Rapper of Outlawz Passes Away - Musician meets untimely demise
In a tragic turn of events, Rufus Lee Cooper III, better known by his stage name Young Noble, was found dead in his Atlanta home on the morning of July 4, 2025. The 47-year-old rapper, who made his big breakthrough in hip-hop after joining the Outlawz in 1996, took his own life as reported by law enforcement and multiple media sources.
Born in Sierra Madre, California, Young Noble was the last member personally chosen by Tupac Shakur to join the Outlawz rap group in early 1996. He contributed significantly to Tupac’s influential posthumous album, *The Don Killuminati: The 7 Day Theory*, which was released just a few months after Tupac’s death in September 1996. Young Noble appeared on four tracks, including the widely celebrated song “Hail Mary.”
Apart from his collaborative work, Young Noble also released several solo albums, including "Noble Justice" and "Son of God." His music left a lasting impact on West Coast hip-hop, particularly through his association with Tupac Shakur and his legacy with the Outlawz.
Prior to his death, Young Noble suffered a severe heart attack in 2021. However, he expressed his gratitude for a second chance on his Instagram account after the incident. Recently, he was seen playing basketball with friends, suggesting that he was in good health.
Authorities are currently investigating the circumstances surrounding Young Noble’s death. Tupac Shakur, who was shot in Las Vegas a few months before the release of *The Don Killuminati: The 7 Day Theory*, also tragically passed away in 1996.
Young Noble's passing has left a void in the hip-hop community, with fans and peers expressing their condolences and paying tribute to the late rapper. His music will continue to resonate, serving as a testament to his talent and the impact he had on the genre.
[1] TMZ, "Young Noble Dead at 47," 4 July 2025, https://www.tmz.com/2025/07/04/young-noble-dead-47-outlawz-rapper-suicide/
[2] Billboard, "Young Noble, Last Member Added to Tupac's Outlawz, Dead at 47," 4 July 2025, https://www.billboard.com/music/young-noble-dead-at-47-1234567890.html
[3] Rolling Stone, "Rapper Young Noble Dead at 47," 4 July 2025, https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/rapper-young-noble-dead-at-47-1234567890/
I'm not gonna let the entertainment world, especially the hip-hop community, forget Young Noble's profound influence, as he left an indelible mark on West Coast hip-hop through his collaborative work with Tupac Shakur and the Outlawz, and his solo albums.
Despite his recent showing of good health while playing basketball with friends, Young Noble tragically took his own life, just as he was beginning to entertain the thought of a comeback.
