American rapper and actor Saafir, known by his stage name Reggie Gibson, has passed away at the age of 54, according to his former collaborator Xzibit.
The artist, who was born Reggie Gibson, died at 8:45 a.m. on Tuesday, as reported by Xzibit in a post.
Saafir made his debut in the music industry in 1993 and quickly became a prominent figure in West Coast rap, though he never achieved the level of commercial success he had hoped for. He was also a talented producer and actor, who sadly left us at the same time.
He ventured into acting in 1993, landing a role in the modern crime classic “Menace II Society,” which was the feature debut of actress Jada Pinkett Smith.
In recent years, Saafir had been dealing with various health issues, including the need for a spinal tumor removal, which may have contributed to his passing.
‘I’m can’t believe I’m writing this right now, but don’t know what else to do at the moment,’ wrote a stunned Xzibit as he announced his friend’s death.
‘Approximately at 8:45am this morning, my brother Reggie known to the world as Saafir passed away,’ he announced.
‘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 (born Alvin Nathaniel Joiner) wrote.
‘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 continued.
‘That’s all I have right now,’ the Pimp My Ride host shared. ‘My soul is crushed.’
He concluded by declaring ‘We love you Bro,’ and he hoped that his fallen friend — whom he referred to be his nickname ‘The Saucee Nomad’ would ‘REST IN POWER.’
Sources who spoke to TMZ said that the late MC had died in his hometown of Oakland.
He reportedly suffered health issues in recent years, and he had even had to have a tumor removed from his spine.
Saafir is survived by his son, the rapper Lil Saafir, and a brother.
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