On the morning of Friday, July 4, 2025, the hip-hop community was rocked by the tragic news of the death of Young Noble, a prominent rapper and longtime member of the Outlawz. Born Rufus Lee Cooper III, Young Noble died by suicide in Atlanta at the age of 47, with sources confirming the cause as a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
The heartbreaking announcement was made public by E.D.I. Mean, a fellow Outlawz member and close friend of over 30 years. Posting on Instagram, E.D.I. Mean expressed his profound grief and urged others to support those struggling with mental health challenges. "Today I got some of the worst and unexpected news imaginable. My brother and partner for over 30 years took his life this morning. Rest in Power Rufus Young Noble Cooper. I obviously am in no shape to talk about this right now so PLEASE give his family and I some time to process this. Mental illness is a real battle being fought by so many. CHECK ON UR FOLKS!" he wrote.
The response from the hip-hop world was immediate and heartfelt. Artists such as Xzibit, Snoop Dogg, Krayzie Bone, Layzie Bone, E-40, Suge Knight Jr., and KXNG Crooked shared condolences, underscoring the deep impact Young Noble had on his peers and fans alike.
Young Noble's career was closely intertwined with the legacy of Tupac Shakur, one of hip-hop’s most influential figures. In early 1996, he became the final member personally added by Tupac to the Outlawz, a group Tupac co-founded with Yaki Kadafi in 1995. The Outlawz, whose name stands for "Operating Under Thug Laws As Warriors," emerged from Tupac's earlier collaborations with groups like Dramacydal and Thug Life, gaining widespread recognition through their appearances on Tupac’s albums.
Young Noble’s debut with the group came on Tupac’s fifth studio album, The Don Killuminati: The 7 Day Theory, released posthumously in November 1996, just months after Tupac’s untimely death. Noble’s voice is featured on four tracks of the album, including the iconic and haunting "Hail Mary," a song that remains a cornerstone of hip-hop culture.
Despite the immense challenges the group faced following Tupac’s murder in 1996—including the deaths of co-founder Yaki Kadafi and fellow member Hussein Fatal—the Outlawz persevered. They released the platinum-certified album Still I Rise in collaboration with Tupac and went on to form their own label, Outlawz Records. Their debut album, Ride Wit Us or Collide Wit Us, dropped in 2000, further cementing their place in hip-hop history.
Alongside his group efforts, Young Noble also pursued a solo career, releasing several albums such as Noble Justice, Son of God, and most recently in 2019, 3rd Eye View. He also produced numerous mixtapes, including a nine-volume "Outlaw Nation" series, with plans for a tenth volume before his passing. His solo work was praised for its raw emotion and honesty, resonating deeply with fans who connected with his reflections on life’s struggles and triumphs.
Young Noble’s life was not without personal hardships. In May 2021, he suffered a severe heart attack that forced him to pause his career and focus on recovery. Sharing a photo from his hospital bed on Instagram, he wrote, "Thank you to all my luved ones who been praying for me I had one of the worst days of my life yesterday I had a serious heart attack but God is too good & the amazing doctors brung me back an they getting me right." He continued, "I plan to put everything in my life on hold while I recover an get my health all the way right. This will only make me stronger. I’m grateful for a second chance an I beg y’all please please please take your health serious all the unhealthy living an stress catches up sooner than later!"
Despite this health scare, friends and associates noted that Young Noble had been active and in good spirits in recent years. He was reportedly playing basketball with friends and showed no outward signs of distress, making the news of his death all the more shocking to those who knew him.
In December 2024, Young Noble gave his first interview in seven years, during which he spoke emotionally about the murders of Tupac Shakur and The Notorious B.I.G., reflecting on the toll those tragedies took on the hip-hop community. "Biggie dying affected us, too," he said. "I was almost questioning like, ‘Damn man, maybe I should have stayed in school and figured something else out.’ Like, ‘I don’t know if I made the right decision getting in the car with [Hussein] Fatal and Yaki [Kadafi] that day. This doesn’t feel good. I left the hood to come to California. I was tired of death and all this b#######. Two of my friends just died back to back. It was horrible. Horrible for Hip-Hop."
Young Noble’s final Instagram post shared a message of hope and resilience, quoting, "God is going to send blessings, solutions, healing, love and positive change your way. So hold on, be strong and don’t give up. You are next in line for your miracle." This poignant message now stands as a testament to his enduring spirit.
The tragic loss of Young Noble has reignited conversations about mental health within the music industry and beyond. His death serves as a solemn reminder of the silent battles many face. Fans, friends, and fellow artists continue to mourn his passing while urging others to be vigilant and supportive of loved ones who may be struggling.
If you or someone you know is struggling, help is available. The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline offers support through call or text, and can be reached at 988 or online at 988lifeline.org.
Young Noble’s contributions to hip-hop and his role in preserving Tupac Shakur’s legacy will not be forgotten. As the community reflects on his life and career, his music and message of resilience will continue to inspire generations to come.
