West Coast rapper Saafir has died at the age of 54, according to his longtime collaborator Xzibit.
Saafir, who was also a producer and actor, died at 8:45 a.m. Tuesday, according to the Xzibit post.
The rapper (born Reggie Gibson) made his recording debut in 1993 and became an influential figure in West Coast rap, although further commercial success eluded him.
She expanded into acting in 1993 with a role in the modern crime classic Menace II Society, which marked Jada Pinkett Smith’s film debut.
He had reportedly suffered numerous health problems in recent years and had been forced to use a wheelchair.
“I can’t believe I’m writing this right now, but I don’t know what else to do right now,” a stunned Xzibit wrote as he announced his friend’s death.
West Coast rapper Saafir has died at age 54, according to his former collaborator Xzibit; photographed in 1994 in Chicago
“At approximately 8:45 in the morning, my brother Reggie, known to the world as Saafir, passed away,” he announced.
‘We have so much history that I can’t even explain what I feel now. We surrounded him and let him know how much we loved him. Now you can rest,” wrote Xzibit (born Alvin Nathaniel Joiner).
“Friends, family, everyone who was with us in the Hip Hop community, if you could be so solid and reach out to @chopblack, his younger brother, and @lilsaafir, his son, the family really needs support during this time.” continuous.
“That’s all I have right now,” the Pimp My Ride host shared. “My soul is broken.”
He concluded by declaring, ‘We love you, brother,’ and hoped that his fallen friend, whom he referred to by his nickname ‘The Nomad Saucee,’ would ‘REST IN POWER.’
Saafir and Xzibit’s collaboration dates back to their time in the rap group Golden State Project, which was formerly of the Golden State Warriors.
Xzibit wrote that Saafir had died at 8:45 a.m. Tuesday and said he and others had “surrounded him and let him know how much we loved him.”