The death of Young Noble shines the spotlight on suicide in communities of color

Young Noble worked with Tupac Shakur

According to TMZ Rapper Young Noble was found dead in Atlanta, Georgia, on July 4, of an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound. Initial reports stated that his cause of death was not confirmed by police, but now apparently it has been.

Noble's birth name was Rufus Lee Cooper III, and he was best known for being featured in four songs on Tupac Shakur’s 1996 album ‘The Don Killuminati: The 7 Day Theory, including the hit ‘Hail Mary’. In 1996, he joined The Outlawz.

Noble also released several solo studio albums, including "Powerful," ‘Noble Justice’ and ‘Son of God,’ where he discussed being a son of God and his views that the Almighty was African American.

Mental illness may have been a factor

On Friday, Hip-hop artist E.D.I. Mean, who also worked with Tupac, shared the sad news via Instagram, adding he was “at a loss for words." He did not go into detail but added the following:

“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.”

Rufus Lee Cooper III

Cooper, 47, was born March 21, 1978, in Sierra Madre, California, and grew up in Pasadena. He moved to New Jersey at the age of eight, where he met future Outlaw members Hussein Fatal and Yaki Kadafi. At 16, he moved back to California to live in Rancho Cucamonga with his sister.

The rapper is said to have left behind a wife and children but they have not been named. It's also unclear if his mother, or father, and namesake are still living or were in his life. Cooper's last social media message was a meme promising blessings and telling people to hold on for a miracle, which can be viewed at this link.

Suicide is increasing among people of color

Decades ago, Black people used to say that our race did not complete suicide, but today we know this is not true. Sadly, another fact is that some people mimic whatever their favorite entertainers do.

Those close to the rapper say he was playing basketball with friends and showed no signs of any problems during the past weeks. He suffered a heart attack in 2021, which has caused some people to go into depression, but there is no indication of what led the rapper to end his own life.

Help is available if you reach out

Suicide has increased within communities of color, and the rate for Black men is three times higher than that of African American women. If you or someone you know is dealing with mental health issues or considering ending your life, call or text the National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988, chat on 988lifeline.org, or text the Crisis Text Line at 741741.

Help is available for those who reach out for it. FYI there are many professionals available to help, including Black male therapists. In-person visits, plus Zoom or telephone calls, may be options. One life lost to suicide is one too many, and one life saved is a blessing and encouragement to others..

Please reach out if you believe you or someone you love needs help. Don't make excuses-make an appointment today so the rapper's death will not be in vain. Condolences to the family, friends, and followers of Rufus Lee Young Noble.