Hater Eraser
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RIP
RIP to Oakland Rapper/ Menace II Society Actor - Saafir ..
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RIP
Talk ya shyt Saafiir
Diondon
Thanks to the lawyers uh, I marbled the foyer
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RIp brother
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Oakland’s Saafir, a key figure in West Coast rap, dies at 54
By Aidin Vaziri, Staff WriterNov 19, 2024 / SF Chronicle
Saafir, the acclaimed Oakland rapper celebrated for his gritty, jazz-infused style and transformative life story, died on Tuesday, Nov. 19, at age 54.
His family confirmed that he died at around 8:45 a.m., surrounded by loved ones. Although the cause of death was undisclosed, Saafir faced several health challenges in recent years, including complications from spinal surgery and spinal cancer.
A former protégé of Dr. Dre and a onetime roommate of Tupac Shakur, Saafir carved out a reputation as one of the most distinctive voices in West Coast rap.
His performance in a 1994 KMEL freestyle battle, where he seemingly bested the entire Hieroglyphics crew, solidified his status in hip-hop history. Saafir was also a member of the West Coast supergroup Golden State Project, alongside Ras Kass and Xzibit.
“We have so much history I can’t even explain what I’m feeling right now,” Xzibit wrote in an Instagram post on Tuesday. “We surrounded him and let him know how much we loved him. He can rest now.” He added, “My soul is crushed.”
Born Reggie Gibson in Oakland on Aug. 23, 1970, Saafir the Saucee Nomad left home at 12, bouncing in and out of group homes and street life, before becoming a pivotal figure in the 1990s underground scene.
Best known for his work with the Hobo Junction collective and solo projects like 1995’s “Boxcar Sessions” on Quincy Jones’ label, he produced the underground hit “Light Sleeper.”
His poetic rhymes often mirrored his harsh upbringing in East Oakland.
Saafir’s career defied convention. Discovered by Digital Underground’s Shock G, he collaborated with icons such as Tupac and Dr. Dre. His sharp street commentary marked his early work, but personal upheavals and spiritual awakenings, spurred by being a passenger on TWA Flight 843 when it made an emergency landing in 1992, shaped his evolving music and philosophy.
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His transformation deepened during his 2003 incarceration for a parole violation, where solitary confinement led him to Islam and renewed purpose.
“In my environment, you had to be on some real street s—,” he told the Chronicle in 2007. “Back in the day, after I did a show, I was back on the block.”
After his release from prison, Saafir returned to music, but his physical health took a serious hit with a diagnosis of spinal cancer. He faced this challenge with resilience, accepting his illness as part of his larger spiritual journey.
“This is the only therapy I get, doing hip-hop,” he told the Chronicle.
Saafir’s life story — marked by brushes with death, personal struggle and eventual redemption — was captured in his music, which evolved alongside his spiritual beliefs.
While his albums such as 1997’s “Trigonometry” and 1999’s “The Hit List” received critical attention, it was his later work that revealed his deepest reflections on faith, fatherhood and the lessons he had learned.
His personal transformation was a central theme of the 2006 album “Good Game: The Transition.”
His health issues led to a quieter life in his final years.
Saafir is survived by his son, known as Lil Saafir, and his brother. No public memorial services have been announced.
Reach Aidin Vaziri: avaziri@sfchronicle.com
MajesticLion
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Peace and blessings.
get these nets
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Rest in Peace to him
Years back,the late Shock G wrote a column for Davey D that detailed exactly when Saafir's health started deteriorating. Not as an air out, but to let the hip hop community know about his struggles.
Was hard to read
hiphopandpolitics.com
Years back,the late Shock G wrote a column for Davey D that detailed exactly when Saafir's health started deteriorating. Not as an air out, but to let the hip hop community know about his struggles.
Was hard to read
Shock G of Digital Underground Explains Why Saafir is Bound to a Wheelchair | Hip-Hop and Politics
Last year, a close friend asked me “Why is Saafir in a wheelchair?” and with a sigh, all I could muster was “It’s complicated” because it really is. Months later, he asked me a 3rd time, so I shot him this email below: Saafir’s sitch is the gradual result of a series of events.. Here’s […]
hiphopandpolitics.com
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