Saafir dead Rapper and Menace to Society actor dies aged 54

Rapper Saafir, born Reggie Gibson, has passed away at the age of 54. Known for his jazz-infused sound and unique voice, Saafir was a pivotal figure in West Coast hip-hop.

Despite health struggles in recent years that confined him to a wheelchair, Saafir’s influence remained strong. Fellow rapper and collaborator Xzibit expressed deep sorrow in a heartfelt tribute following Saafir’s passing on Tuesday morning.

Xzibit shared:
“I can’t believe I’m writing this right now… At approximately 8:45 AM, my brother Reggie, known to the world as Saafir, passed away. We surrounded him, letting him know how much we loved him. He can rest now.”

Saafir, originally from Oakland, California, made his debut in 1993, quickly earning recognition as an innovative force in hip-hop. Beyond music, he ventured into acting, appearing in the acclaimed crime drama Menace II Society alongside Jada Pinkett Smith and Samuel L. Jackson—a role secured through his then-roommate, rap legend Tupac Shakur.

In 1994, Saafir signed a record deal with Quincy Jones and released his debut album, Boxcar Sessions, blending jazz elements with the rhythms of West Coast rap. His career faced setbacks due to chronic back injuries, stemming from a plane crash in 1992 and a spinal tumor removed in 2005.

The cause of Saafir’s death has not been disclosed. He is survived by his son, rapper Lil Saafir, and his younger brother.

Music by Yevhen Onoychenko from Pixabay