Rapper Chino XL has died at the age of 50, his family announced in a statement posted on his Instagram account on Tuesday (July 30). Chino XL, born Derek Keith Barbosa, died peacefully at home on Sunday (July 28). no cause of death was disclosed.
“Chino is survived by his children, Chynna, Bella, Lyric, Kiyana. his stepson Shawn; Grandchildren Emmy, Emery, Chris, Luis and Dyani. his mother, Carole; and his ex-partner Stephanie,” the statement said.
“Our father had many titles – King of Punchlines, Puerto Rican Superhero – but the most important was Girl Dad. And what gave us the most in this role was his strength, directness and ability to be super realistic,” Chino XL's daughters add in a joint message. “The main thing we feel now is that our dad is at peace, so we are at peace.”
Born in the Bronx and raised in East Orange, NJ, Chino formed the duo Art of Origin with Kerri Chandler and signed to Def Jam Recordings through Warner in 1991. Chino XL has continued to excel in his solo career.
Of Here to save you all The debut – featuring collaborations with Kool Keith and Ras Kass – arrived in 1996 and peaked at No. 56 on the Top R&B Albums chart. Chino followed I told you in 2001 and Poison Pen in 2006 as well as in 2012 Reconstruction: The Black Rosary.
Chino XL has scored collaborations over the years with Kool G Rap, Proof, J. Dilla and B-Real among others. He also earned some stripes in Hollywood as an actor in films such as Alex & Emma while appearing on TV shows such as CSI: Miami, The Young and the Restless and Renault 911!
More recently on the music side, Chino linked up with Stu Bangaz for their Carpenter of God joint project in 2023. He also made an appearance on “Pedulum Swing,” which landed on Rakim's GODs Network – Reb7rth album last Friday (July 26).
There was an outpouring of support from the hip-hop community following the news of his death.
“My uncle knew I hate giving even a fraction of my pain to the internet if it's not on vinyl. There are not many tears that could bring me peace. There are no words that could ever comfort me,” Lady London's niece wrote in part in a lengthy Tribute to Instagram. “Uncie, thank you for dealing with me. Because he gave me the love of words and knowledge. Literature and rhythmic composition. For your heart… bigger than your body (literally) . Your legacy lives on forever. I promise I'll take it that far.”
Ice-T also remembered his friend on social media. “This REALLY hurts… Yesterday morning I got the horrible news and I didn't want to believe it was true,” the musician and Law & Order: Special Victims Unit star he wrote on Instagram next to a black and white photograph of the late artist. “I've lost so many homes, but THIS blew me away. People know he was an incredible MC. But Chino was a truly GREAT MAN. This is a tragedy. My love and condolences go out to his family. Homie you are loved by so many. Rest in Peace my friend.”
Find more reactions to the news of Chino XL's death below.
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