Saafira talented rapper who was a standout lyricist in the 1990s, he was a major component of the vast West Coast underground scene that fostered hieroglyphics and more. According to one of Saafir's close allies in music, the “Light Sleeper” rapper died on Tuesday morning after reports that he had been dealing with health problems for years.
On Tuesday (November 19), Xzibit shared a photo of Saafir, who also went by the name Shaft Yella, with a caption that revealed the rapper had died.
From IG:
I can't believe I'm writing this right now, but I don't know what else to do right now. At approximately 8:45 A.M. this morning my brother Reggie, known to the world as Saphir, passed away. We have so much history that I can't even explain how I feel right now. We surrounded him and let him know how much we loved him. He can rest now.
Friends, Family, everyone who has touched us from the Hip Hop community, if you could be so firm and reach out to @chopblack his younger brother and @lilsaafir his son, the family really needs support during this time . That's all I have right now. My soul is crushed.
We love you bro.
REST IN POWER
Saafir The Saucee Nomad.
Saafir, real name Reggie Gibson, burst onto the scene with his debut album, Boxcar Sessions, which was released through the late Quincy Jones' Qwest label in association with Reprise and Warner Bros Records. Later in life Saafir converted to Islam and when we have his full fair name we will update this post.
Saucee Nomad famously battled the members of the aforementioned Hieroglyphs on his own in a classic college radio battle that became legend in underground circles. Gibson also worked as an actor, making his film debut in 1993 Menace II Society as Cousin Harold.
On X, formerly Twitter, Saafir's fans join in mourning the Oakland visionary. We have reactions below. We'll update this post with new details and a song playlist.
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Photo: Getty
