Xzibit Reveals His Brother Saafir Has Died: “My Soul Is Crushed”

According to an Instagram post from the veteran MC, close affiliate and fellow rapper Saafir has passed away. He was 54.

Saafir, born Reggie Gibson, was closely associated with the West Coast Hip-Hop scene. While not Xzibit’s biological brother, the two have referred to each other that way numerous times over the years. They were part of the group Golden State Project along with Ras Kass in the early 2000s. Saafir first gained prominence as a member of the Hobo Junction collective, a group known for its lyrical prowess. He’s also known for his infamous battle with Hieroglyphics, a moment that added to his legend in the 1990s. His debut album, Boxcar Sessions (1994), is considered an underground classic. He also released other notable works, including Trigonometry and Good Game: The Transition, and appeared in the cult-classic film Menace II Society (1993).