Rapper Mack Maine shared the heartbreaking news that his son, Isaiah (Zeke), passed away after suffering a seizure earlier this month. Isaiah, who was 20 years old, died on July 16 at his home in California.
The New Orleans native, whose real name is Jermaine Anthony Preyan, took to Instagram on July 28 to share his grief and honor his son. Along with a post featuring 20 photos, he expressed his shock and sadness, saying that he’s still processing the loss.
Mack Maine’s Heartfelt Post
Mack Maine started his post with a message:
“Been trying to build up the strength to put up this post since last night so bear with me🙏🏾.”
He explained how he’s struggling with the loss:
“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.”
The rapper expressed that although he is Isaiah’s father in the flesh, he believes his son has now “ascended to rejoin OUR Father God in the spirit and his ancestors who also loved him dearly.”
Mack Maine went on to thank his son for the gift of fatherhood, calling their bond one of the greatest gifts of his life:
“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.”
He also praised Isaiah as his biggest inspiration, saying:
“You were my reason I got out of the bed when everyone else snoozed.”
The Photos and the Memories
The Instagram post included several photos of Mack Maine and Isaiah. Some showed them together, while others depicted Isaiah playing a musical instrument and holding a sign that said, “LSU Bound”—Isaiah had dreams of attending Louisiana State University.
More photos showed him smiling with Mack Maine and their famous friends, like Drake and Swizz Beatz.
Mack Maine shared more photos on his Instagram Stories, including a shot of Isaiah working on a school project.
A Family’s Loss
Since the death of his son, Mack Maine expressed the deep pain his family is feeling:
“My village has been crushed and we’re hurting,” he wrote. “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.”
The loss was especially tough as the rapper’s birthday also coincided with the anniversary of his father’s passing.
“They said God gives his toughest battles to his strongest soldiers but…” he wrote, adding an emotional emoji.
A Special Birthday Request
Mack Maine also made a special request for his birthday:
“I ask that you hug the ones you love and squeeze em tight… if you can’t hug em call em to tell them you love them.”
He encouraged others who are going through similar pain to reflect on the good times:
“Remember the good times or scroll thru pics and vids.”
He ended the post with a final message for his son:
“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 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.”
Celebrities Offer Their Condolences
Mack Maine’s Young Money label mate, Nicki Minaj, commented:
“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.”
Other celebrities also offered their support, including Reginae Carter, Lala Anthony, Monica, Lauren London, 2 Chainz, and Tyga.
