Young Noble of Tupac’s Outlawz Dies by Suicide at 47 – Mental Health Awareness Urged by E.D.I. Mean
Rapper Young Noble of Tupac’s Outlawz Dies by Suicide at Age 47 – Group Member E.D.I. Mean Speaks Out
Los Angeles, July 5, 2025 – Young Noble, a prominent rapper and long-time member of the legendary hip-hop group Outlawz, founded by Tupac Shakur, has tragically died by suicide at the age of 47.
The heartbreaking news was shared by his fellow Outlawz member E.D.I. Mean via Instagram on Saturday, where he confirmed Noble’s death and used the opportunity to raise awareness about the seriousness of mental health struggles.
“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,” wrote E.D.I. Mean.
Young Noble, whose real name was Rufus Cooper III, was a key figure in the West Coast rap scene, contributing to some of the most iconic posthumous Tupac releases and keeping the Outlawz legacy alive.
Tupac’s official Instagram account also acknowledged the loss by resharing E.D.I. Mean’s post, prompting an outpouring of grief from fans and fellow artists across the globe.
This tragedy has reignited conversations in the music industry around mental health awareness, especially among Black men and hip-hop artists, where such issues often go unspoken.
