Mack Maine, the rapper and president of Lil Wayne’s Young Money record label, is mourning the loss of his son.
The music exec, whose real name is Jermaine Anthony Preyan, announced in a heartbreaking Instagram post Monday that his son Isaiah, also known as Zeke, died from a seizure earlier this month at his California home.
“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,” he wrote. “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.”
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Mack Maine performing at SXSW in 2017
The New Orleans native, 43, also shared a carousel of photos depicting Zeke through the years — playing the horn, wearing a cap and gown at a graduation ceremony, relaxing on the beach with his dad, showing love for Louisiana State University, and standing in front of a mic in the recording studio. Zeke was 20, according to TMZ.
“Zeke I thank you for granting me with one of the greatest gifts I’ve ever received, Fatherhood!” Maine wrote. “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.”
He added, “You’ll always be my Prince. I need you more than ever now to watch over me from the other side.”
Maine, who has collaborated with artists including Snoop Dogg, T-Pain, and Talib Kweli, noted that July 28 marks his birthday and also the day his father died, and he asked for his supporters to “hug the ones you love and squeeze em tight” for him. He said that if loved ones are far away, give them a call. If a loved one is no longer around, “remember the good times or scroll thru pics and vids.”
Celebrities such as Nicki Minaj, 2 Chainz, and Tyga sent messages of support.
“I don’t even believe what I just read. This can’t be real,” Minaj’s verified account commented. “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.”
Read the original article on Entertainment Weekly
