The hip-hop community is in mourning following the tragic death of Young Noble, a founding member of the legendary rap group Outlawz, who has reportedly died by suicide at the age of 47. News of his passing was confirmed on Friday, July 4, by fellow Outlawz member E.D.I. Mean, who shared a heartfelt tribute on Instagram.
“I’m at a loss for words,” E.D.I. Mean wrote, accompanied by a photo of his longtime friend and collaborator. “We been through so much together over the last 30 years. I still can’t believe you’re gone.” The post sparked an immediate outpouring of grief from fans, fellow artists, and industry figures who remembered Young Noble not only for his contributions to hip-hop but for his loyalty, spirit, and resilience.
Born Rufus Cooper III, Young Noble joined the Outlawz at the behest of Tupac Shakur in the mid-1990s. He made his debut on 2Pac’s iconic posthumous album The Don Killuminati: The 7 Day Theory, appearing on multiple tracks including “Hail Mary.” As part of Outlawz, Young Noble helped shape the sound of West Coast rap in the aftermath of Tupac’s death, releasing numerous group and solo projects that kept the group’s legacy alive.
Over the years, Young Noble was known for his authenticity and message-driven lyrics, often touching on struggle, street life, loyalty, and the pursuit of justice—values that aligned closely with Tupac’s vision. He also remained active in independent hip-hop, collaborating with artists across the country and releasing music well into the 2020s.
Behind the scenes, those close to him described Noble as thoughtful, humble, and deeply committed to his family and community. His passing has left many shocked, and it has renewed conversations around mental health in the music industry—particularly among Black men, where stigma and silence are too often barriers to healing.
“Sometimes the strongest people are the ones silently hurting,” one fan commented beneath E.D.I. Mean’s post. “We have to do better about checking in on each other.”
As of now, no official statement has been released by Noble’s family, and the exact circumstances surrounding his death remain private. His fellow Outlawz members have asked for respect and space for the family during this incredibly difficult time.
Born and raised in Rancho Cucamonga, California, Noble’s journey from a young aspiring rapper to a pillar of the Outlawz legacy is a testament to his drive and dedication. Even as hip-hop evolved over the decades, he remained rooted in the foundational ethos of the culture—speaking truth to power and honoring the memory of fallen friends, especially Tupac.
In recent years, Young Noble had taken to using his platform to speak about personal growth, fatherhood, and perseverance. His social media accounts were often filled with words of motivation and reflection, making his death all the more heartbreaking for those who followed him.
Young Noble is survived by his family, including his children, who he often spoke about with pride.
The hip-hop world has lost not just a rapper, but a brother, a mentor, and a fighter. His voice and legacy will echo on.
Rest in peace, Young Noble. Your words, your music, and your mission live forever.
