Outlawz Rapper Young Noble Dead by Suicide at 47

Outlawz member Young Noble has died at the age of 47, as confirmed by his fellow group member E.DI. Mean.

On Friday afternoon (July 4), E.D.I. shared a post on Instagram explaining that he was "at a loss for words."

"Today I got some of the worst and unexpected news imaginable. My brother and partner for over 30 years took his life this morning," he wrote in slide alongside a photo of him and Noble. "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."

E.D.I Mean added: "Mental illness is a real battle being fought by so many. CHECK ON YO UR FOLKS! #O4L."

According to TMZ, the New Jersey rapper (real name Rufus Lee Cooper III) was found dead in Atlanta, Georgia on Friday morning. While E.D.I. Mean's post didn't confirm cause of death, TMZ sources said Noble died from a gunshot wound that appears to have been self-inflicted.

Complex has reached out to authorities for more information.

Joining Tha Outlawz in 1996, Noble was the last member 2Pac added personally to the group — which also included 2Pac (Makaveli), E.D.I. Mean, Yaki Kadafi, Hussein Fatal, Big Syke (Mussolini), Kastro, Napoleon, Mopreme Shakur (Komani) and Storm.

While most of the Outlawz (formerly known as Dramacydal) appeared on Pac's diamond-certified double album All Eyez on Me, Young Noble made his debut on his follow-up Death Row Records album, The Don Killuminati: The 7 Day Theory. He featured on the songs "Bomb First (My Second Reply)," "Hail Mary," "Life of an Outlaw" and "Just Like Daddy."

In addition to several Outlawz albums, Noble also put out a few solo projects, including 2002's Noble Justice.

In May 2021, Noble suffered a serious heart attack. Sharing news of his recovery on Instagram, he wrote: "Thank you to all my luved ones who been praying for me. I had 1 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.

"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 a stress catches up sooner than later!"

A number of friends and collaborators have taken to social media to share heartfelt messages and condolences following news of Noble's death.

Riskie Forever, the artist behind some of Death Row's most iconic album covers (including The Don Killuminati: The 7 Day Theory) shared a photo of him and Noble on Instagram alongside the caption, "SPEECHLESS," followed by a series of broken heart, dove and prayer hand emojis.

Fellow Outlawz member Storm also took to Instagram to share her condolences alongside a series of images of Noble and the rest of Tha Outlawz. "Sending ALL Love Strength & Healing 2 Your Children [broken heart emoji]," she began her caption. "and 2 All Ur Loved Ones that are Hurting Right now!"

Producer Rick Rock, who worked on 2Pac's All Eyez on Me, shared a post featuring a snippet of Noble's verse from Yukmouth's 2001 cut "We Gone Ride," which Rock produced. "THIS IS THE LAST TIME I GOT TO WORK WIT YOUNG NOBLE," he wrote. "I ALWAYS LOVED HIS VOICE AND STYLE AND PRESENCE
R.I.P YOUNG NOBLE CONDOLENCES TO HIS FAMILY AND FRIENDS [top hat, champagne glasses, prayer hands and dove emojis] OUTLAWS!! LIFE GETTING CRAZIER & CRAZIER... HOLLA ATCHA STRONG PEOPLES TO.. 4REALZ."

Trae Tha Truth paid tribute to Noble, writing: "Maaan Rest Easy @young_noble, Didnt expect to See you Gone Away…. My Heart Goes Out To You Family, Children , @edidono4l , Outlaw Family and All that Loved You including Me…. Check On The ones you love , you never Know What they Going Thru Internally."

Kxng Crooked also shared his condolences, posting a picture of Noble with the caption: "Thanks for everything bro. Rest well."

This is a developing story. More to follow...