American artist Saafir died on November 19 at the age of 54, after a decade of struggling with serious health problems. Known for his raspy voice and unique fusion of rap and jazz, Saafir is considered one of the best rappers of his generation.
News of his death was shared on Instagram by fellow rapper Xzibit and later confirmed by Saafir’s son, whose legal name is Reggie Gibson. According to his family, Saafir died in the arms of his loved ones.
What happened to Saafir?
Although the exact cause of death was not revealed, it is known that Saafir had been facing serious health problems for many years. Many of these stem from complications following back surgery.
In his post, Xzibit explained that Saafir passed away in the morning and called for support for the artist’s family.
“Around 8:45 this morning, my brother Reggie known to the world as Saafir passed away. We have so much history that I can’t even explain my feelings right now. We surround him and let him know how much we love him. Now he can rest.”
“Friends, Family, everyone who has rocked with us in the Hip Hop community, if you can stay that strong and reach out to @chopblack, his younger brother and @lilsaafir, his son , my family really needs support during this time. That’s all I have right now. We love you.
Saafir’s son, Lil Saafir, also shared the message, while fans flooded social media, looking back at childhood photos Lil Saafir posted with his father.
Who is Saafir?
Hailing from Oakland, California, Saafir emerged in the 1990s with his distinctive lyrical style and innovative approach to rap music. He is a member of groups such as The Click and collaborates with famous West Coast artists.
His most famous album, Boxcar Sessions (1994), is considered a classic in underground rap music, praised for its lyrical complexity and seamless fusion of rap, jazz and funk. Saafir is also a member of the influential Death Row Records collective, placing him alongside legendary names in the rap world.
Saafir belongs to the same generation of rappers as Tupac Shakur, Snoop Dogg and The Notorious BIG. He shared both a friendship and professional relationship with Tupac during their time at Death Row Records. The two often interacted musically and even lived in the same house for a while.
Although their styles are different, they share a deep passion for hip-hop as a means of expression. Saafir witnessed some of the most important moments in Tupac’s career, including his efforts and his rapid rise to fame.
In recent years, Saafir has been away from the music scene due to ongoing health challenges.
–Originally appeared on ‘Latin Times.’
Tags Rapper, Tupac Shakur, Death