Atlanta rapper OG Maco, known for his viral hit “U Guessed It“, has passed away after weeks in a coma. Reports of his death began circulating earlier this month, but his family had issued a statement saying he was alive, though in critical condition. Now, TMZ has confirmed that Maco has died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head.
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OG Maco, born Benedict Chiajulam Ihesiba Jr., grew up in the College Park neighborhood of Atlanta. He began his rap career under the name Maco Mattox, releasing his debut mixtape *Marty McFly* in 2011. In 2014, he rose to fame with the single “U Guessed It,” reportedly recorded during a moment of frustration with his sound engineer. The track became a viral phenomenon, reaching #90 on the Billboard Hot 100 and earning a remix featuring 2 Chainz.
With the success of “U Guessed It,” OG Maco quickly transitioned from Atlanta’s underground hipster rap scene to the mainstream, signing with Quality Control and being featured in the 2015 XXL Freshman Class alongside artists like Fetty Wap and Vince Staples.
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“U Guessed It” was a milestone that influenced the frenetic and experimental style of SoundCloud rap, but OG Maco never managed to replicate its commercial success. After the hit, he collaborated with artists such as Migos and Diplo but failed to produce other major hits.
His life was marked by personal challenges and health issues. In 2016, OG Maco lost an eye in a serious car accident. Three years later, in 2019, he revealed he was battling a rare condition called necrotizing fasciitis, also known as “flesh-eating disease.”
Despite his struggles, OG Maco will be remembered as a trailblazer who left an indelible mark on the rap scene, paving the way for new sounds and styles in music.
Source: TMZ. Photo: Instagram @ogxmaco
