Rapper Mack Maine took to social media on Monday to announce that his 20-year-old son had died after he suffered a seizure. The 43-year-old rapper, born Jermaine Anthony Preyan, said the fatal incident occurred at his son’s California residence.
“Been trying to build up the strength to put up this post since last night so bear with me,” he wrote on Instagram. “On July 16th I received a call that my son Isaiah (Zeke) passed away at his home in California from a seizure. I’m still in shock and still processing the fact that he’s gone.”
The New Orleans native, who is a close associate and longtime friend of fellow rapper Lil Wayne, said that though his son’s passing had left him “confused” and “still questioning life and why my child and not me,” he knew he had gone to a better place and reconnected with his grandparents.
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“I know I am/was his father while he was here in the flesh but now he’s ascended to rejoin OUR Father God in the spirit and his ancestors who also loved him dearly like his grandfather (my dad) and his grandmother,” he wrote.
The Got Money rapper continued: “Zeke I thank you for granting me with one of the greatest gifts I’ve ever received, Fatherhood! The experience and bond with you and I brought me purpose… YOU were my biggest inspiration and motivation..YOU were the reason I got out of the bed when everyone else snoozed.. Your smile brightened my dark days as you were my SONshine. Your soul was made of innocence and your heart was pure.”
The 43-year-old also touched on the pain he was going through as a result of his son’s passing. “Since July 16th your village has been crushed and we’re hurting. This is a pain I’ve personally never felt before but I’m still trusting and believing in God’s plan and God’s will and mercy,” he wrote. “You’ll always be my Prince. I need you more than ever now to watch over me from the other side.”
Elsewhere in his lengthy post, Mack Maine disclosed 28th July was his birthday and the day his father also died. “It’s been 2 years since he’s transitioned but it feels like 2,000 but I’m happy he found peace,” he said about his father.
“Today if you all are reading this and would like to do sumthin for me for my bday I ask that you hug the ones you love and squeeze em tight,” he added. “If you can’t hug em call em to tell them you love them… And if you in the same boat as me close you eyes and remember the good times or scroll thru pics and vids.”
The rapper concluded with a message to his deceased son and father. “To Zeke I love you and I know I’ll see you again… To my Pops I miss you big dawg and I know you met Zeke on the other side with open arms,” he wrote.
“I vow to continue to make yall proud I just ask yall continue to walk with me and pick me up when I fall… I need the strength…. Until we meet again… LOVE.”
Mack Maine received an outpouring of support from fellow rappers and celebrities. “I don’t even believe what I just read. This can’t be real. I love you so much. You guys raised the most incredible young man,” fellow rapper and former Young Money label mate, Nicki Minaj, wrote.
“He was such a perfect boy. I have no words to express what you must be feeling. No words. We are praying for your whole family, Mack. We love you so much.”
Rapper 2 Chainz also wrote, “Bru im so sorry to hear this, praying for you and the fam I love ya bru.”
“I love you so much,” Lil Wayne’s daughter, Reginae Carter, wrote. “Praying for you.”
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