Saafir, a ground-breaking West Coast rap veteran, passed away on Tuesday (Nov. 19). He was 54.
Xzibit, who was a member of the Golden State Project (formerly known as the Golden State Warriors) with Saafir and Ras Kass, confirmed his death in a touching tribute that he shared on his Instagram.
“I can’t believe I’m writing this right now but don’t know what else to do at the moment. Approximately at 8:45 am this morning, my brother Reggie known to the world as Saafir passed away,” his post read. “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.,” he continued. “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.”
No cause of death has been disclosed.
Born in Oakland, California as Reggie Gibson, Saafir launched his rap career in the early 90s with the rap groups Hobo Junction and Digital Underground. He was even a roommate of Tupac Shakur and appeared on several tracks of Digital Underground’s The Body-Hat Syndrome LP.
In 1993, Saafir had a role in the classic film Menace II Society as Harold Lawson. The star-studded cast also included Larenz Tate, Jada Pinket Smith, and Samuel L. Jackson.
Following the success of the film, he landed a major record deal with Quincy Jones’ Qwest Records. He released his critically acclaimed debut album, Boxcar Sessions in 1994.
Saafir also released other albums Trigonometry (1998) The Hit List (1999), and Game: The Transition (2006). He was a staple of the California underground rap scene.
We at HOT97 send our prayers and deepest condolences to the family and friends of Saafir.
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