The hip-hop community is mourning the loss of legendary Oakland rapper Saafir, who passed away at the age of 54 in November. The cause of his death has now been disclosed, revealing that he succumbed to septic shock and an infection of the small intestine known as enterocolitis. Additional details from the death certificate indicate that sacral decubitus, an enlarged bedsore caused by prolonged pressure on the spine, was also a contributing factor.
On November 19, Xzibit, a close friend and collaborator in The Golden State Project alongside Ras Kass, shared the heartbreaking news in a joint Instagram post with Saafir’s son, rapper Lil Saafir. Xzibit expressed his shock and sorrow, stating, “I can’t believe I’m writing this right now, but don’t know what else to do at the moment. Approximately at 8:45 am 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.”
Saafir first gained recognition in the early 1990s as a member of the hip-hop group Hobo Junction. His close friendship with 2Pac, which included a period of living together, also led to his appearance in the classic film Menace II Society. One of his significant contributions to the Bay Area hip-hop scene was a notable battle against Casual on KKBT’s The Wake Up Show in 1994, a moment that is now considered a cornerstone of the region’s rap history.
For years leading up to his passing, Saafir faced numerous health challenges, which he openly discussed in a 2013 interview. His struggles ultimately led to him being confined to a wheelchair, showcasing his resilience despite the hardships he endured.
As the hip-hop world reflects on Saafir’s impact and legacy, his contributions will undoubtedly be remembered by fans and fellow artists alike. Stay tuned to HipHopRaisedMeTheBlog.com for further updates and tributes to this influential figure in hip-hop history.
