RAPPER Young Noble who worked closely with Tupac Shakur has died at the age of 47.

The Outlawz member was found dead in Atlanta, Georgia on Friday morning, according to reports.

3

3

3

Rufus Lee Cooper III, known by his stage name Young Noble, joined the hip-hop group Outlawz in 1996.

Noble featured in four songs on Tupac’s 1996 album ‘The Don Killuminati: The 7 Day Theory‘, including the hit ‘Hail Mary’.

He also released several solo studio albums such as ‘Noble Justice’ and ‘Son of God’.

The rapper reportedly died from a gunshot wound that “appears self-inflicted at this time”, sources told TMZ.

Hip-hop artist E.D.I. Mean, who was also part of Tupac Shakur’s group, shared the news via Instagram on Friday, saying he was “at a loss for words”.

He wrote: “Today I got some of the worst and unexpected news imaginable.

“My brother and partner for over 30 years took his life this morning.

“Rest in Power Rufus Young Noble Cooper. I obviously am in no shape to talk about this right now so please give his family and I some time to process this.

“Mental illness is a real battle being fought by so many. Check on your folks.”

If you or someone you know is affected by any of the issues raised in this story, call or text the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988, chat on 988lifeline.org, or text Crisis Text Line at 741741.

More to follow… For the latest news on this story, keep checking back at The U.S. Sun, your go-to destination for the best celebrity news, sports news, real-life stories, jaw-dropping pictures, and must-see videos.

Like us on Facebook at TheSunUS and follow us on X at @TheUSSun