Fans of hip-hop music are mourning the death of 54-year-old rapper Saafir, who had a small part in hip-hop's 1990s golden age.
The West Coast rapper, born in Oakland, died in his hometown on Tuesday, the New York Post reported.
The news of his death was shared by his friend and collaborator Xzibit, who said "my soul is crushed" in a touching Instagram message.
The cause of death has not been released, but Saafir's health was reportedly in decline for some time, causing him to use a wheelchair after a cancerous tumor was removed from his spine, TMZ reported.
For a brief moment in the 1990s, Saafir, real name Reggie Gibson, crossed paths with some of West Coast rap's most legendary figures, among them Tupac Shakur.
Saafir was a dancer for the rap outfit Digital Underground, which started Tupac's career and became known for the hit "The Humpty Dance." Shafir was also one-third of the group Golden State Project, along with Xzibit and Ras Kass.
In a heartbreaking post mourning his "brother," Xzibit confirmed that Saafir died Tuesday morning.
"I can’t believe I’m writing this right now, but don’t know what else to do at the moment," Xzibit wrote in response to his friend's death. "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. We surrounded him and let him know how much we loved him. He can rest now."
"Friends, Family, everyone that rocked with us from the Hip Hop community, if you could be so solid and reach out for @chopblack his younger brother, and @lilsaafir his son, the family really needs to be supported during this time. That’s all I have right now. My soul is crushed.
We love you Bro."
While not a household name, Saafir was recognized for his lyrical dexterity by rap fans and artists and is regarded as an influential figure in the Bay Area rap scene.
He was especially known for his role in a notorious Bay Area rap battle in 1994 that brought the scene to national attention, the Hip Hop Museum said.
"His voice, artistry, & dedication to the craft have made a lasting impact on the genre & will continue to inspire future generations,” the Hip Hop Museum wrote on X.
Saafir also appeared in the 1993 crime drama Menace II Society, which marked Jada Pinkett Smith's acting debut.
