Rapper Mack Maine has shared the devastating news of his son’s death aged 20.
The American record executive, songwriter, and rapper from New Orleans, Louisiana – real name Jermaine Anthony Preyan – is best known for co-writing several of childhood friend Lil Wayne’s songs and being the president of his record label Young Money Entertainment.
He’s also featured on Young Money’s 2009 song Every Girl and Rich Gang’s 2013 single Tapout.
However, this week Maine, 43, revealed that he’d been ‘trying to build up the strength’ to publicly share that his son Isaiah (also known as Zeke) had died earlier this month after suffering a seizure.
Posting a series of photos of his son on Instagram, the rapper began: ‘Been trying to build up the strength to put up this post since last night so bear with me.
‘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. Still confused, still questioning life and why my child and not me. 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.
‘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. 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. You’ll always be my Prince. I need you more than ever now to watch over me from the other side. Now you’re reunited with 2 of your favorite souls, Bentley and Dip.’
Maine then went on to explain that July 28 was both his birthday and the day his father had died two years ago, then going on to urge people to ‘hug the ones you love and squeeze em tight’.
‘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,’ he added.
Writing a final message to his son and father, he shared: ‘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. I vow to continue to make y’all proud I just ask y’all continue to walk with me and pick me up when I fall… I need the strength…. Until we meet again… LOVE.’
Most of the photos Maine shared showed him with his son, with others also showing Isiah playing a musical instrument and holding a sign that read, ‘LSU [Louisiana State University] Bound’.
He was quickly flooded with condolence messages, with many expressing their shock over Isaiah’ s sudden death.
‘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. 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,’ Nicki Minaj wrote.
‘Bru I’m so sorry to hear this, praying for you and the fam I love ya bru,’ 2 Chainz shared.
‘Mack sending love and prayers to you and your family. Holding u & ur family up in prayer. So so sorry for your loss,’ La La Anthony added.
Throughout his career to date Maine has released three compilation albums and been nominated for three BET Awards.
He founded his own record label, Soothe Your Soul Records, in 2008.
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