Rapper Mack Maine revealed the heart-wrenching news that his youthful son, Isaiah, affectionately known as Zeke, succumbed to a seizure earlier this month. On Monday, July 28th, the New Orleans-born artist, Jermaine Anthony Preyan, shared the tragic announcement accompanied by 20 poignant photographs on Instagram. Isaiah passed away at his California residence on July 16th, according to reports by TMZ, at the tender age of 20.
"I've been struggling to muster the courage to post this since last night, so please bear with me," Mack Maine began his caption. "I'm still reeling in shock, struggling to grasp the reality of his absence. Confusion clouds my mind, and I find myself questioning the very essence of life, pondering why my child had to leave and not me," he continued, his words laden with grief.
Further into his heartfelt message, he acknowledged that although he was Isaiah's earthly father, his son had now "ascended to be with OUR Father God in spirit, reuniting with his ancestors who cherished him deeply, like his grandfather (my dad) and grandmother."
Mack Maine's post deepened: "Zeke, I am eternally grateful for the unparalleled gift of fatherhood you bestowed upon me. Our bond and the experiences we shared gave me a sense of purpose." He thanked Isaiah for being his "foremost inspiration and motivation," the very "reason I rose from bed when others slumbered."
The majority of the photos depicted Mack Maine and Isaiah sharing cherished moments. Others captured Isaiah playing a musical instrument and holding a sign proclaiming, "LSU [Louisiana State University] Bound," reflecting his aspirations. Mack Maine shared additional snapshots on his Instagram Stories, showing him beaming with pride as Isaiah exhibited a school project and posing with celebrities like Drake, Swizz Beatz, and more.
Since his son's untimely demise, Mack Maine expressed that their "community has been shattered, drowning in sorrow." "This is a pain I've never encountered before, yet I cling to my faith in God's plan, His will, and His mercy," he penned, asking his son to watch over him from above.
Mack Maine's announcement coincided with his birthday and marked two years since the passing of his father, as he noted in his post. "They say God entrusts His hardest battles to His strongest soldiers, but...," he wrote, appending two upside-down emojis. As he concluded, he requested a special birthday wish: "I implore you to embrace those you love tightly... if you can't, call them to voice your affection." He advised those "in similar distress" to cherish happy memories or flick through photos and videos.
"To Zeke, I love you, and I know we'll meet again... To my Pops, I miss you terribly, and I'm certain you welcomed Zeke with open arms on the other side. I vow to continue making you both proud; I just ask for your guidance and support when I stumble. I need that strength... Until we reunite... With all my love," he concluded.
Nicki Minaj, Mack Maine's Young Money label mate, commented, "I can't believe what I just read. This can't be real. I love you so much. You guys raised an extraordinary young man. He was such a perfect soul. Words fail me in expressing your pain. We are praying for your entire family, Mack. We adore you deeply."
Reginae Carter, Lil Wayne's eldest child, echoed, "I love you immensely. Praying for you!" Condolences also poured in from Lala Anthony, Monica, Lauren London, 2 Chainz, Tyga, Deion Sanders Jr., and many others.
