The hip-hop world is reeling from the tragic death of Young Noble, born Rufus Lee Cooper III, who died by suicide on Friday, July 4, 2025, at the age of 47. The rapper, a key member of Tupac Shakur’s Outlawz, was found dead at his Atlanta home from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound, according to authorities.
The heartbreaking news was confirmed by fellow Outlawz member E.D.I. Mean, who shared his grief in a heartfelt Instagram post.
“Today I got some of the worst and unexpected news imaginable,” he wrote. “My brother and partner for over 30 years took his life this morning. Rest in Power Rufus Young Noble Cooper.”
E.D.I. Mean urged fans to prioritize mental health, adding,
“Mental illness is a real battle being fought by so many. CHECK ON UR FOLKS!”
The post was reshared by Tupac Shakur’s official Instagram, managed by his estate, amplifying the message of loss and awareness.
The announcement sparked an outpouring of condolences from hip-hop luminaries. Xzibit wrote,
“Just heard the news brother. I’m processing this as well. I wish him peace and comfort. Condolences to you and all of the families involved. Tragedy.”
Snoop Dogg, Layzie Bone, Krayzie Bone, E-40, KXNG Crooked, and Suge Knight Jr. also expressed their sorrow, reflecting Noble’s wide-reaching influence.
Young Noble joined The Outlawz in 1996, handpicked by Tupac Shakur just months before the icon’s death. He debuted on Tupac’s posthumous album The Don Killuminati: The 7 Day Theory, contributing to tracks like the legendary “Hail Mary.”
Over his career, Noble released solo albums including Noble Justice (2002), Son of God (2012), Powerful (2016), 3rd Eye View (2019), and Outlaw University (2023). His most recent project, the Optimism EP with Rip the General, dropped in January 2025. Noble also collaborated extensively, notably with Bone Thugs-n-Harmony’s Layzie and Krayzie Bone on the Thug Brothers series and with Stic.Man of Dead Prez.
Noble’s life was marked by personal struggles. In May 2021, he survived a severe heart attack, sharing a message of gratitude from his hospital bed:
“I had one of the worst days of my life yesterday… but God is too good & the amazing doctors brung me back.”
He vowed to prioritize his health, warning fans,
“Please take your health serious all the unhealthy living an stress catches up sooner than later!”
Recently, Noble was caring for a young child with special medical needs, and sources noted signs of mental distress in the months before his death, despite no overt signs of illness while playing basketball with friends.
Born March 21, 1978, in Sierra Madre, California, Noble grew up in Pasadena before moving to New Jersey, where he met future Outlawz members Hussein Fatal and Yaki Kadafi. His early years were turbulent, marked by family issues, legal troubles, and time in juvenile detention. He later returned to California, connecting with Tupac and cementing his place in hip-hop history.
The Outlawz, formed by Tupac in 1995, carried a legacy of resilience and rebellion, contributing to over 20 million album sales worldwide. Noble’s death follows the losses of members Yaki Kadafi and Hussein Fatal, deepening the group’s tragic narrative.
In January 2025, Noble stirred controversy with a diss track aimed at Nas, tied to Tupac’s historic feud. The move drew mixed reactions, with some questioning the revival of a decades-old beef. Yet Noble’s impact endures through his music and the inspiration he provided, with fans, including incarcerated individuals, citing The Outlawz as a source of strength.
In a March 2025 Instagram post, Noble reflected,
“Life is shorter than we think. Don’t take TODAY for granted good people.”
His passing underscores the urgent need for mental health awareness in hip-hop and beyond. If you or someone you know is struggling, help is available at 988 or 988lifeline.org.
Young Noble’s legacy lives on through his music and the indelible mark he left on hip-hop. He is survived by his family, friends, and a community mourning the loss of a warrior who fought both on and off the mic.
