Rapper Saafir Dies at 54, His Friend Xzibit Confirms: 'My Soul Is Crushed'

Famous Oakland rapper Saafir has passed away. He was 54 years old.

On Tuesday, November 19, fellow host Xzibit (born Alvin Nathaniel Joiner) confirmed the death of his former Golden State Project colleague Saafir (born Reggie Gibson).

“I can’t believe I’m writing this right now, but I don’t know what else to do right now,” Xzibit, 50, wrote in an Instagram post, explaining that he learned of Saafir’s death around 8:45 a.m. on Tuesday.

Saafir performing at the Riviera Theater in Chicago, Illinois in September 1994.

Raymond Boyd/Getty

His post contained one photo Trigonometry the rapper poses for a portrait.

Xzibit, who called the late rapper his “brother,” added: “We have so much history that I can’t explain what I’m feeling right now. We’ve surrounded him and let him know how much we love him. He can rest now.”

Before he finished his tribute, The Gridiron Gang The actor urged those who have “rocked with us in the Hip Hop community” to “stand strong and reach out” to Gibson’s loved ones who need “support during this time.”

“That’s all I have right now. My soul is crushed. We love you brother,” he concluded.

Saafir, Craig Mack, The DOC and the late rapper Notorious BIG — 1994.

Raymond Boyd/Getty

Golden State Project was a rap group consisting of Xzibit, Saafir and Ras Kass. Gibson was also part of the rap group Digital Underground, which was formed in 1987 and included talents such as Shock G and Tupac Shakur.

Shock G, Humpty Hump Rapper and Digital Underground Frontman, Dies at 57

In addition to his musical career, the late artist is also credited with appearing in the 1993 film Society Threat II as Harold Lawson alongside Lorenzo Tate, Jada Pinkett Smith and Samuel L. Jackson.

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According to TMZ, Saafir died in his hometown of Oakland. While the cause of his death has not yet been determined, the media reported that Gibson had a number of health problems and began using a wheelchair after reportedly having a cancerous tumor removed from his spine.

Saafir’s representative did not immediately respond to PEOPLE’s request for comment.

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Source: HIS Education