Tupac Protégé Young Noble Dies at 47 in Tragic Loss

Rufus Lee Cooper III, known by his stage name Young Noble and a key member of Tupac Shakur’s rap group Outlawz, has died at the age of 47. His death, which occurred in Atlanta on July 4, 2025, was confirmed by a representative of the group. Authorities have not yet released an official statement.

Born on March 21, 1978, in Sierra Madre, California, Young Noble joined the Outlawz in early 1996, making him the final member personally recruited by Tupac before the rapper’s death later that year. Noble appeared on four tracks on Tupac’s posthumous album The Don Killuminati: The 7 Day Theory, including the classic “Hail Mary.” He later launched a solo career, releasing albums such as Noble Justice in 2002 and Son of God in 2012. He also collaborated with artists including Layzie Bone and fellow Outlawz member E.D.I. Mean.

E.D.I. Mean took to Instagram to mourn the loss, writing, “Today I got some of the worst and unexpected news imaginable. My brother and partner for over 30 years took his life this morning... Rest in Power Rufus Young Noble Cooper.” He also encouraged fans to take mental health seriously.

Snoop Dogg, who shared a label with Tupac and Young Noble under Death Row Records, also responded to the news with a heartfelt message: “DAMN Mental health is real,” referencing the song “The Good Die Young.”

Just weeks before his death, on June 22, Young Noble shared an uplifting message on social media: “You’re not reading this by accident... God is going to send blessings, solutions, healing, love, and positive change your way...”