Saafir, a respected West Coast Hip-Hop artist and actor who appeared in the 1993 film Menace II Society, has passed away at the age of 54.

RAPPER Saafir has died at the age of 54. The star, real name Reggie Gibson, was famed for his jazz-infused style and distinctive voice. Saafir faced several health challenges in recent years and

Saafir's death was announced by his friend and collaborator Xzibit, who admitted he was 'crushed' by the loss of the talented rapper

I can’t believe I’m writing this right now, but don’t know what else to do at the moment,” Xzibit wrote on Instagram, alongside an old headshot of Saafir. “Approximately at 8:45am this morning, my brother Reggie known to the world as Saafir passed away.

Saafir was a member of the group Golden State Project alongside Ras Kass and Xzibit, and the latter confirmed his passing on social media.

Born Reggie Gibson, in Oakland, California, Saafir was a prominent figure in the 1990s Bay Area rap scene. He made his first recorded appearance on Digital Underground’s 1993 al