West Coast rapper Saafir dies at 54, longtime pal Xzibit says 'my soul is crushed' in heartfelt tribute

OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA: Reggie Gibson, the influential producer, actor, and rapper known as Saafir, has died at the age of 54, confirmed his longtime collaborator, rapper Alvin Nathaniel Joiner aka Xzibit. 

Saafir and Xzibit's journey together began in the rap group Golden State Project, also known as the Golden State Warriors. 

While the cause of Saafir's death is yet to be disclosed, reports suggest his health had been deteriorating recently, including a surgery to remove a tumor from his spine. He was also required to use a wheelchair.

He leaves behind his brother and son, rapper Lil Saafir, in his memory. Saafir's death came just after the death of 'Type of Way' rapper Rich Homie Quan who died at the age of 34.

Who was Saafir?

Saafir made his musical debut in 1993, quickly establishing himself as a prominent West Coast rapper. He later expanded his career into acting, landing a role in the modern crime classic ‘Menace II Society’.

This opportunity came after Saafir lived with rap legend Tupac Shakur, who introduced him to filmmakers Albert and Allen Hughes, who cast him in their debut film.

Before his success in music and acting, Saafir worked as a dancer for a hip-hop crew and was also a member of the hip-hop group Hobo Junction in the early 1990s.

However, his career was significantly impacted by a series of back injuries. According to the Daily Mail, his injuries began after he was involved in an air crash on TWA Flight 843, which crash-landed following an aborted takeoff on July 30, 1992. Saafir sustained back injuries in the crash, and in 2005, he underwent surgery to remove a cancerous tumor from his spine.

In a 2023 interview with 48 Hills, Saafir shared that the surgery saved him from paralysis but left him with significant loss of leg function. He also revealed his frustration with health insurance, which he claimed failed to cover treatments that could have helped him regain mobility, ultimately leading to his reliance on a wheelchair.

What did Xzibit say of Saafir’s death?

In an emotional Instagram post after Saafir's death, Xzibit shared the heartbreaking news along with a deeply personal tribute.

Xzibit began by expressing his disbelief, writing, "I can't believe I'm writing this right now, but don't know what else to do at the moment."

He then shared the time of Saafir’s passing, stating, "Approximately at 8:45am this morning, my brother Reggie known to the world as Saafir passed away."

Reflecting on their close bond, Xzibit said, "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."

He also urged friends and the Hip-Hop community to support Saafir’s family, adding, "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."

Expressing his own grief, Xzibit continued, "That’s all I have right now. My soul is crushed.."

He concluded the post with a tribute to his friend, saying, "We love you, Bro," and wishing Saafir, whom he affectionately called 'The Saucee Nomad,' to "REST IN POWER."

Fans pay tribute to Saafir after his death at 54 

When news of 54-year-old rapper Saafir's death spread after Xzibit shared the heartbreaking update online, the post quickly gained over 15,000 likes within just nine hours. Fans flooded the comments with tributes and expressions of grief. 

One user described Saafir as "a true brother to be with him in his final moments," adding, "May God and the ancestors guide him safely through his next journey. 🙏🏽 🕊️ ❤️."

Another reflected on his wisdom, saying, "Not only was Saafir talented but wise beyond his years. He will be missed 🙏🏾." 

A third simply wrote, "RIP to the legend." 

Others shared prayer emojis, while one person shared a personal connection, "I just reached out to him thru his son wow my condolences lot of memories rest well bro 🙏🏾." 

Another fan honored him as a "KING," saying, "☆Rest Well KING...May All Hurting Receive "❤️" To Get Thru☆." 

A further tribute came from a follower expressing, "Our condolences to the friends and family 🙏🏾 Rest in Power King 👑." 

One netizen shared, "Words can't express my thoughts 🙏🏼 so many awsome memories, 😩I send my Love to him and his family, rest well Legend 🕊️🕊️💙." 

Lastly, a user wrote, "My deepest condolences and prayers are going up for strength for you and your family. Love you guys."

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