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.

“It is with heavy hearts that we share the heartbreaking news of the passing of our beloved Ben, known to the world as OG Maco,” the rapper, whose legal name was Benedict Chiajulam Ihesiba Jr., said in a post. “His life was a testament to resilience, creativity and boundless love. With his music, passion and unwavering spirit, he touched so many lives and left a lasting impact.”

OG Mac’s family has not released his official cause of death, but told fans on Dec. 16 that the Georgia native is “in critical but stable condition” and receiving “the best possible care.”

TMZ reported on December 12 that OG Maco was taken to a Los Angeles hospital with a gunshot wound to the head.

What was OG Maco’s skin disease, necrotizing fasciitis?

In March 2019, OG Maco revealed on Instagram that he had developed necrotizing fasciitis after being “incorrectly treated for a minor rash”.

Necrotizing fasciitis, commonly known as flesh-eating disease, is a rare but serious bacterial infection that rapidly destroys soft tissue.

“I was mistreated for a minor rash and ended up with a skin eating disease for the past few months,” he shared of his face in a since-deleted Instagram post, according to Complex. “This is the best it looks. I hope this 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 incidentally, 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 behind the affected area, and fever. As the condition progresses, symptoms may include skin discoloration, sores, blisters, black spots, pus or discharge from the infected area, fatigue, dizziness, and diarrhea or nausea.

Immediate medical attention is essential as infection can lead to organ failure, sepsis, shock and even death. Treatment usually involves prompt surgical removal of the infected tissue and intravenous antibiotics.

People with weakened immune systems or chronic medical conditions such as diabetes or cancer are at higher risk, especially if they have open wounds or recent injuries.

OG Mac’s struggle with depression

OG Maco also told fans in an Instagram video that he fell into depression after being diagnosed with necrotizing fasciitis.

“Everybody that I really thought would be here and that I really thought I could count on wasn’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 whole face…I almost did. A friend of mine told me the other day that maybe I should share what I was going through instead of beat myself up for how I felt because I wanted to die for days.”

When did Doja Cat and OG Maco work together?

In 2015, Doja Cat briefly signed with the OG Maco brand, OGG (Originality Gains Greatness). They later collaborated on the song “Monster”, which appeared on Mac’s 2017 mixtape Children of Rage.

“I made another rock song,” OG Maco tweeted at the time of the song’s release. XXL. “It’s not rap at all, but the blogs will say it’s because I’m supposed to be a ‘rapper.’

“Monster is one of those records that’s made for arenas. It’s made for you to enjoy the song with 20,000 other people with some lighters and cellphones. It’s a real rock star s***,” he said in 2015 in an interview with DJBooth.

Does the OG Maco record label still exist?

No, the OG Maco’s record label, OGG, no longer exists.

Born in College Park, Georgia, Maco began recording music in high school and co-founded OGG. He gained fame in 2014 with his mixtape Live the life and the hit single “U Guessed It,” which peaked at No. 90 on the Billboard Hot 100 after being remixed 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!!!! I had a batch ready for you! Take it back to us, we’re sleeping in the studio on the ns-t floor at Noho 2015 trying to get their records right! You always had them hooks for anything we beat a team the world never had a chance to witness… We were too early.

Zekaria Al-Bostani, a well-known music industry photographer based in London: “Rest in peace young king. He had the pleasure of capturing his first show in London in 2017 and it was a blessing.”

Noah Pesante, fashion designer: “RIP bro I’m at a loss for words. Thank you for embracing me and the younger creatives that no one else would listen to. You were a leader to us and we will always remember you. Love.”

If you are having suicidal thoughts, confidential help is available free of charge at the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. Call 1-800-273-8255. The line is available 24 hours a day.