West Coast rapper Saafir passes away at 54

West Coast hip-hop legend Saafir, known for ‘Boxcar Sessions’ and Hobo Junction, passes away, leaving fans mourning.

West Coast hip-hop legend Saafir, born Reggie Gibson, passed away on Tuesday morning at the age of 54.

Known for his lyrical prowess and contributions to underground hip-hop, Saafir was a pivotal figure in the West Coast rap scene.

Saafir first rose to prominence as a member of the Hobo Junction collective, celebrated for its sharp lyricism and battle rap skills. He gained further recognition in the 1990s with a memorable battle against Hieroglyphics, solidifying his status as a rap legend. 

Gibson’s debut album, ‘Boxcar Sessions’ (1994), is widely regarded as an underground classic, and he continued his career with other notable works like ‘Trigonometry’ and ‘Good Game: The Transition’. Beyond music, Saafir showcased his versatility by appearing in the cult-classic film ‘Menace II Society’ (1993).

The news of Saafir’s passing was shared by longtime collaborator and fellow rapper Xzibit, who posted a heartfelt tribute on Instagram. “Approximately at 8:45am this morning, my brother Reggie, known to the world as Saafir, passed away,” Xzibit wrote. He urged the hip-hop community to support Saafir’s family during this difficult time.

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by XZIBIT (@xzibit)

Saafir’s impact on hip-hop, particularly in the West Coast scene, continues to be celebrated by fans and fellow artists. His unique contributions to music and culture leave an indelible mark, ensuring his legacy endures in the world of hip-hop.