Rapper Saafir Dies at 54, His Friend Xzibit Confirms: 'My Soul Is Crushed'

Mar. 15, 2025

Saafir in Chicago in September 1994.Photo:Raymond Boyd/Getty

Raymond Boyd/Getty

Prominent Oakland rapper Saafir has died. He was 54.On Tuesday, Nov. 19, fellow emceeXzibit(born Alvin Nathaniel Joiner) confirmed the death of his former Golden State Project groupmate Saafir (born Reggie Gibson).“I can’t believe I’m writing this right now, but don’t know what else to do at the moment,” Xzibit, 50, wrote inan Instagram post, explaining he learned of Saafir’s death at approximately 8:45 a.m. on Tuesday.Saafir performs at the Riviera Theatre in Chicago, Illinois in September 1994.Raymond Boyd/GettyHis post contained a single photo of theTrigonometryrapper posing for a portrait.Xzibit, who referred to the late rapper as his “brother,” added, “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.”Before ending his tribute, theGridiron Gangactor urged those who “rocked with us from the Hip Hop community” to “be so solid and reach out” to Gibson’s loved ones who need “to be supported during this time.”“That’s all I have right now. My soul is crushed. We love you Bro,” he concluded.Saafir, Craig Mack, The D.O.C. and late rapper Notorious B.I.G — 1994.Raymond Boyd/GettyGolden State Project was a rap group that consisted of Xzibit, Saafir and Ras Kass. Gibson was also part of the rap group Digital Underground, which formed in 1987 and included talents likeShock GandTupac Shakur.In addition to his music career, the late artist is alsocreditedas appearing in the 1993 filmMenace II Societyas Harold Lawson oppositeLarenz Tate,Jada Pinkett SmithandSamuel L. Jackson.Never miss a story — sign up forPEOPLE’s free daily newsletterto stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer​​, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.According to TMZ, Saafir died in his hometown of Oakland. While his cause of death has yet to be determined, the outlet reported Gibson had a host of health issues and began using a wheelchair after allegedly having a cancerous tumor removed from his spine.A rep for Saafir did not immediately respond to PEOPLE’s request for comment.

Prominent Oakland rapper Saafir has died. He was 54.

On Tuesday, Nov. 19, fellow emceeXzibit(born Alvin Nathaniel Joiner) confirmed the death of his former Golden State Project groupmate Saafir (born Reggie Gibson).

“I can’t believe I’m writing this right now, but don’t know what else to do at the moment,” Xzibit, 50, wrote inan Instagram post, explaining he learned of Saafir’s death at approximately 8:45 a.m. on Tuesday.

Saafir performs at the Riviera Theatre in Chicago, Illinois in September 1994.Raymond Boyd/Getty

His post contained a single photo of theTrigonometryrapper posing for a portrait.

Xzibit, who referred to the late rapper as his “brother,” added, “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.”

Before ending his tribute, theGridiron Gangactor urged those who “rocked with us from the Hip Hop community” to “be so solid and reach out” to Gibson’s loved ones who need “to be supported during this time.”

“That’s all I have right now. My soul is crushed. We love you Bro,” he concluded.

Saafir, Craig Mack, The D.O.C. and late rapper Notorious B.I.G — 1994.Raymond Boyd/Getty

Golden State Project was a rap group that consisted of Xzibit, Saafir and Ras Kass. Gibson was also part of the rap group Digital Underground, which formed in 1987 and included talents likeShock GandTupac Shakur.

In addition to his music career, the late artist is alsocreditedas appearing in the 1993 filmMenace II Societyas Harold Lawson oppositeLarenz Tate,Jada Pinkett SmithandSamuel L. Jackson.

Never miss a story — sign up forPEOPLE’s free daily newsletterto stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer​​, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

According to TMZ, Saafir died in his hometown of Oakland. While his cause of death has yet to be determined, the outlet reported Gibson had a host of health issues and began using a wheelchair after allegedly having a cancerous tumor removed from his spine.

A rep for Saafir did not immediately respond to PEOPLE’s request for comment.

source: people.com