American rapper and actor Saafir, known for his influential role in West Coast hip-hop, has died at the age of 54.
His passing was confirmed by his long-time friend and collaborator, rapper Xzibit, who shared the news on social media.
Born Reggie Gibson, Saafir passed away at 8:45 a.m. on Tuesday, as reported by Xzibit. The rapper first made his mark in the music industry in 1993, releasing his debut album and quickly becoming a prominent figure in the underground rap scene.
Despite not achieving widespread commercial success, Saafir’s unique style and contributions to the genre left a lasting impact on the West Coast rap community.
In addition to his music career, Saafir expanded into acting, with a notable role in the 1993 film Menace II Society, which also marked Jada Pinkett Smith’s film debut.
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However, in recent years, he had struggled with health problems, including the need to use a wheelchair, and underwent surgery to remove a tumour from his spine.
Xzibit, who shared a deep bond with Saafir, expressed his grief in a heartfelt post. “I can’t believe I’m writing this right now,” he wrote.
“We surrounded him and let him know how much we loved him. He can rest now.” Xzibit also urged fans and the hip-hop community to support Saafir’s family, including his younger brother and son, rapper Lil Saafir, during this difficult time.
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Saafir’s death is a huge loss to the hip-hop world. He is survived by his son, his brother, and countless fans who remember him for his distinctive voice and contributions to music and film.
Sources indicate that Saafir died in his hometown of Oakland, California. His passing marks the end of an era for many who grew up listening to his music and admiring his work both in front of and behind the camera.