Young Noble of the Outlawz Passes Away at 47
July 4, 2025
E.D.I. Mean is mourning the loss of his fellow Outlawz member, Young Noble, who has reportedly died by suicide.
The veteran rapper, known for his role in Tupac Shakur’s group, broke the news on Instagram, stating he was “at a loss for words.”
“Today I received some of the worst and unexpected news imaginable,” he wrote. “My brother and partner for over 30 years took his life this morning. Rest in Power Rufus Young Noble Cooper. I am not in a position to discuss this right now, so PLEASE give his family and me some time to process this. Mental illness is a real battle affecting many. CHECK ON YOUR LOVED ONES!”
Many in the Hip-Hop community expressed their shock and condolences in the comments. Xzibit wrote, “Just heard the news brother. I’m processing this as well. I wish him peace and comfort. Condolences to you and all of the families involved. Tragedy.”
Other artists such as Snoop Dogg, Krayzie Bone, Layzie Bone, E-40, Suge Knight Jr., and KXNG Crooked also offered their sympathies.
The Outlawz, founded by Tupac Shakur and Yaki Kadafi in 1995, emerged from earlier collaborations with groups like Dramacydal and Thug Life. Known as “Operating Under Thug Laws As Warriors,” they first gained recognition on Shakur’s track “When We Ride” from the multi-platinum album All Eyez on Me, and were particularly noted for their role in the diss track “Hit ‘Em Up.”
Members took aliases inspired by controversial world figures, with Shakur adopting the name “Makaveli.” The original lineup included Kastro, E.D.I. Mean, Hussein Fatal, Napoleon, Yaki Kadafi, Young Noble, and the only female member, Storm.
Following Shakur’s murder in 1996, the group faced significant challenges, including the deaths of Kadafi and Hussein Fatal, but continued to produce music, including the platinum-certified album Still I Rise with Shakur.
Young Noble, who joined the group in 1996 as the last member, survived a serious heart attack in 2021. At the time, he expressed gratitude for the support he received, saying, “Thank you to all my loved ones who have been praying for me. I had one of the worst days of my life yesterday with a serious heart attack, but God is good, and the amazing doctors brought me back and are getting me right.”
He added, “I plan to put everything on hold while I recover and get my health right. This will only make me stronger. I’m grateful for a second chance and urge everyone to take their health seriously. Unhealthy living and stress catch up sooner than later.”
In December 2024, Young Noble participated in his first interview in seven years, during which he became emotional discussing the murders of Tupac Shakur and The Notorious B.I.G.
“It was crazy,” he said. “Biggie’s death affected us too […] I was almost questioning myself, wondering if I should have stayed in school and found another path. I wasn’t sure if I made the right choice getting in the car with [Hussein] Fatal and Yaki [Kadafi] that day. This doesn’t feel right. I left the hood to come to California. I was tired of death and all this chaos. Two of my friends just died back to back. It was horrible. Horrible for Hip-Hop.”