Six years after the untimely death of Craig Mack, the true cause of his passing has finally come to light. Initially reported as congestive heart failure, it has now been confirmed that the “Flava In Ya Ear” rapper died from complications related to HIV/AIDS. Mack, who was 46 at the time of his death on March 12, 2018, chose to keep his diagnosis private, even from those closest to him.
Mack’s Secret Kept Until the End
According a report by Rolling Stone and death certificate, Mack’s death was directly related to an HIV/AIDS-related illness. Despite this, Mack led many to believe he was suffering from congestive heart failure. His family respected his wishes, repeating his claim about his heart condition. However, in reality, Mack had been grappling with a much different battle.
Mack’s brother, Andrew, shared insights into the rapper’s state of mind during his final years. “I believe he was very much in denial, but that’s him living his truth to the end,” Andrew said. He continued, “As much as that bothers me, I understand why he did what he did. He lived his truth.”
In the years leading up to his death, Mack’s health visibly deteriorated. His first wife, Roxanne Hill-Johnson, revealed that Mack became increasingly frail, losing a significant amount of weight and frequently falling ill. By 2014, he had already begun to show signs of his declining health, but he chose not to seek medical treatment beyond a brief hospitalization.
Mack’s daughter, Amanda, expressed her lingering uncertainty about her father’s life choices, especially his decision to join the Overcomer Ministry in South Carolina. “So much is a mystery,” she admitted, but she still forgives him, believing his intentions were rooted in trying to find solace in faith.
As his family continues to piece together the last years of his life, Roxanne is working on a documentary with Alvin Toney, who recorded Mack’s final interview before his death. The project aims to answer some of the unresolved questions surrounding the rapper’s life and death, offering closure to those who loved him.