Rapper Saafir Dies at 54

Rapper Saafir Dies at 54
His influence shaped rap
He battled severe health issues

Saafir, the legendary rapper, producer, and actor from the West Coast, passed away on Tuesday at the age of 54, as confirmed by his former collaborator Xzibit.

The announcement was made via social media, where Xzibit shared that Saafir, whose real name was Reggie Gibson, died at 8:45 a.m. in his hometown of Oakland.

«I can’t believe I’m writing this right now, but I don’t know what else to do at this moment,» wrote a stunned Xzibit as he announced the death of his friend.

«At approximately 8:45 this morning, my brother Reggie, known to the world as Saafir, passed away,» he announced.

Rapper Saafir dies due to health issues

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«We have so much history that I can’t even explain how I feel right now. We surrounded him and made sure he knew how much we love him. Now he can rest,» wrote Xzibit (whose real name is Alvin Nathaniel Joiner).

Saafir debuted on the music scene in 1993, quickly establishing himself as an influential figure in West Coast rap.

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Although he never achieved massive commercial success, his impact on the genre is undeniable, leaving a legacy that influenced generations of artists.

In the same year of his musical debut, Saafir ventured into acting with a role in the acclaimed classic Menace II Society.

The film, which marked Jada Pinkett Smith’s cinematic debut, also solidified Saafir as a versatile talent within the industry.

Despite his artistic achievements, Saafir’s later years were marked by severe health issues that confined him to a wheelchair.

Reports indicate the rapper underwent surgery to remove a tumor from his spine, which severely affected his quality of life.

The bond between Saafir and Xzibit was forged during their collaboration in the group Golden State Project, formerly known as Golden State Warriors.

What did Saafir die of?

The group, which also included rapper Ras Kass, made an impact with its lyrical style and contribution to the West Coast hip-hop movement.

While announcing Saafir’s death, Xzibit did not specify the cause, but close sources indicated that his health issues may have been a determining factor.

TMZ reported that Saafir passed away in Oakland, where he spent most of his life and built his artistic legacy.

Saafir will be remembered not only for his music but also for his resilience in overcoming adversity while continuing to inspire others.