Veteran West Coast rapper Saafir has died at the age of 54. The Oakland star, whose real name was Reggie Gibson, died at 8:45 am on Tuesday, November 19, his former Golden State Project groupmate Xzibit revealed. Sharing a photo of Saafir, Xzibit wrote on Instagram, “I can’t believe I’m writing this right now, but don’t know what else to do at the moment.
Approximately at 8:45am this morning, my brother Reggie known to the world as Saafir passed away. 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.” Xzibit added, “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. That’s all I have right now.
My soul is crushed. We love you Bro.” A post shared by XZIBIT (@xzibit) Saafir’s cause of death has not been disclosed.
However, the rapper battled several health issues over the years. Hehad a cancerous tumour removed from his spine, following which he started using a wheelchair, TMZ reported. Sources told the outlet that Saafir died in his hometown of Oakland, California.
Saafir’s career Xzibit, Saafir and Ras Kass were the rap trio that comprised Golden State Project. Saafir was part of Digital Underground too, People reported. This was a rap group formed back in 1987 with stars like Tu.