The ‘U Guessed It’ Atlanta Rapper was 32

OG Maco, the Atlanta rapper best known for his 2014 hit “U Guessed It,” has died at age 32.

The musician, born Benedict Chiajulam Ihesiba Jr., was admitted to a Los Angeles hospital on December 12 after apparently shooting himself in the head. His family shared news of his death on his social media accounts and honored his legacy and what he gave to the world.

“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 statement read. “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.”

Born in College Park, Georgia, Maco recorded music in high school before co-founding his label OGG (Originality Gains Greatness). He burst onto the music scene in 2014 with his mixtape “Live Life”, which broke through with his hit single “U Guessed It”. Its remix featuring 2 Chainz peaked at No. 90 on the Billboard Hot 100.

He subsequently inked a deal with Quality Control Music, the influential label that has been home to Migos and Cardi B, and signed a major label partnership with Capitol Music Group/Motown the following year. He continued to release EPs and mixtapes throughout his career, although his output slowed before his death.

In 2016, he was in a near-fatal car accident that resulted in a fractured skull and a cracked vertebra. Three years later, Maco said he was battling the flesh-eating disease necrotizing fasciitis, which subsequently led to depression. “I was improperly treated for a minor rash and ended up with a skin eating disease for the past few months,” he wrote on Instagram at the time. “This is the best it’s looked. I hope it gives someone hope. I’ve been through this alone 90% of the time, with no support from the person I love, without most of my ‘friends’ with nothing than my own strength and God.”