Young Noble, Member Of 2Pac’s Outlawz Rap Group, Dead At 47

Young Noble, a key member of 2Pac’s surviving rap group Outlawz, has passed away at the age of 47 by an apparent suicide.

The rapper, born Rufus Lee Cooper III, died on Friday morning (July 4) in Atlanta, where he was reportedly discovered with what appears to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound, according to an early report from TMZ. The exact circumstances surrounding his death remain under investigation.

Born in California, Young Noble spent part of his early life in New Jersey, where he formed close friendships with future Outlawz members Yaki Khadafi and Hussein Fatal.

He became the last artist personally recruited by Tupac Shakur to join the group, cementing his place in one of hip-hop’s most legendary collectives.

Noble made his debut on 2Pac’s 1996 posthumous album The Don Killuminati: The 7 Day Theory, contributing to four songs, including the timeless classic “Hail Mary.” His gritty delivery and loyalty to Pac’s message made him a standout presence among the Outlawz.

Over the years, Young Noble helped carry the group’s torch, contributing to multiple albums and collaborative projects. The group’s most recent release, One Nation, dropped in 2021, continuing their legacy well into the modern era of hip-hop.

That same year, Young Noble suffered a severe heart attack and was hospitalized before eventually being discharged. Despite the health scare, sources say he appeared to be in good health prior to his death, making the news all the more shocking to fans and peers.

Young Noble’s passing marks the end of a chapter for one of the few remaining figures directly connected to 2Pac’s inner-circle and legacy.

Tributes have poured in from across the hip-hop community as stars like Snoop Dogg, E-40, Xzibit, and Bone Thugs-N-Harmony, as well as his fans, remember his contributions, loyalty, and impact on the culture.

See Outlawz member E.D.I. Mean’s tribute post to Young Noble below.