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OG Maco
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Key Information
Benedict Chiajulam Ihesiba Jr. (April 23, 1992 – December 26, 2024), known professionally as OG Maco, was an American rapper.[3] He was best known for his debut single "U Guessed It", which spawned a remix that features 2 Chainz, that entered the Billboard Hot 100.
Life and career
[edit]Benedict Chiajulam Ihesiba Jr. was born on April 23, 1992, in College Park, Georgia. He grew up with friends in a band named Dr. Doctor, in which he was a guitarist and singer.[4]
Maco cited Black Sabbath, Kid Cudi, and Currensy as major influences.[5][6][7] Maco was best known for his 2014 debut single "U Guessed It", which spawned a remix featuring 2 Chainz that entered the Billboard Hot 100.[8] He signed to Quality Control Music that same year, which became an imprint of Motown and Capitol Records the following year. He was chosen as part of XXL magazine's 2015 annual Freshman Class.[9] He was also the founder of the hip hop collective OGG, through which he discovered then-unknown producer OG Parker. Maco released seventeen extended plays between 2012 and 2016, and his full-length debut, The God of Rage, was released in October 2021.
Health issues and death
[edit]Ihesiba was seriously injured in a traffic collision on July 28, 2016. He suffered multiple skull fractures, cracked vertebrae, a broken orbital, and heart palpitations, and nearly lost his right eye.[10][11]
In 2019, he was diagnosed with the flesh-eating disease necrotizing fasciitis, causing an improperly treated minor skin rash to leave much of his facial skin disfigured.[12][13] Ihesiba struggled with depression from his battle with the condition,[14] and on December 12, 2024, he was hospitalized after a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head.[15][16] He spent the next two weeks in a coma before dying from his injuries on December 26, 2024, at the age of 32.[17][18][19]
Discography
[edit]Studio albums
[edit]| Title | Details |
|---|---|
| The God of Rage |
|
| OG MACO |
|
Extended plays
[edit]| Title | Details |
|---|---|
| Public Speaking[20] (as Maco Mattox) |
|
| Live Life 2[21] |
|
| OG Maco[22] |
|
| Breathe[23] |
|
| Yep[24] (with Rome Fortune) |
|
| I Made This Shit Before "U Guessed It"[25] |
|
| OGZAY[26] (with Zaytoven) |
|
| Tax Free[27] (with Pablo Dylan as TAX FREE) |
|
| OGG EVERLASTING[28] (with OGG) |
|
| 10 Moons 2[29] (as Maco Mattox) |
|
| 7FRVR |
|
| OG Maco 2: Episode 1 – The Duke of Summer |
|
| OG Maco 2: Episode 2 – Remember |
|
| Breathe 2: Episode 1 – Unite |
|
| Blvk Phil Collins |
|
| For Scott...[30] |
|
| Dynasty (with Jay 5) |
|
Mixtapes
[edit]| Title | Details |
|---|---|
| Marty McFly: The Mixtape[31] (as Maco Mattox) |
|
| 10 Moons[32] (as Maco Mattox) |
|
| Live Life[33] |
|
| Give Em Hell[34] (with Key!) |
|
| Gifts[35] |
|
| 15[36] |
|
| The Lord of Rage[37] |
|
| Children of the Rage[38] |
|
| OG Maco 3[39] |
|
Singles
[edit]As lead artist
[edit]| Title | Year | Peak chart positions | Album | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| US [40] |
US R&B /HH [41] |
US Rap [42] | |||
| "U Guessed It"[43] |
2014 | — | — | — | Give Em Hell |
| "U Guessed It (Remix)" (featuring 2 Chainz) |
90 | 27 | 21 | OG Maco | |
| "Fuckemx3" (featuring Migos) |
— | — | — | ||
| "Mirror Mirror" (featuring Kushy Stash) |
2015 | — | — | — | 15 |
| "Doctor Pepper" (with Diplo, CL and Riff Raff)[44] |
— | — | — | Non-album single | |
| "No Love" | 2016 | — | — | — | #BLVKPHILCOLLINS |
| "Prayer Line" (featuring Theo Ferragamo) |
— | — | — | ||
References
[edit]- ^ "U Guessed It Remix". ascap.com.
- ^ Frost, Caroline (December 28, 2024). "OG Maco Dies: 'U Guessed It' Rapper Was 32". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved March 13, 2025.
- ^ Diep, Eric (September 10, 2014). "The Break Presents: OG Maco – XXL". XXL. Retrieved April 2, 2015.
- ^ OG Maco - Everything You Need To Know (Episode 2) (Video). The Fader. March 10, 2015 – via YouTube. Retrieved August 5, 2016.
- ^ Honl-Stuenkel, Gustav (November 18, 2016). "Critical Voices: OG Maco, For Scott". The Georgetown Voice. Retrieved December 13, 2024.
- ^ Montes, Patrick (April 22, 2015). "Grand Aspirations: A Conversation with OG Maco". Hypebeast. Retrieved December 13, 2024.
- ^ "How Fetty Wap, Vince Staples And Dej Loaf Got Voted Into The 'XXL Freshman 10 List'". 360Nobs. Archived from the original on August 11, 2015.
- ^ OG Maco Billboard. Retrieved January 1, 2016.
- ^ "2015 XXL Freshman Class Revealed". BallerStatus.com. June 3, 2015. Archived from the original on June 26, 2015. Retrieved June 3, 2015.
- ^ "OG Maco Reveals He Lost An Eye In Recent Car Accident". HotNewHipHop.com. August 4, 2016.
- ^ Howard, Jacinta (August 4, 2016). "OG Maco Loses Right Eye After Terrible Car Accident". Theboombox.com.
- ^ "OG Maco Opens Up About Battles With Depression and Flesh-Eating Disease". Complex.com. Retrieved March 10, 2019.
- ^ Lam, Katherine (March 12, 2019). "Rapper OG Maco reveals he has 'skin-eating disease' caused by 'improperly treated' minor rash". Fox News. Archived from the original on March 12, 2019. Retrieved January 6, 2023.
- ^ Price, Joe (December 27, 2024). "OG Maco Reportedly Dead at 32 Following Weeks of Hospitalization". Complex. Retrieved December 27, 2024.
- ^ Williams, Aaron (December 13, 2024). "OG Maco Was Reportedly Hospitalized After An Apparent Suicide Attempt". UPROXX. Retrieved December 13, 2024.
- ^ Bustard, Andy (December 13, 2024). "'U Guess It' Rapper OG Maco Hospitalized With Gunshot Wound After Apparent Suicide Attempt". HipHopDX. Retrieved December 13, 2024.
- ^ Jones, David (December 2024). "'U Guessed It' rapper OG Maco dead at 32". RedHuff.
- ^ "OG Maco Dead at 32, Weeks After Suffering Self-Inflicted Gunshot Wound". TMZ. December 27, 2024. Retrieved December 27, 2024.
- ^ "Rapper OG Maco Dies at 32, Two Weeks After Self-Inflicted Gunshot Wound". Bru Times News.
- ^ Dreams We Believe In. "Public Speaking EP". Macomattox.bandcamp.com. Retrieved January 1, 2016.
- ^ "OG Maco – Live Life 2 Hosted by Quality Control Music, Free Mixtape Stream and Download!". LiveMixtapes.com.
- ^ "OG Maco EP Mixtape by OG Maco Hosted by QC". Datpiff.com. Archived from the original on June 27, 2022. Retrieved March 10, 2020.
- ^ Lilah, Rose (December 17, 2014). "OG Maco Drops New EP "Breathe," Stream Available". Hotnewhiphop.com. Retrieved January 1, 2016.
- ^ Smith, Trevor (January 6, 2015). "Rome Fortune & OG Maco – YEP EP [New Mixtape]". Hotnewhiphop.com. Retrieved January 1, 2016.
- ^ Lyons, Patrick (March 27, 2015). "Stream OG Maco's "I Made This Shit Before 'U Guessed It'" Compilation". Hotnewhiphop.com. Retrieved January 1, 2016.
- ^ "Happy Birthday, OG Maco!". Theboombox.com. April 23, 2015. Retrieved February 29, 2016.
- ^ Goddard, Kevin (May 8, 2015). "Stream OG Maco's New Mixtape "Tax Free"". Hotnewhiphop.com. Retrieved January 1, 2016.
- ^ Rocksmith Presents: Ogg Everlasting SoundCloud. Retrieved January 1, 2016.
- ^ Walker, Angus (September 7, 2015). "Stream OG Maco's New EP "10 Moons 2"". Hotnewhiphop.com. Retrieved January 1, 2016.
- ^ "For Scott". HotNewHipHop.com. November 6, 2016.
- ^ "Maco Mattox Marty Mcfly The Mixtape". Datpiff.com. November 10, 2011. Archived from the original on November 23, 2021. Retrieved January 1, 2016.
- ^ "10 Moons, by Maco Mattox". Macomattox.bandcamp.com.
- ^ "Live Life Mixtape by OG Maco Hosted by @DJBlakBoy". Datpiff.com. Archived from the original on November 23, 2021. Retrieved March 10, 2020.
- ^ "OG Maco & Key! - Give Em Hell, Free Mixtape Stream and Download!". LiveMixtapes.com.
- ^ "OG Maco – Gifts, Free Mixtape Stream and Download!". LiveMixtapes.com.
- ^ Walker, Angus (February 15, 2015). "OG Maco – 15 EP [New Mixtape]". Hotnewhiphop.com. Retrieved January 1, 2016.
- ^ Smith, Trevor (January 1, 2016). "OG Maco – The Lord Of Rage [New Mixtape]". Hotnewhiphop.com. Retrieved January 1, 2016.
- ^ "Children Of The Rage". HotNewHipHop.com. March 5, 2017.
- ^ "OG Maco 3 Mixtape by OG Maco". Datpiff.com. Archived from the original on August 22, 2018. Retrieved August 22, 2018.
- ^ "OG Maco – Chart History: Hot 100". Billboard. Prometheus Global Media. Retrieved May 26, 2016.
- ^ "OG Maco – Chart History: R&B/Hip-Hop Songs". Billboard. Prometheus Global Media. Retrieved May 25, 2016.
- ^ "OG Maco – Chart History: Hot Rap Songs". Billboard. Prometheus Global Media. Retrieved May 25, 2016.
- ^ U Guessed It – Single iTunes. Apple. Retrieved January 1, 2016.
- ^ Zeichner, Naomi (May 22, 2015). "Diplo, CL, RiFF RAFF, and OG Maco Premiere Insane Posse Cut, "Doctor Pepper"". The Fader. Retrieved December 13, 2024.
External links
[edit]| International | |
|---|---|
| Artists | |
OG Maco
View on Grokipediafrom Grokipedia
Benedict Chiajulam Ihesiba Jr. (April 23, 1992 – December 26, 2024), known professionally as OG Maco, was an American rapper and singer from Atlanta, Georgia, best recognized for his breakout 2014 single "U Guessed It," which went viral and peaked at number 90 on the Billboard Hot 100.[1][2]
Born in College Park, a suburb of Atlanta, OG Maco rose to prominence in the mid-2010s as an early signee to Quality Control Records, the influential label co-founded by Coach K and Pierre "P" Thomas, which later launched stars like Migos and Lil Baby.[3][1] His raw, energetic style and trap-influenced sound captured the Atlanta hip-hop scene's evolution, leading to his inclusion in the prestigious 2015 XXL Freshman Class alongside artists such as Fetty Wap and Vince Staples.[1][4]
OG Maco's career highlights included the release of his debut EP Give Em Hell in 2014, featuring "U Guessed It," and subsequent projects like the 2018 album Children of the Rage, though his output slowed after a severe 2016 car accident that resulted in the loss of his right eye and multiple injuries, followed by a 2019 diagnosis of necrotizing fasciitis.[1] Despite announcing a retirement from music in 2018 to focus on personal growth, he returned sporadically, dropping a self-titled album in 2023 and the single "Shawty" featuring Fnx in 2024. Following his death, a posthumous album Legends Live Forever 2 was released in January 2025.[1]
Throughout his life, OG Maco faced significant personal challenges, including a battle with a skin-eating disease revealed in 2019 and ongoing health issues from his accident, which he discussed openly to raise awareness.[5] His death at age 32 came after a self-inflicted gunshot wound on December 12, 2024, in Los Angeles, where he was hospitalized before passing surrounded by family; his loved ones remembered him as a resilient figure defined by creativity and love.[2][1][5]
Early life
Childhood and family background
Benedict Chiajulam Ihesiba Jr., known professionally as OG Maco, was born on April 23, 1992, in College Park, Georgia, a suburb on the South Side of Atlanta.[5][2] He was raised in a stable family environment by his parents, who initially operated a high-end car service business before his father transitioned to a career as an engineer at AT&T.[6] Maco grew up alongside his older sister, with family members including her and a cousin sharing early experiences in music through learning string instruments such as the violin and viola, fostering his initial exposure to musical concepts.[6] The family's home in College Park placed Maco in the midst of Atlanta's vibrant yet challenging urban landscape, where he encountered the local hip-hop scene emerging from the city's trap music culture.[6][7] However, the neighborhood's rough surroundings, exacerbated by socioeconomic shifts like the influx of Section 8 housing after 9/11 and Hurricane Katrina, introduced him to street life dynamics starting around ages 12 to 13, when he briefly dabbled in related activities. This period was marked by tragedy, including the death of his best friend Dale at age 13, who was killed while protecting Maco's cousin; Maco honored him by adopting the early stage name Maco Mattox. While the initial involvement did not lead to immediate legal issues, his later engagement in street activities resulted in serious charges at age 19, facing more than 20 years in prison and over a year on house arrest.[6][8] These early environmental factors profoundly shaped his worldview, blending familial stability with the realities of Atlanta's underbelly.[6]Education and early musical interests
OG Maco (born Benedict Chiajulam Ihesiba Jr., who initially used the stage name Maco Mattox), developed an early interest in rapping around the age of seven, though his parents instilled a strong emphasis on education as the path to success rather than pursuing entertainment careers.[9] This parental guidance shaped his initial approach, prioritizing academics while treating music as a secondary pursuit during his formative years. In high school at Creekside High School in Fulton County, Georgia, Maco explored music as a hobby, learning to play the violin and creating tracks informally with a friend.[6] These early experiments marked his transition from casual interest to more structured involvement, though he balanced them with school activities amid a challenging environment influenced by local violence. Enrolling at Georgia State University around 2010, Maco studied film and philosophy, where he began to nurture his rap aspirations more seriously by forming the duo The Free-Minded with a classmate.[9] He ultimately dropped out to focus on music full-time, adopting the stage name OG Maco shortly thereafter as a nod to his evolving identity, moving beyond his initial moniker Maco Mattox to reflect his growing presence in Atlanta's hip-hop scene.[6][10]Musical career
Formation of OGG and initial releases
In 2013, OG Maco, born Benedict Chiajulam Ihesiba Jr., founded the hip hop collective OGG, which stands for Originality Gains Greatness, alongside friends from Atlanta's South Side.[6] The group emerged from late-night discussions in a Florida hotel room, initiated by a DJ friend, and was motivated by the recent death of Maco's associate Splurge in a shooting, who had promised financial support for his music career just before the incident.[6] OGG emphasized a raw, trap-influenced sound characterized by deep bass lines, minimal production, and energetic, unpolished delivery reflective of Atlanta's underground scene, drawing from the city's burgeoning trap culture while prioritizing originality and group camaraderie.[6] Maco's initial releases under the OGG banner began with the self-released EP Live Life in November 2013, distributed for free via platforms like DatPiff and SoundCloud.[9] This project, produced in part by Brandon Thomas, established his energetic style through tracks blending aggressive flows with themes of street survival and ambition, quickly generating buzz in Atlanta's local clubs and online forums.[9] A standout single from the EP, "Road Running" featuring OG Junior, captured early attention with its high-energy trap beat and vivid depictions of hustle, becoming a minor hit in the regional underground circuit and showcasing OGG's cohesive, freestyle-like approach.[9] Embracing a DIY ethos, Maco and OGG handled production, video shoots, and promotion independently through social media and grassroots networking, without major label involvement.[6] This hands-on method allowed for rapid experimentation and direct fan engagement, fostering a dedicated following in Atlanta before broader recognition, as Maco later reflected on the collective's focus on authentic expression over commercial polish.[9]Breakthrough with "U Guessed It"
OG Maco's breakthrough came with the release of his single "U Guessed It" in the summer of 2014, initially uploaded to SoundCloud as a raw, energetic track produced by Brandon Thomas. The accompanying music video, shot in a low-budget, chaotic style depicting an impromptu mosh pit in a hotel elevator, premiered on YouTube on August 28, 2014, and quickly went viral, amassing over three million views within the first month. This explosive online traction marked a shift from local Atlanta underground scenes to national attention, propelled by the song's minimalist production and high-energy delivery.[11][12] In September 2014, an official remix featuring fellow Atlanta rapper Key! was released on September 25 via Quality Control Music, expanding the track's reach and leading to its commercial debut as a single. This version propelled "U Guessed It" onto the Billboard Hot 100, where it peaked at No. 90 in October 2014, representing Maco's first entry on the chart and solidifying his emerging status in hip-hop. The remix's success was further amplified by features on prominent platforms, including Complex magazine's coverage of its raw energy and WorldStarHipHop's promotion of the video, which highlighted the song's role in bridging underground hype with mainstream buzz.[13][14][15] Capitalizing on the single's momentum, Maco released his self-titled EP, OG Maco EP, on November 28, 2014, distributed for free by Quality Control Music and his OGG collective. The project included the hit single alongside tracks featuring artists like 2 Chainz and Migos, serving as an immediate follow-up that extended the viral wave into a broader body of work and showcased his rapid ascent in the Atlanta rap ecosystem.[16]Post-breakthrough developments and label signing
Following the viral success of "U Guessed It" in 2014, OG Maco signed with the Atlanta-based independent label Quality Control Music in late 2014. This deal was bolstered by a joint venture between Quality Control and Capitol Music Group/Motown Records, announced in May 2015, which provided broader distribution and major-label support for his projects.[17][18] In June 2015, OG Maco was selected for XXL Magazine's annual Freshman Class, recognizing him as one of ten emerging hip-hop artists alongside Fetty Wap, Vince Staples, DeJ Loaf, and GoldLink. The honor highlighted his rapid rise and positioned him among the next generation of rap talents, with features including cyphers, freestyles, and interviews that amplified his visibility.[19] Building on his breakthrough, OG Maco released the collaborative EP YEP with fellow Atlanta rapper Rome Fortune in January 2015, featuring eight tracks that blended aggressive trap elements with more experimental flows and high-quality production from beatsmiths like Childish Major and Chuck Strangers. Later that year, he issued the single "Doctor Pepper" in collaboration with Diplo, CL, and Riff Raff, which incorporated polished, upbeat synth-driven beats to evolve his raw trap sound while maintaining its high-energy core. These releases demonstrated a shift toward refined production values, allowing for greater sonic versatility without abandoning his signature intensity.[20][21] To cultivate his growing audience, OG Maco embarked on early tours in 2015, including opening slots on Migos' Yung Rich Nation Tour across 23 U.S. cities, where he performed to larger crowds and shared stages with established acts. He also began headlining smaller venues in Atlanta and select East Coast spots, fostering direct fan engagement and solidifying his live presence as a high-octane performer.[22][23]Later career and creative output
Following his breakthrough and major label support through the Quality Control joint venture, OG Maco transitioned toward independent releases, beginning with the mixtape The Lord of Rage on January 1, 2016, distributed via platforms like SoundCloud under his OGG imprint.[24] The nine-track project, produced primarily by Phresh Produce, maintained his high-energy trap sound while showcasing raw, aggressive lyricism over beats emphasizing heavy bass and rapid flows.[25] In 2017, Maco released his long-delayed debut album Children of the Rage on March 4, self-released through OGG on SoundCloud due to disputes with his label Quality Control, which would remove it from other platforms.[26] The 16-track effort, recorded between 2014 and 2015, featured guest appearances from artists like Key! and D.K.O., blending trap anthems with moments of reflection on ambition and street life, though it received mixed reception for its unfinished polish.[27] Embracing full independence, Maco continued self-releasing through his Desperado Records imprint in subsequent years, marking a shift away from major-label constraints. His 2020 album Maco Got That Flame, dropped on January 10, captured a more concise trap aesthetic across 10 tracks, with production highlighting his signature ad-libs and party-ready energy.[28] This was followed by The God of Rage on October 29, 2021, a 13-track sequel to his earlier mixtape that delved into themes of perseverance and legacy, featuring introspective cuts like "The Lord's Speech" amid harder-hitting tracks.[29] Maco's output persisted into 2023 with the eponymous album OG Maco, released August 11, which served as a self-titled sophomore effort emphasizing personal growth through stripped-back production and vulnerable bars on tracks addressing life's highs and lows.[30] Collaborations during this period included features with rising talents like FNX on the 2024 single "Shawty," though his mainstream presence waned amid industry shifts and independent distribution challenges.[31] Following Maco's death on December 26, 2024, his estate released the posthumous album Legends Live Forever 2 on December 31, 2024, in collaboration with producer Kino Beats, with proceeds directed to support his family; the 11-track project honored his legacy by compiling unreleased material infused with motivational and reflective tones.[32]Health struggles
2016 car accident
On July 28, 2016, OG Maco was involved in a near-fatal car accident in Atlanta, Georgia, sustaining severe injuries including multiple skull fractures, a broken orbital bone, cracked vertebrae, heart palpitations, and damage to his right eye.[33][34] The incident occurred when his vehicle crashed, leaving him in critical condition and requiring immediate medical intervention.[35] Maco was rushed to a local hospital, where he underwent emergency surgery in an attempt to save his right eye, though he ultimately lost vision in it and had the eye removed.[36][37] He remained hospitalized for several weeks during his recovery, during which no arrests were reported as the crash was ruled an accident with no criminal involvement.[38] The rapper shared updates on Instagram, expressing gratitude for his survival and emphasizing his renewed sense of purpose, stating, "I feel ALIVE!!!" despite the trauma.[39] The accident temporarily halted Maco's touring schedule and recording sessions, forcing the cancellation of several appearances amid his recovery.[40] However, he made a swift return to music, releasing the seven-track mixtape Blvk Phil Collins on September 23, 2016, which drew inspiration from his ordeal and showcased his determination to persevere.[41][42] Public response was overwhelmingly supportive, with fans flooding social media with messages of encouragement and admiration for his resilience.[43] His label, Quality Control Music, issued statements highlighting Maco's strength and commitment to his craft, noting that the incident only fueled his creative drive.[44]2019 necrotizing fasciitis diagnosis
In March 2019, OG Maco publicly revealed that he had been battling necrotizing fasciitis, a rare and potentially fatal flesh-eating bacterial infection, for several months. The condition developed after he received improper treatment for a minor rash, allowing bacteria such as group A Streptococcus to enter through a break in the skin and rapidly spread to his face and scalp.[45][46] This onset marked a severe health crisis that left him with intense symptoms, including severe pain, swelling, blisters, and extensive scabbing, prompting fears that he might lose significant portions of his face.[46][47] Maco underwent aggressive treatment involving intravenous antibiotics to halt the bacterial progression, alongside surgical interventions to excise infected tissue, which often required multiple procedures in such cases.[46] Following the acute phase, he endured months of rehabilitation, during which he shared updates on Instagram detailing his isolation and the emotional toll, noting that he had managed the ordeal alone for much of the time without support from loved ones.[45][47] The infection resulted in permanent facial disfigurement, including scarring and visible changes that he often concealed with masks in public appearances, leading to prolonged career interruptions such as reduced public engagements and limited musical output during recovery.[46][31] The experience exacerbated Maco's mental health challenges, contributing to bouts of depression and suicidal ideation as he grappled with the physical alterations and their impact on his self-image.[47] In reflections shared via social media and interviews, he emphasized maintaining faith and adhering to medical regimens, crediting his doctors for his progress and expressing determination to emerge "better and more beautiful than ever."[45][47] By mid-2019, he reported significant improvement after three months of treatment, though the ordeal underscored the lasting psychological strain following his prior resilience against a 2016 injury.[46]Death
Circumstances of death
On December 12, 2024, OG Maco, born Benedict Chiajulam Ihesiba Jr., sustained a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head in an apparent suicide attempt, which authorities later ruled intentional.[48][49] He was immediately rushed to a hospital in Los Angeles, where he underwent emergency treatment and was placed on life support due to the critical nature of his injuries.[50][51] Maco remained in the hospital for two weeks, during which medical staff struggled with his condition, including difficulties obtaining a proper brain scan.[52] Reports indicated that his ongoing mental health challenges, exacerbated by previous traumas such as a near-fatal 2016 car accident and a 2019 diagnosis of necrotizing fasciitis, had contributed to his deteriorating state, though no specific motives were disclosed.[53][54] He succumbed to his injuries on December 26, 2024, at the age of 32, while surrounded by family.[31][55] The following day, December 27, 2024, Maco's manager, Poppa Perc, issued a statement confirming the death to media outlets, expressing grief over the loss and noting that Maco had been "still fighting" in the days prior.[51][56]Immediate aftermath and confirmation
Following OG Maco's death on December 26, 2024, major music publications quickly reported the news, confirming the 32-year-old rapper had succumbed to complications from a self-inflicted gunshot wound sustained earlier in the month.[1][5][10] OG Maco's family issued a statement expressing profound grief, describing his passing as "heartbreaking" and highlighting his resilience amid lifelong challenges, while requesting privacy during their mourning period.[10][57] His manager, Poppa Perc, confirmed the death to Billboard, noting Maco passed surrounded by loved ones, and emphasized the rapper's enduring impact on Atlanta's hip-hop scene through his innovative energy and trailblazing sound.[5] Former manager Steve "Steve-O" Dingle also shared a personal tribute, reflecting on their decade-long collaboration and Maco's profound influence on his career.[58] Fans and peers in the Atlanta rap community mourned immediately on social media, with #OGMaco trending worldwide as tributes poured in; artists like 6lack and O'Shea Jackson Jr. expressed condolences, praising Maco's raw authenticity and role in shaping trap music's early 2010s wave.[59] A private funeral service was held for OG Maco shortly after his death, with limited public details shared to respect the family's wishes; a separate public celebration of life event welcomed fans, friends, and supporters to honor his legacy.[58]Artistry
Musical style and themes
OG Maco's early musical style was characterized by high-energy trap music featuring minimalistic beats, aggressive ad-libs, and no-melody flows that emphasized raw intensity over traditional structure.[60] His debut single "U Guessed It" exemplified this approach with its haughty hooks, mumbled free-form verses, and loopy, repetitive refrains that captured the chaotic energy of Atlanta's underground scene.[60] This sound drew comparisons to a slurry, slanted revival of Mystikal's style adapted to cloud rap aesthetics, blending rock influences like heavy metal with hip-hop for an explosive, genre-less delivery.[61] Production often featured elasticated, rubbery textures and space-like instrumentals, prioritizing emotional power and sonic disruption over polished clarity.[62] Lyrically, his initial work centered on themes of street life, bravado, and Atlanta pride, with tracks like those on his self-titled EP conveying party vibes and unfiltered bravado through simple, confrontational rhymes.[60] Following his 2019 necrotizing fasciitis diagnosis, Maco's style evolved toward more melodic introspection, incorporating conscious hip-hop elements that explored personal vulnerability amid health struggles.[63] Later releases, such as The God of Rage (2021), shifted to energetic yet chaotic trap with futuristic plugg influences, reflecting a move from pure aggression to rhythmic introspection on pain and resilience.[64] Themes in this phase addressed mental health, societal oppression, and human connection, drawing from his experiences of depression and recovery to emphasize revolution, evolution, and the fight against stagnation.[61] For instance, the Breathe EP (2015) already hinted at this trajectory by tackling outrage over police brutality and racism, evolving into deeper reflections on financial hardship and absent family figures in subsequent projects.[60] Maco's production approach frequently involved self-production or close collaborations with members of his OGG collective, such as on "Breathe," to maintain raw authenticity and avoid over-polished commercial sounds.[61] This DIY ethos, rooted in OGG's focus on creative control, allowed for garbled vocals and moody, grimy beats that underscored his unfiltered expression, as seen in the dark, underground Future-like vibes of The Lord of Rage (2016).[65] Critically, Maco was praised for the visceral energy of his "U Guessed It" era, which propelled his breakthrough and highlighted his ability to inject punk-like sensibility into trap, but later work faced critique for repetitive structures and a perceived lack of depth beyond initial novelty.[60] Reviewers noted the risk of typecasting from his early hits, though his shift to introspective themes earned recognition for adding emotional layers to his chaotic delivery.[61]Influences and collaborations
OG Maco's musical influences were deeply rooted in Atlanta's hip-hop scene, where he drew from the city's trap pioneers and broader sounds that shaped Southern rap. He cited Gucci Mane as a key early inspiration, crediting the veteran's relentless output and street-oriented style for influencing his own rapid release strategy and aggressive delivery. Beyond trap, Maco expressed admiration for diverse artists including Kid Cudi for creative ideation, Lil Jon and Kanye West for hip-hop innovation, and rock acts like Black Sabbath and Fall Out Boy for their raw energy and genre-blending ethos. These influences contributed to his eclectic approach, blending high-energy trap with emotional depth drawn from personal losses, such as the deaths of friends and family members. Early in his career, Maco formed and led the hip-hop collective OGG (Originality Gains Greatness), which emphasized creative independence and served as a platform for emerging talent in Atlanta. Through OGG, he collaborated closely with rapper Key! on the 2014 EP Give Em Hell, a seven-track project featuring booming trap production and tracks like the original "U Guessed It," highlighting their shared underground energy and mutual support in the local scene. The collective also connected him to producers like Brandon Thomas and OG Parker, fostering a collaborative environment that extended to his broader discography. Another notable partnership was the remix of "U Guessed It" with 2 Chainz, which amplified his breakthrough and showcased his ability to mesh with established trap figures. Maco's professional growth was further shaped by his signing to Quality Control Music in 2014, under the mentorship of co-founders Coach K (Kevin Lee) and Dee (Pierre Thomas), who had previously managed icons like Gucci Mane and Young Jeezy. This affiliation provided business guidance and industry access, influencing his entrepreneurial mindset and label dynamics within OGG, though tensions later arose over his ongoing contract. Following his 2016 car accident[33] and 2019 diagnosis of necrotizing fasciitis, Maco's work evolved to incorporate greater vulnerability, reflecting personal recovery themes in conversations with peers like XXXTentacion, with whom he shared deep discussions on emotional authenticity in rap before the latter's death in 2018. This shift emphasized human connection and resilience, aligning with his stated purpose of offering listeners a "fighting chance" through introspective energy.Discography
Studio albums
OG Maco's debut studio album, Children of the Rage, was released on March 4, 2017, and features 14 tracks that delve into themes of rage and survival amid urban struggles. The project marked his first full-length release following several mixtapes and EPs, receiving attention for its raw energy and production from collaborators like Childish Major. It was made available primarily through streaming platforms and SoundCloud. "Maco Got That Flame," a 10-track album released on January 10, 2020, reflected Maco's matured style with trap-infused beats and introspective bars, produced in collaboration with various beatsmiths. Standouts like "Tech & Wok (Snap Dance)" featuring 2$ Fabo demonstrated his adaptability, though it received less mainstream attention compared to his earlier output.[66][67] His second studio album, The God of Rage, arrived independently on October 29, 2021, via Desperado Records, comprising 13 tracks that reflect a more introspective tone shaped by personal challenges, including health setbacks. The album emphasizes trap influences with aggressive beats and lyrical introspection, streamed on platforms like Spotify and Apple Music. In 2023, Maco issued his self-titled third studio album, OG Maco, on August 11, in collaboration with producer Jake P. Noch under Jake P. Noch Family Office, LLC, featuring 11 tracks that incorporate experimental trap elements and electronic production. The release received limited promotional push but showcased evolving sonic experimentation. Posthumously, Legends Live Forever 2, a collaborative album with producer Kino Beats, was released on December 31, 2024, containing 11 tracks intended to honor Maco's legacy and support his family through proceeds. This follow-up to their 2019 project blends trap beats with reflective verses, available on major streaming services.Extended plays
OG Maco's extended plays were instrumental in generating early buzz for the Atlanta rapper, allowing him to capitalize on the momentum from his 2014 breakout single "U Guessed It" through concise, high-energy releases that defined his raw trap aesthetic. These projects, often distributed via Quality Control Music, featured aggressive production and featured appearances from rising peers, helping establish his presence in the Southern hip-hop landscape before transitioning to full-length albums. His debut extended play, Give Em Hell, was a collaborative project with Key! released on July 7, 2014, featuring 7 tracks including the viral "U Guessed It." Produced by Brandon Thomas and others, it captured early trap energy and was distributed for free on SoundCloud, marking Maco's breakthrough into wider recognition.[68] The "OG Maco EP," released on November 28, 2014, served as a pivotal post-breakthrough release with five tracks that solidified his core sound of booming basslines and chant-like hooks. Including collaborations like "FuckEmx3" with Migos and "Seizure" featuring Jer-Z, the EP captured the chaotic energy of his live performances and street-oriented lyricism, amassing streams on platforms like SoundCloud shortly after its free digital drop.[69][70] In early 2016, "The Lord of Rage EP" arrived on January 1 as a nine-track effort emphasizing themes of intensity and defiance, with production primarily by Phresh Produce and no guest features to spotlight Maco's solo prowess. Tracks such as the title-inspired cuts explored personal turmoil amid his growing fame, positioning the project as a bridge between his viral moment and more experimental work.[71][72]| Title | Release Date | Number of Tracks | Label/Distributor |
|---|---|---|---|
| Give Em Hell (with Key!) | July 7, 2014 | 7 | Quality Control Music, OGG |
| OG Maco EP | November 28, 2014 | 5 | Quality Control Music, OGG |
| The Lord of Rage EP | January 1, 2016 | 9 | Quality Control Music |