Young Noble, a key member of the Outlawz and one of the last artists personally recruited by Tupac Shakur, has died by suicide at age 47.

The rapper — born Rufus Lee Cooper III — died from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound in Atlanta on Friday morning, according to sources close to the situation. Local authorities have yet to publicly confirm the details of the incident.

A Lasting Link to Tupac’s Legacy

Young Noble joined the legendary Outlawz in early 1996, becoming the final member added to the group by Tupac himself. He gained national attention for his contributions to Pac’s posthumous 1996 album, The Don Killuminati: The 7 Day Theory.

Noble was featured on four tracks from the album, including the haunting and iconic “Hail Mary.” The project was released just months after Tupac was fatally shot in Las Vegas — and quickly became a defining record in hip-hop history.

A Solo Career and Resilience

After Tupac’s death, Young Noble remained active in the music industry. He released several solo albums over the years, including “Noble Justice” and “Son of God,” earning respect for his loyalty to Tupac’s message and his perseverance as an independent artist.

In 2021, Noble suffered a serious heart attack but survived and shared a heartfelt message on Instagram expressing his gratitude for a second chance at life.

Just weeks before his death, Noble had reportedly been playing basketball with friends and showed no outward signs of distress or illness, according to those close to him.

Remembering Young Noble

As the news of his passing spreads, tributes are pouring in from across the hip-hop community. Fans and fellow artists alike are mourning the loss of a rapper known not only for his bars but for his authenticity, loyalty, and commitment to honoring Tupac’s legacy.

Young Noble was 47.

If You or Someone You Know Is Struggling

If you or someone you know is experiencing emotional distress or suicidal thoughts, help is available 24/7. Call or text 988, or visit 988lifeline.org for confidential support.

Source: TMZ – Young NobleDies By Suicide at 47Member of Outlawz, Worked with 2Pac

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Irv Gotti, the legendary music executive, producer, and founder of Murder Inc. Records, has passed away at the age of 54. The news was confirmed by The Hollywood Reporter, though no official cause of death has been announced. Gotti had suffered multiple strokes in recent years and battled diabetes-related health issues.

A defining force in late 1990s and early 2000s hip-hop and R&B, Gotti was instrumental in shaping the sound of the era, working closely with Ja Rule, Ashanti, and DMX. His signature production style, blending hard-hitting hip-hop beats with smooth R&B melodies, led to some of the most memorable crossover hits of the early 2000s.

A Legacy of Hits and Influence

Born Irving Domingo Lorenzo Jr., Gotti first made waves as an A&R executive at Def Jam Records, where he helped sign DMX, Jay-Z, and Ja Rule—three artists who would go on to become hip-hop legends. Under the name DJ Irv, he also produced “Can I Live” from Jay-Z’s iconic 1996 debut album Reasonable Doubt.

In 1998, he founded Murder Inc. Records, quickly turning it into a powerhouse label. His production and executive work led to multi-platinum hits, including:

• Ja Rule & Jennifer Lopez – “I’m Real,” “Ain’t It Funny”
• Ja Rule & Ashanti – “Always on Time”
• Ashanti – “Foolish,” “Rain on Me,” “Mesmerize”

Murder Inc. dominated 2001-2004, creating a signature sound that blended hip-hop and R&B, influencing a new wave of artists.

Beyond Murder Inc.: A Career of Reinvention

As Murder Inc. expanded, Gotti’s influence reached beyond hip-hop. He signed Vanessa Carlton, co-producing her 2007 album Heroes and Thieves alongside Rick Rubin and Stephan Jenkins (Third Eye Blind). He also contributed production to artists such as Kanye West, Memphis Bleek, Fat Joe, and Christina Milian.

However, in the mid-2000s, Gotti faced legal troubles when the FBI raided Murder Inc.’s offices, investigating alleged ties to drug kingpin Kenneth “Supreme” McGriff. Though Gotti was acquitted, the controversy damaged the label’s reputation, and Murder Inc. was later rebranded as The Inc.

In recent years, Gotti transitioned into television, creating BET’s Tales, a hip-hop anthology series that blended music with storytelling.

Tributes Pour In from the Music Industry

Following the news of his passing, many in the music industry shared their condolences and memories of Gotti.

Lyor Cohen (Global Head of Music, YouTube & Former Def Jam Executive):

“Def Jam has lost one of its most creative soldiers who was hip-hop. When we were on bended knee, he brought the heat and saved our asses. He comes from a very tight, beautiful family from Queens, and it’s an honor and a privilege to have known him. Irv, you will be missed.”

However, not all reactions were respectful. Rapper 50 Cent, who had long-standing beef with Gotti and Murder Inc., posted an Instagram photo of himself next to a grave headstone that read “RIP”, captioning it:
“I’m smoking on dat Gotti pack, nah God bless him LOL.”

Gotti’s Family and Legacy

Gotti is survived by his three children—Angie, Sonny, and Jonathan Wilson—his mother Nee Nee Lorenzo, his sisters Tina and Angie, and his brother Chris Lorenzo, with whom he co-founded Murder Inc.

His influence on hip-hop and R&B remains undeniable, and his contributions to music will be felt for generations.

Rest in peace, Irv Gotti.

Source

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