Outlawz Rapper Young Noble Dead at 47 in Apparent Suicide

Hip-Hop Community Mourns the Tragic Death of Young Noble

The hip-hop world is reeling from heartbreaking news: Young Noble, the last member personally added to the Outlawz by Tupac Shakur, has died by suicide at age 47.

According to sources close to the artist, Young Noble—born Rufus Lee Cooper III—passed away in the early morning hours of July 4, 2025, at his home in Atlanta, Georgia. The cause of death has been confirmed as a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

Update on Young Noble’s passing

The hip-hop community is grappling with the devastating loss of Outlawz rapper Young Noble, who tragically passed away on July 4, 2025, in Snellville, Atlanta, from a self-inflicted g*nshot wound, as confirmed by a police report obtained by TMZ.

Found submerged in a country club pool with a Beretta Tomcat .32 pistol and a spent shell casing nearby, Noble, born Rufus Lee Cooper III, had been struggling with depression and financial difficulties, according to his wife and daughter.

His wife revealed to authorities that she last spoke to him at 2 AM that morning, when he said he was “going to drive around to clear my head,” but he never returned, and her calls went unanswered. She noted that Noble, once a prominent figure in the music industry as a Tupac Shakur protégé, had faced recent setbacks and was the primary caregiver for their children, including a child with autism who requires constant supervision, while she worked. After his absence, she left the kids at a relative’s house and later found his parked car near the country club.

A key member of the Outlawz, Noble’s raw lyricism and activism left a lasting legacy, and his family has launched a GoFundMe to cover funeral expenses, emphasizing that “mental health is real.”

🎤 A Legacy Tied to Tupac and the Outlawz

Young Noble joined the Outlawz in 1996 and was featured on some of Tupac’s most legendary recordings, including “Hail Mary,” “Me and My Girlfriend,” and several tracks from The Don Killuminati: The 7 Day Theory.

His solo career also made waves, with projects like Noble Justice (2002), Son of God (2012), and numerous Outlawz collaborations over the past two decades. Noble was respected for his loyalty to Tupac’s vision, raw lyricism, and underground hustle.

🧠 A Silent Battle with Mental Health

Close friend and fellow Outlawz member E.D.I. Mean confirmed the news on Instagram with a moving tribute:

“My brother and partner for over 30 years took his life this morning. Mental illness is a real battle… Check on your folks.”

Noble had survived a serious heart attack in 2021, calling it a “wake-up call” that led him to prioritize his health. Despite staying physically active and creatively engaged, sources say he had shown signs of mental distress in recent months.

💬 Tributes Pour In

Hip-hop legends including Snoop Dogg, E-40, Xzibit, Layzie Bone, Krayzie Bone, and KXNG Crooked offered condolences, hailing Young Noble as a “pillar of outlaw rap” and “forever part of Tupac’s legacy.”

Fans around the world have expressed grief and solidarity using the hashtag #RIPYoungNoble.

🙏 Mental Health Is Real

Young Noble’s passing is a powerful reminder of the importance of mental health awareness—especially within creative communities often dealing with fame, pressure, and trauma.

If you or someone you know is struggling:

In the U.S. & Canada, dial 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline)
Visit 988lifeline.org or check local support services

🕊 Rest in Power

Young Noble will forever be remembered for his loyalty, lyrical fire, and commitment to keeping Tupac’s message alive. The Outlawz legacy lives on through his music, his family, and his fans.