Young Noble, Last Outlaw Handpicked By Tupac, Dies By Suicide At 47
Rapper Young Noble, a vital player in the legendary hip-hop crew The Outlawz and the last member personally chosen by Tupac Shakur, has tragically passed away at just 47 years old.
According to a report by TMZ, Noble—born Rufus Lee Cooper III—died by suicide early Friday morning in Atlanta. Law enforcement sources say it was a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Investigators are still working through the details, but the hip-hop world is already in mourning.
Young Noble’s legacy is one that’s rooted deep in hip-hop history. In 1996, he joined The Outlawz, becoming the final member handpicked by Tupac himself before the legend’s death later that year. He appeared on four songs off Tupac’s posthumous album The Don Killuminati: The 7 Day Theory, including the powerful track “Hail Mary”—a classic that still gives chills today.
From riding with ‘Pac to becoming a voice for the voiceless, Noble stood tall in his truth. For fans of West Coast rap and real storytelling, he was more than just a rapper—he was family.
Solo Work, Setbacks, And Spiritual Resilience: Noble’s Journey Beyond The Outlawz
While many knew him through his ride-or-die loyalty to Tupac and The Outlawz, Young Noble carved his own path with powerful solo records that spoke straight to the soul. Albums like Noble Justice and Son of God showcased not just his bars but his heart. He never sugarcoated life—he gave it to you raw, unfiltered, and real.
But Noble wasn’t without his struggles. Back in 2021, he suffered a serious heart attack. Instead of letting that stop him, he used it as fuel. He took to Instagram with a heartfelt message: one of gratitude, survival, and a commitment to live better. That post had people across the culture rooting for him. He was resilient, and that energy inspired a lot of folks going through their own battles.
Despite that health scare, Noble stayed active. According to friends, he had been hooping, linking up with homies, and was in what looked like good spirits. No one saw this coming—and that’s what hits the hardest.
Fans, Friends, And The Hip-Hop World React To Young Noble’s Death
As news broke, tributes began flooding social media. Fans, peers, and longtime collaborators posted messages of shock, grief, and deep respect.
“Damn. RIP Young Noble. The Outlawz changed my life with them verses,” one fan tweeted. Another added, “The realest to do it with Pac. This one hurts fr.”
Fellow artists who came up alongside Noble and Tupac shared memories and offered condolences, remembering him as both a lyrical soldier and a kind soul who stayed true to the code.
Even folks who didn’t know him personally could feel his impact. His verses on “Against All Odds” and “Hail Mary” weren’t just bars—they were blueprints of the pain, pride, and pressure that came with surviving in the industry.
Why Young Noble’s Legacy Still Matters Today
There’s a reason people still bump “Hail Mary” in 2025—it’s timeless. But Young Noble’s legacy isn’t just in the records. It’s in the honesty he brought to the game, the pain he poured into verses, and the way he always honored his brother Tupac’s message.
In a world where a lot of artists chase trends, Noble stood on principle. He used his platform to speak on survival, street struggles, spirituality, and staying grounded in chaos.
His sudden death reminds us that even our strongest voices are still human. And while the loss is devastating, his life pushes us to check in on our people, spread love, and leave something real behind.