triumph.
OG Maco’s untimely passing has left a significant hole in the music world, but his legacy will endure. His family concluded their statement by remembering him not just as an artist, but as a person who lived with incredible strength and left an undeniable impact on those around him. As fans continue to mourn his death, they will also celebrate the unique talent and spirit that OG Maco shared with the world.