West Coast Rap Pioneer Saafir Dies at 54

The Oakland rapper, known for his avant-garde style and contributions to '90s hip-hop, passed away Tuesday morning surrounded by loved ones.

Saafir, born Reggie Gibson, was a key figure in the 1990s West Coast hip-hop scene, celebrated for his groundbreaking debut album 'Boxcar Sessions'.
He was a member of the supergroup Golden State Project with Xzibit and Ras Kass and a former collaborator with Digital Underground and Tupac Shakur.
Saafir's legendary 1994 freestyle battle with Hieroglyphics on KMEL's Wake Up Show is considered a pivotal moment in Bay Area rap history.
The rapper faced significant health challenges later in life, including spinal cancer and complications from spinal surgery, which led to his use of a wheelchair.
Saafir also appeared in the 1993 film 'Menace II Society' and remained an influential figure in underground hip-hop despite his health struggles.