Saafir, a proficient rapper who was a standout lyricist within the Nineteen Nineties, was an influential part of the sprawling West Coast underground scene that boosted the likes of the Hieroglyphics and extra. In keeping with one in all Saafir’s shut allies in music, the “Gentle Sleeper” rapper died on Tuesday morning after reviews of him battling well being points surfaced years in the past.
On Tuesday (November 19), Xzibit shared a photograph of Saafir, who additionally glided by the title of Shaft Yella, with a caption that exposed that the rapper had handed away.
From IG:
I can’t imagine I’m scripting this proper now, however don’t know what else to do in the mean time. Roughly at 8:45am this morning, my brother Reggie identified to the world as Saafir handed away. We have now a lot historical past I can’t even clarify what I’m feeling proper now. We surrounded him and let him understand how a lot we beloved him. He can relaxation now.
Buddies, Household, everybody that rocked with us from the Hip Hop neighborhood, in the event you might be so stable and attain out for @chopblack his youthful brother, and @lilsaafir his son, the household actually must be supported throughout this time. That’s all I’ve proper now. My soul is crushed.
We love you Bro.
REST IN POWER
Saafir The Saucee Nomad.
Saafir, actual title Reggie Gibson, burst onto the scene along with his debut album, Boxcar Classes, which was launched through the late Quincy Jones’ Qwest recording label along with Reprise and Warner Bros Information. Later in life, Saafir transformed to Islam and when we now have his full righteous title, we are going to replace this put up.
The Saucee Nomad famously battled members of the aforementioned Hieroglyphics by himself in a basic radio battle on KMEL’s Wake Up Present with Sway Calloway and DJ King Tech that turned the stuff of legend in underground circles. Gibson additionally labored as an actor, making his debut on movie in 1993’s Menace II Society as Cousin Harold.
Alongside along with his solo profession, Gibson was a member of the Hobo Junction, a collective of rappers and producers that featured prominently on his debut album. He was additionally a member of the Golden State Warriors [later Golden State Project] supergroup with Xzibit and Ras Kass.
On X, previously Twitter, followers of Saafir are joined in mourning the Oakland visionary. We’ve bought reactions beneath. We’ll replace this put up with new particulars as they emerge.
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Photograph: Getty
