The early death of rapper Saafir, one of Tupac Shakur's best friends

Saafir dies at age 54

American rapper Saafir died on Tuesday, November 19 at his home in Oakland, TMZ reports. He was 54 years old. Known for his signature raspy voice and majestic fusion of rap and jazz, Saafir was considered one of the best rappers of his generation.

Confirmed by his son, Lil Saafir

His friend Xzibit shared the painful news with the world via Instagram, and then the rapper's son, Lil Saafir, confirmed it.

Reggie Gibson, known as Saafir

"Approximately at 8:45am this morning, my brother Reggie known to the world as Saafir passed away. We have so much history I can't even explain what I'm feeling right now," Xzibit said in his statement.

Photo: Lil Saafir / Instagram

Surrounded by his family

A statement said the artist did not die alone. "We surrounded him and let him know how much we loved him. He can rest now," the statement of Xzibit said.

Photo: Lil Saafir / Instagram

Family needs help

Xzibit also asked for help for Saafir's family, saying that it "really needs to be supported during this time."

Photo: Lil Saafir / Instagram

What was the cause of Saafir's death?

Neither Xzibit nor Lil Saafir have revealed the cause of Saafir's death. However, it was known that the rapper had been experiencing serious health problems for several years.

Photo: Lil Saafir / Instagram

Back problems

One of the most complicated was a back operation with a painful recovery that had been dragging on for years.

A symbol of 90s rap

Saafir was a very important figure in 90s rap. He was a symbol of West Coast hip hop in the US and always knew how to innovate, thanks to his unmistakable lyrical style.

A unique and unmistakable style

'Boxcar Sessions', his most famous album (1994), is considered a masterpiece of underground rap, fusing rap with jazz and funk and having an overwhelming lyrical complexity.

Photo: Lil Saafir / Instagram

Friend and companion of Tupac

Saafir was part of the artists' collective 'Death Row Records', the leading label of the time, which brought him into contact with the most important names in rap. Among them were Snoop Dogg, Biggie, and Tupac Shakur. With the latter, he established a brief friendship, sharing a house and some interesting projects.

Photo: Lil Saafir / Instagram

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