At the age of 54, veteran West Coast rapper Saafir passed away. According to his former Golden State Project groupmate Xzibit, the Oakland star, whose true name was Reggie Gibson, passed away around 8:45 a.m. on Tuesday, November 19.
Xzibit shared a post on Instagram with Saafir’s picture. He wrote, “I can’t believe I’m writing this right now, but don’t know what else to do at the moment. Approximately at 8:45am this morning, my brother Reggie known to the world as Saafir passed away. We have so much history I can’t even explain what I’m feeling right now. We surrounded him and let him know how much we loved him. He can rest now.”
“Friends, Family, everyone that rocked with us from the Hip Hop community, if you could be so solid and reach out for @chopblack his younger brother, and @lilsaafir his son, the family really needs to be supported during this time. That’s all I have right now. My soul is crushed. We love you Bro, ” also adds.
Golden State Project was a trio of rap artists, Xzibit, Saafir, and Ras Kass. Saafir was also a member of Digital Underground, according to People. This rap combo, which included Shock G and Tupac Shakur, was founded in 1987.
Apart from his rapping career, Saafir costarred with Jada Pinkett Smith, Samuel L. Jackson, and Larenz Tate as Harold Lawson in the 1993 film Menace II Society. Additionally, he appeared on the soundtrack of the movie. Saafir and the late Quincy Jones later signed a record deal. It was Saafir’s first album, Boxcar Sessions.
The cause of Saafir’s passing has not been revealed. But over the years, the rapper struggled with a number of health problems.
He began using a wheelchair after having a malignant tumour removed from his spine, according to TMZ. Saafir passed away in Oakland, California, his hometown.