Reggie Gibson, professionally known as Saafir, an influential figure in West Coast hip-hop during the 1990s, passed away on November 19, 2024, at his home in Oakland, California. He was 54 years old. While the exact cause of his death has not been publicly disclosed, he had been contending with significant health issues over the years.
Fellow rapper and close friend Xzibit shared the news of his passing. He poured out his heartbreak in an emotional Instagram post, struggling to find the right words as he called Saafir his brother. He reflected on their bond, saying they had surrounded Saafir with love in his final moments and found some comfort in knowing that he’s finally at peace.
He urged the hip-hop community to rally around Saafir’s family, especially his younger brother and son, who need all the support they can get right now.
Ending his tribute, Xzibit spoke from the depths of his grief, admitting his soul feels crushed, but he made sure to send Saafir off with a final message of love and a wish for him to rest in power.
Saafir’s music career began in the early 1990s when Shock G of Digital Underground discovered him. He made his recorded debut on Digital Underground’s 1993 album, “The Body-Hat Syndrome.” He gained prominence through a legendary 1994 radio battle against Casual and the Hieroglyphics crew on San Francisco’s KMEL radio station.
Following the radio battle, Saafir signed with Quincy Jones’ Qwest Records and released his debut album, “Boxcar Sessions,” in 1994. The album included the single “Light Sleeper,” which Rolling Stone magazine later named one of the greatest West Coast hip-hop songs.
Beyond music, Saafir appeared in the 1993 film “Menace II Society” as Harold Lawson. He continued releasing music throughout the 1990s, including the albums “Trigonometry” (1998) under the alias Mr. No No, and “The Hit List” (1999).
A former protégé of Dr. Dre and a one-time roommate of Tupac Shakur, Saafir was also part of the West Coast supergroup Golden State Project alongside Ras Kass and Xzibit.
He gained significant recognition for his work with the Hobo Junction collective and for his solo endeavors, particularly his 1995 album Boxcar Sessions.
In 2003, Saafir was incarcerated for a parole violation. During his time in solitary confinement, he embraced Islam, which marked a turning point in his life. In 2006, he released “Good Game: The Transition,” an album reflecting on his personal evolution, faith, and fatherhood.
In recent years, Saafir has faced significant health challenges. He battled spinal cancer and underwent surgery that left him using a wheelchair.
Saafir is survived by his younger brother, “Chopblack,” and his son, “Lil Saafir.”