Saafir, West Coast Rap Innovator and 'Menace II Society' Actor, Dies at 54
The hip-hop community is mourning the loss of Reggie "Saafir" Gibson, a pioneering West Coast rapper and actor, who died Tuesday morning at the age of 54. His death was confirmed by close friend and longtime collaborator, Xzibit, who shared the news via an emotional Instagram post.
"Approximately at 8:45 am this morning, my brother Reggie known to the world as Saafir passed away," Xzibit wrote. "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."
In addition to his solo success, Saafir was a member of Digital Underground, the groundbreaking collective that famously featured Tupac Shakur and the late Shock G. He also collaborated with Xzibit and Ras Kass to form the Golden State Project, initially called the Golden State Warriors, until legal challenges from the NBA prompted a name change.
"Approximately at 8:45 am this morning, my brother Reggie known to the world as Saafir passed away," Xzibit wrote. "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."
Emerging in the early 1990s, he gained recognition for his intricate wordplay, complex rhyme schemes and socially aware lyrics. His debut album, "Boxcar Sessions," released in 1994, remains a landmark in West Coast underground hip-hop. He solidified his position in the genre with notable works like "The Hit List" and "Trigonometry."Rest in Peace Saafir 🕊️ pic.twitter.com/lGtXmKVE5R
— Tommy Boy Records (@TommyBoyRecords) November 20, 2024
In addition to his solo success, Saafir was a member of Digital Underground, the groundbreaking collective that famously featured Tupac Shakur and the late Shock G. He also collaborated with Xzibit and Ras Kass to form the Golden State Project, initially called the Golden State Warriors, until legal challenges from the NBA prompted a name change.
In recent years, Saafir faced a series of health challenges, including the removal of a cancerous tumor from his spine, which left him using a wheelchair. Despite these setbacks, his spirit and impact on the music industry remained strong and inspiring.One of my favorite rap songs EVER
— Andreas Hale (@AndreasHale) November 19, 2024
Ahmad, Ras Kass and Saafir - Come Widdit (1994)
All three went ballistic.
RIP Saafir pic.twitter.com/OvOtZV7iVc
Xzibit called on the hip-hop community to support Saafir’s family during this challenging time. "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 said.
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