Robin Marchant/Getty Young Noble has died at age 47, PEOPLE can confirm TMZ reported that the rapper, born Rufus Lee Cooper III, died by suicide in Atlanta on July 4 Noble was a member of the hip-hop group Outlawz and frequent Tupac Shakur collaborator Young Noble, a member of the hip-hop group Outlawz and frequentTupac Shakurcollaborator, has died. He was 47. A representative for the rapper confirmed his death to PEOPLE.TMZreported that Noble, born Rufus Lee Cooper III, died by suicide in Atlanta on Friday, July 4. The Atlanta Police Department (APD) did not respond to PEOPLE's request for comment. Musician Damien "Big Percy" Roderick posted about Noble's death, writing on social media, "Damn @outlawznation @theoutlawzofficial REST EASY HOMIE @young_noble wish I could change our last call we had DAMN PRAYERS UP." Snoop Dogg, who was on Death Row Records with Shakur before the late musician's 1996 death, was also labelmates with Noble. He reacted to the news of Noble's death on social media. "DAMN Mental health is real," the "Drop It Like It's Hot" rapper, 53, wrote alongside Roderick's post, adding the song "The Good Die Young" by Shakur and Outlawz. Never miss a story — sign up forPEOPLE's free daily newsletterto stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. Snoop Dogg/Instagram Fellow Outlawz member E.D.I. Mean also remembered Noble with a social media tribute. "Today I got some of the worst and unexpected news imaginable," he began. "My brother and partner for over 30 years took his life this morning. Rest in Power Rufus Young Noble Cooper." Mean added that he is "in no shape to talk about this right now," and asked fans to give Noble's family privacy. "Mental illness is a real battle being fought by so many. CHECK ON UR FOLKS!" he concluded. Noble joined Outlawz in early 1996. He was the last member added to the music group after being personally selected by Shakur before he was fatally shot in Las Vegas. The rapper appeared on four songs on Shakur's albumThe Don Killuminati: The 7 Day Theory, including "Hail Mary." Noble's solo albums includeNoble JusticeandSon of God. Young Noble/Instagram Noble'sfinal social media postcame on June 22, when the musician shared a message that read, "You're not reading this by accident. This is your confirmation. You're going to make it. No matter what it looks like right now." "God is going to send blessings, solutions, healing, love, and positive change your way. So hold on, be strong and don't give up. You are next in line for your miracle," the message continued. If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health challenges, emotional distress, substance use problems, or just needs to talk, call or text 988, or chat at988lifeline.org24/7. Read the original article onPeople
