Chino XL, the iconic rapper and actor known for his sharp lyrics and dynamic performances, has died at 50.
Rapper and actor Chino XL passed away at his residence on Sunday, as confirmed by his family. The cause of death had not been disclosed yet; he was 50 years old.
Born in the Bronx as Derek Keith Barbosa, Chino XL leaves behind his children Chynna, Bella, Lyric, and Kiyana; his stepson Shawn; five grandchildren; his mother; and his long-time partner Stephanie.
Also Read:- Three Arrested, Two Sought in Ambush Killing of Florida Rapper Julio Foolio
In a heartfelt statement, his daughters expressed: “Our father wore many titles — King of Punchlines, Puerto Rican Superhero — but the most cherished one was Girl Dad. He provided us with immense strength, honesty, and a realistic outlook on life. We find solace in knowing that our Dad is at peace, and so we are at peace.”
Chino XL, revered as the “Lyrical Messiah,” carved out a significant niche in the hip-hop community with four solo albums and numerous collaborative projects. His notable freestyles on Sway and King Tech’s Wake Up Show and a brief period with Rick Rubin’s American Recordings marked his early career. Additionally, he ventured into acting, featuring in Rob Reiner’s “Alex & Emma” and the comedy series “Reno 911!”
About Chino XL
Born in 1974 and raised in East Orange, New Jersey, Barbosa adopted the name “Chino” from a childhood nickname. He started his rap journey in school, eventually partnering with producer Kerri Chandler to form the Art of Origin in the late 1980s. They signed with Rick Rubin’s Def American Recordings via Warner Bros. in 1991. After releasing singles, Chino XL launched his solo career.
His debut album, “Here to Save You All,” came out in 1996, followed by “I Told You So,” which included collaborations with notable artists like Cypress Hill’s B-Real, Kool G Rap, and J Dilla. He later re-released the album independently.
Also Read:- Sinéad O’Connor’s Official Cause of Death Revealed: COPD and Asthma Complications
Over the next two decades, he produced several albums: “Poison Pen” (2006), “Something Sacred” with Playalitical (2008), “Ricanstruction: The Black Rosary” (2012), “Chino vs. Balt” with Balthazar Getty (2020), and “God’s Carpenter” with Stu Bangas (2023).
Chino recently featured on Rakim’s project “G.O.D.’s Network (Reb7rth),” released on July 26, on the track “Pendulum Swing” alongside Kxng Crooked, Canibus, and LA the Darkman.
Chino XL was involved in a notable feud with Tupac Shakur due to a line in his 1996 song “Riiiot!” Shakur mentioned Chino in his diss track “Hit ‘Em Up,” leading Chino to release a response diss. It remains unclear if the two reconciled before Shakur’s death.
In the early 2000s, Chino XL signed with Hollywood agent Stacey Castro and began his acting career, appearing as a flamenco dancer in Reiner’s “Alex & Emma” and in Brandon Sonnier’s 2003 hip-hop film “The Beat,” which premiered at Sundance and included Coolio and Brian McKnight in its cast. He also appeared on television in “Reno 911!,” “CSI: Miami,” and “The Young and the Restless.”
Also Read:- Who is Gojira? The Metal Band Steals Spotlight at Olympics Opening Ceremony
More recently, Chino expanded his creative pursuits into writing graphic novels, including titles such as “Black Mass,” “Lucy,” and “Skin and Bones: The Descent of the Holy.”