The American hip-hop community is mourning the tragic loss of Young Noble, a founding member of the iconic rap group Outlawz, who reportedly died by suicide at the age of 47.
The shocking news was confirmed on Sunday by fellow Outlawz member E.D.I. Mean, who took to Instagram to announce the passing of his longtime friend and collaborator. The two artists had shared a bond spanning over three decades, forged under the mentorship of the late rap legend, Tupac Shakur.
> “My brother & partner of over 30 years took his life this morning. Rest in Power, Young Noble. Mental illness is real. CHECK ON YOUR FOLKS,” E.D.I. Mean wrote in an emotional tribute.
The post was later reshared by Tupac’s official Instagram page, further confirming the news and drawing widespread reactions from fans, fellow musicians, and mental health advocates.
Born Rufus Cooper III, Young Noble rose to prominence in the mid-1990s as the youngest and final member of Outlawz, a group formed by Tupac shortly before his untimely death in 1996. Known for his deep lyrical voice and politically conscious rhymes, Noble featured on several posthumous Tupac albums and was instrumental in keeping the rapper’s legacy alive.
The death of Young Noble has reignited urgent conversations around mental health awareness, particularly within the hip-hop industry, where issues of emotional well-being are often overlooked or stigmatised.
Tributes have continued to pour in across social media, with many calling for more support systems for artists dealing with psychological strain and the pressures of public life.
Mental health professionals have reiterated the importance of recognising warning signs, promoting open conversations, and providing accessible care to those at risk.
Young Noble is remembered not only for his contributions to rap music but also for his loyalty to the memory of Tupac and his advocacy through music.
Funeral arrangements and family statements are yet to be released at the time of filing this report.
