Younger Noble — a talented rapper well-known for his collaborations with Tupac Shakur — has tragically died by suicide, as reported by TMZ.

According to reliable sources familiar with the situation, TMZ Hip Hop has confirmed that Noble, whose full name is Rufus Lee Cooper III, passed away in Atlanta early Friday morning, leaving a significant void in the hip-hop community.

Our sources indicate that he succumbed to a gunshot wound, which appears to be self-inflicted at this time. We have reached out to local authorities for further information and clarification on the circumstances surrounding this tragic event.

Noble gained fame in the hip-hop industry after joining the iconic Outlawz group in early 1996, becoming the last member personally selected by 2Pac, which significantly impacted his career trajectory and the group’s legacy.

Younger Noble featured on four tracks of Tupac’s posthumous album, “The Don Killuminati: The 7 Day Theory,” which included the legendary track “Hail Mary.” This album, released in November 1996, came just months after Tupac’s untimely death in Las Vegas, solidifying Noble’s presence in the music industry.

Throughout his career, Younger Noble released several impactful solo studio albums, including “Noble Justice” and “Son of God,” which showcased his unique style and lyrical depth, contributing to his reputation in the rap scene.

In 2021, Noble experienced a severe heart attack, which prompted him to reflect on life and express gratitude for the second chance he received. In an Instagram post made in May of that year, he shared his appreciation for life. Recently, he was seen enjoying basketball with friends, showing no apparent signs of illness, which makes this tragedy even more shocking.

At the time of his passing, Noble was only 47 years old, a reminder of the fragility of life and the impact one can have in such a short time.

Rest in peace, Noble.