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Tragedy has struck the Hip-Hop world, as Young Noble, a longtime member of the influential rap group Outlawz, has died by suicide. He was 47.
The news was shared by fellow Outlawz rapper E.D.I. Mean, who posted a message on Instagram on July 4, expressing disbelief and asking for privacy. He captioned the post as follows:
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“Im at a loss for words.💔"
Meanwhile he wrote on his Instagram story:
“Today i got some of the worst and unexpected news imainable. 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!”
The announcement of Young Noble's passing quickly prompted an outpouring of support from across the Hip-Hop community. Among those who responded were Xzibit, who commented:
“Just heard the news brother. I’m am processing this as well. I wish him peace and comfort. Condolences to you and all of the families involved. Tragedy.”
Condolences also poured in from Snoop Dogg, Layzie Bone, Krayzie Bone, E-40, KXNG Crooked, and Suge Knight Jr.
“Grateful for a second chance”: Young Noble’s once candid words on losing Tupac and Biggie — and finding strength after
Rufus Lee Cooper III, popularly known by his stage name Young Noble, joined the group in 1996 after Shakur’s death and remained one of its most prominent voices for the later years. In 2021, he survived a serious heart attack and shared his gratitude on social media:
“I had a serious heart attack but God is too good & the amazing doctors brung me back. This will only make me stronger. I’m grateful for a second chance and I beg y’all please please please take your health serious.”
In a late-2024 interview, Young Noble was heard reflecting on the loss of both Tupac and The Notorious B.I.G., and the psychological toll those tragedies had on him as a young artist.
“Biggie dying affected us, too. I was almost questioning like, ‘Damn man, maybe I should have stayed in school and figured something else out.’ Two of my friends just died back to back.”
He continued:
“It was horrible. Horrible for Hip-Hop.”
The Outlawz, originally formed in 1995 by Tupac Shakur and Yaki Kadafi, were known for their fierce loyalty to Shakur and their aggressive lyrical style. They became widely recognized for tracks like “Hit ‘Em Up” and their appearances on All Eyez on Me.
The group’s name stood for Operating Under Thug Laws As Warriors, and its members adopted monikers based on controversial historical figures.
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