Sources also told the outlet that Saafir died in his hometown of Oakland, Calif. Golden State Project was a rap trio with Xzibit, Saafir and Ras Kass. The group was originally goi

Prominent Oakland rapper Saafir has died at 54 years old. His death was confirmed via social media by his friend and former Golden State Project group member, Xzibit.

Born in Oakland in 1970, Saafir became a well-known voice in West Coast rap. After leaving home at 12 years old, he bounced around to various group homes, before going on to become a highly influential figure in the 1990s underground music scene.