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SYDNEY, N.S. — Gregory MacLean seemed to have it all — a good career with the military, a blossoming career as the rap artist MacLean and a reputation of being the guy who helped others.

But on Dec. 3, just days before his 29th birthday, he took his own life.

Family and friends are reeling from MacLean’s tragic passing. He is remembered by friends and co-workers as a person who supported and helped others.

His mother, Debbie MacRury, describes her son as a caring Clark Kent/Superman type of person who was always there when you needed him but who didn’t place himself on that same pedestal.

“He was Superman to the outside but inside, he kept it all tucked in,” MacRury said on Tuesday after attending a memorial service for her son in Quebec. “He just wanted to do what he could.”

On Friday night, Cape Breton’s hip-hop community will try to do what they can to remember one of their own and to hopefully extend a hand towards others who may also need help, following the spirit of MacLean.

The event will be held at Sydney’s Allure club from 10 p.m. until 2 a.m. and will feature such artists as Mitchell Bailey, DJ Trew, X-Plycit and NDRW with the 1200 Boys. Tickets will be $10 at the door and all proceeds from the event will go to MacLean’s family, who will take the money raised and give it to a cause that they feel will have the most impact in helping others.

Money raised outside of the event will go directly to the Sydney Whitney Pier Youth Club, of which MacLean was a big supporter.

But while raising money for good local causes is important, organizers are hoping it will also be an opportunity to extend a hand to those who may also be suffering in silence.

Avery Norman, also known as DJ Trew, began organizing Friday’s event as soon as he heard of MacLean’s death. Norman often worked with MacLean and said suicide is becoming far too common around here. He says it’s time to do something to help before more bright lights are extinguished.

“We need to do something now because this is the world our children are growing up in,” said the 23-year-old father of one. “We’ve got to create a dialogue.”

Norman is working with rappers Mitchell Bailey, X-Plycit, NDRW and Allure club owner Alex Martin to quickly arrange the event.

“In his memory, we are coming together as artists, business people and a community to help bring awareness to suicide prevention and help support his family at this difficult time,” says Shannon Powless, better known as the rapper X-Plycit, who says she only knew MacLean for about eight months but his death has had a huge impact on her.

“We need to get the message out there,” said Powless. “I’m one of the lucky ones who asked for help and received it. Anyone who hears my music, if they find it therapeutic and it helps them, that’s what it’s all about.”

MacLean would have been 29 on Dec. 13. Although he was born and grew up in Sydney, he had been living in Cole Harbour for the past few years, coming home often. He was an Avionics Systems Technician with the Royal Canadian Air Force and a member of 12 Air Maintenance Squadron, 12 Wing Shearwater.

In his teens he was a top high school hockey player for the Sydney Academy Wildcats and was named captain of the team in his senior year. In addition, he also played with Glace Bay Junior Miners from 2007-2009. Lately, he was best known for his skills as a rapper and was a respected member of the local hip-hop community.

“I have always felt Greg's support and involvement within the hip-hop community was always noticed and hugely appreciated and his loss was shocking and tragic news to everybody because he was such a positive and genuine guy,” said Mitchell Bailey, one of organizers of Friday’s event. “I think organizing this show and bringing everybody together for a night of something he was extremely passionate about, being music and hip-hop specifically, is something he would've wanted to honour his legacy and contribution to the community and I've always been extremely grateful for his support of my career throughout the years."

Fellow organizer and performer Andrew “NDRW” Green agreed.

“I performed a few shows with Greg and recorded two songs with him,” he said. “I feel this is the best way to honour him. Greg loved everything about the local scene and I know he will be there with us Friday night."

During her son’s funeral, MacRury, in her eulogy, said her son’s death presents a powerful message for everyone — stop texting and start talking.

“Put down your phones and look into each other’s eyes … listen to each other.”

Norman says he’s overwhelmed by the support Friday’s event has been receiving so far.

“There’s an energy surrounding this,” said Norman, who describes MacLean as a driven individual who lived life to the fullest.

“We’re going to knock it out of the park.”

news@cbpost.com

BIO BOX

NAME: Gregory MacLean.

AGE: 28

BORN: Sydney

LIVED IN: Cole Harbour.

CAREER: Avionics Systems Technician with the Royal Canadian Air Force and a member of 12 Air Maintenance Squadron, 12 Wing Shearwater. Also known as hip-hop artist MacLean.

IF YOU GO

WHAT: CB for MacLean - An awareness event in memory of Greg MacLean.

WHERE: Allure Club, George St., Sydney.

WHEN: Friday, December 15, 2017, 10 p.m.-2 a.m.

TICKETS: $10 at the door. Proceeds from the night will be donated to MacLean’s family who will donate it to a cause they feel will have the most impact. Other donations outside the event will go to the Sydney Whitney Pier Youth Club.