Outlawz rapper Young Noble, born Rufus Lee Cooper III, died by suicide on July 4 in Atlanta, Georgia. He was 47. The news was confirmed by his representative and by fellow group member E.D.I. Mean. TMZ reports Noble died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound, though the Atlanta Police Department has not yet officially commented.
Final Member of 2Pac’s Inner Circle
In early 1996, Noble became the last artist personally recruited by Tupac Shakur for the Outlawz, joining just months before Tupac’s death. He went on to feature on four tracks of the iconic album The Don Killuminati: The 7 Day Theory, including the legendary “Hail Mary.” Beyond the group’s platinum-certified 1999 album Still I Rise and their 2000 debut Ride Wit Us or Collide Wit Us, Noble carved out a solo career with albums like Noble Justice (2002), Son of God (2012), Powerful (2016), and 3rd Eye View (2019).
A Community Mourns
E.D.I. Mean, who shared more than three decades of friendship and creative collaboration with Noble, broke the news on Instagram:
“Today I got some of the worst and unexpected news imaginable. My brother & partner for over 30 years took his life this morning. Rest in Power Rufus Young Noble Cooper. Mental illness is a real battle being fought by so many. CHECK ON YOUR FOLKS.”
Music industry friends responded with heartfelt tributes. Damien “Big Percy” Roderick wrote:
“REST EASY HOMIE @young_noble… wish I could change our last call we had. DAMN.”
Snoop Dogg, a former Death Row labelmate, emphasized the urgency of mental health awareness:
“DAMN Mental health is real,” he posted alongside Outlawz’s The Good Die Young.
Family Seeks Support
Following Noble’s death, his family launched a GoFundMe campaign to support funeral expenses and related costs. Organized by Jacqueline Lesane, it’s aiming to raise $22,000 and had received nearly $7,000 as of July 7. The fundraiser highlights Noble’s enduring impact on hip-hop and includes messages of gratitude and remembrance shared by the community.
Just weeks before his tragic passing, on June 22, Noble shared an encouraging message online:
“You’re not reading this by accident. This is your confirmation. You’re going to make it… be strong and don’t give up. You are next in line for your miracle.”
In 2021, he survived a severe heart attack and publicly urged others to take health seriously—a message he lived until the end.
Remembering a Legacy
Young Noble’s unexpected death reverberates deeply through both hip-hop culture and his hometown communities. He helped carry forward Tupac’s vision, both as a key collaborator on seminal work and as a leader in Outlawz after Tupac’s death. His powerful lyrics and authentic presence made an indelible mark on fans and peers alike.
As supporters rally behind his family’s fundraising effort, his call to “check on your folks” serves as a stark reminder of the often-hidden weight of mental health struggles.