Rufus Lee Cooper III, popularly known as Young Noble from Tupac Shakur’s rap group Outlawz, has passed away at the age of 47.

 

 

 

According to The Hollywood Reporter, his death was confirmed by fellow Outlawz member E.D.I. Mean, who revealed on Instagram that Noble died by suicide.

 

 

 

 

“Today I got some of the worst and unexpected news imaginable. My brother and partner for over 30 years took his life this morning,” E.D.I. wrote. “Rest in Power Rufus Young Noble Cooper.”

 

 

 

He urged the public to respect the family’s privacy and called attention to the realities of mental illness:

 

 

 

“Mental illness is a real battle being fought by so many. CHECK ON YOUR FOLKS!”

 

 

 

Tupac’s official Instagram account, managed by his estate, also reshared the tribute.

 

 

 

Young Noble, born in Sierra Madre, California, joined the Outlawz after connecting with Tupac in the mid-1990s.