Veteran West Coast rapper Saafir, born Reggie Gibson, has passed away at the age of 54. The Oakland rapper’s death was confirmed by his former Golden State Project groupmate, Xzibit, who shared the sad news on Instagram on November 19. According to Xzibit, Saafir passed away at 8:45 am, and he expressed his deep grief, writing, “I can’t believe I’m writing this right now,” and adding, “We surrounded him and let him know how much we loved him. He can rest now.” Xzibit also asked for support for Saafir’s family, specifically his younger brother and son, during this difficult time.
While the cause of Saafir’s death has not been officially revealed, it is known that he faced significant health challenges in recent years. He had a cancerous tumor removed from his spine, which left him using a wheelchair. Saafir died in his hometown of Oakland, California, surrounded by loved ones.
Saafir was a respected figure in the West Coast hip-hop scene. He was part of the Golden State Project alongside Xzibit and Ras Kass, and he was also a member of the iconic rap group Digital Underground, which helped launch the careers of legends like Tupac Shakur and Shock G. Saafir’s work in the 1990s extended beyond music, as he also appeared in the 1993 film *Menace II Society*, where he played the character Harold Lawson alongside Jada Pinkett Smith, Samuel L. Jackson, and Larenz Tate. His debut album *Boxcar Sessions* marked his successful solo career, and he later signed a record deal with Quincy Jones.
Saafir’s death marks the end of a significant chapter in the West Coast rap legacy, and his contributions to both music and film will continue to be remembered by fans and peers alike.
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