The young nobleman, member of the rap group The Outlawz and an affiliate of Tupac Shakur, died at the age of 47.
The master of ceremonies, whose real name is Rufus Lee Cooper III, would have followed his life in Atlanta, according to the member of the Outlawz member Edi Mean who shared the news of his death on social networks.
“Today, I have obtained some of the worst and unexpected imaginable news,” he wrote. “My brother and partner for over 30 years have taken his life this morning. Rest in power Rufus Young Noble Cooper. I am obviously not in good shape to talk about it right now, so give his family and I’m a little time to treat this. Mental disease is a real battle that takes place by so many things. ” Shakur’s Instagram account, managed by his succession, republished the message.
The rapper was best known for his work with the Outlawz and the appearances on Shakur Tracks, including “Hail Mary” and the “Baby Don’t Cry (Keep Ya Head Up II).” Throughout his career, he released five solo albums and many collaborative projects with artists such as Layzie Bone, Krayzie Bone and Dead Prez’s Stic.man.
Cooper was born in Sierra Madre, California, and moved to New Jersey at the age of eight. It was there that he met the other Outlawz Yaki Kadafi and Hussein Fatal members and started to record music. He was connected with Shakur after returning to California and made his debut on the rapper’s album “The Don Killminati: The 7 Day Theory”, appearing on the opening piece “Bomb First (My Second Reply)” and as part of The Outlawz on “Just Like Daddy” and “Hail Mary”.
Over the years, Cooper has raised a considerable discography after his solo “noble justice” in 2002. He released his latest album “Outlaw University” in 2023.
Following news from his death, several of his associates published on social networks in his memory. “Rip to my brother Voyou @Young_Noble has just received the devastating news,” wrote Layzie Bone. “I think of Edi and all his family. My condolences to his wife and children and friends and fans rest eternal. This mental health is a frightening thing. ”
