Young Noble, a 47-year-old member of 2Pac’s Outlawz Rap Group, passed away
The late lyricist was honored by E.D.I. Mean, Snoop Dogg, Xzibit, and Bone Thugs-N-Harmony.
A prominent member of 2Pac’s remaining rap group, Outlawz, Young Noble, died at the age of 47 from what appears to be a suicide.
According to an early report from TMZ, the rapper, whose real name was Rufus Lee Cooper III, was found dead in Atlanta on Friday morning, July 4, after apparently suffering what seemed to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Investigations are still ongoing to determine the precise circumstances of his death.
Young Noble was born in California, although he lived in New Jersey for a portion of his childhood, when he became good friends with Hussein Fatal and Yaki Khadafi, two future members of Outlawz.
He solidified his position in one of hip-hop’s most illustrious collectives by becoming the final artist specifically enlisted by Tupac Shakurto himself join the group.
The Don Killuminati: The 7 Day Theory, 2Pac’s 1996 postmortem album, featured four songs by Noble, including the timeless hit “Hail Mary.” He stood out among the Outlawz because of his rough delivery and devotion to Pac’s message.
Young Noble helped continue the group’s legacy over the years by participating in several albums and joint ventures. One Nation, the group’s most recent album, was released in 2021, carrying on their tradition long into the contemporary hip-hop era.
Young Noble had a serious heart attack that year and was admitted to the hospital before being released. Fans and peers find the news even more stunning because, according to insiders, he seemed to be in good health before passing away.
With the death of Young Noble, one of the few people still closely associated with 2Pac’s inner circle and legacy comes to an end.
As fans and hip-hop artists like Snoop Dogg, E-40, Xzibit, and Bone Thugs-N-Harmony commemorate his talents, devotion, and influence on the culture, tributes have been pouring in from all around the industry.
Below is a tribute post to Young Noble by E.D.I. Mean, a member of Outlawz.
