US rapper Mack Maine announces son's tragic death as tributes pour in
The 'Tapout' rapper, who has collaborated with hip-hop greats like Lil Wayne, Future and Nicki Minaj, took to Instagram to reveal that his young son Isaiah, also known as Zeke, died earlier this month from a fatal seizure. He was 20, TMZ reports.
'Been trying to build up the strength to put up this post since last night so bear with me,' Maine, 43, began on Monday.
'On July 16th I received a call that my son Isaiah (Zeke) passed away at his home in California from a seizure,' the New Orleans native continued. '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.'
Maine, who was named president of Lil Wayne's record label Young Money Entertainment in 2009, went on to call fatherhood 'one of the greatest gifts' in life.
He wrote that his son's passing has been a 'pain I've personally never felt before.'
'The experience and bond with you and I brought me purpose,' Maine captioned several photos of his late son. '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,' the record exec continued. 'Your soul was made of innocence and your heart was pure.'
Monday also marked the Always Strapped rapper's 43rd birthday and the second anniversary of his father's death. Maine asked that his fans 'hug the ones you love' and 'tell them you love them.'
The rap label exec, whose real name is Jermaine Anthony Preyan, ended his touching tribute with a shoutout to both his late son and dad.
'To Zeke I love you and I know I'll see you again,' he wrote. '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 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,' Maine concluded.
Many of Maine's fans and peers offered their condolences.
'I don't even believe what I just read,' Nicki Minaj, 42, wrote. 'This can't be real.'
'I love you so much,' she continued. '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,' the singer concluded her message. 'We love you so much.'
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