Saafir, the influential West Coast rapper, producer, and actor, has passed away at the age of 54.
His death was confirmed by his longtime collaborator, Xzibit, in a heartfelt post on social media.
A Tragic Announcement
Xzibit, who had a deep history with Saafir, shared the news of his friend’s passing with his followers, expressing disbelief and sorrow.
“I can’t believe I’m writing this right now, but don’t know what else to do at the moment,” Xzibit wrote, revealing that Saafir, born Reggie Gibson, died at 8:45 a.m. on Tuesday.
A Legacy in Music and Film
Saafir’s journey in the entertainment industry began in the early ’90s.
He made his debut in the rap scene in 1993 and quickly became a standout figure in the West Coast hip-hop scene.
Though mainstream success eluded him, his influence was felt throughout the genre.
He was also a talented producer and actor, with a notable role in the 1993 crime film Menace II Society, a film that also marked the debut of Jada Pinkett Smith.
Health Struggles and Final Moments
In recent years, Saafir had been dealing with serious health issues that left him reliant on a wheelchair.
Despite his personal challenges, he was surrounded by friends and family in his final moments.
Xzibit shared that he and others close to Saafir made sure to show him love and support before his passing, writing, “We surrounded him and let him know how much we loved him. He can rest now.”
A Call for Support
Xzibit also made a heartfelt plea to the hip-hop community, asking fans to support Saafir’s family.
“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,” he wrote, adding, “That’s all I have right now. My soul is crushed.”
A Fond Farewell
Xzibit ended his emotional tribute with a powerful message, declaring, “We love you Bro” and wishing Saafir, who was affectionately known as “The Saucee Nomad,” to “REST IN POWER.”
The two had a deep bond, having worked together in the Golden State Project, a rap group they were both part of, which was originally known as the Golden State Warriors.
This loss marks a sad moment for the hip-hop community as it bids farewell to one of its original pioneers.
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