Chino XL, the cult rapper and actor, has passed away at the age of 50, his family have confirmed.
Using the rap legend’s Instagram account to make the announcement, his family announced on Tuesday (July 30): “The family of Derek Keith Barbosa, professionally known as Chino XL, is devastated to relay the news of his passing. Chino died on the morning of Sunday, July 28, 2024 at home. He was 50.”
The statement continued: “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 former longtime partner Stephanie.
“In a joint statement, his daughters reflect: ‘Our father had many titles — King of Punchlines, Puerto Rican Superhero — but the most important one was Girl Dad. And what he gave us most in that role was his strength, straightforwardness, and ability to be super realistic. The main thing we are feeling now is that our Dad is at peace, and so we are at peace.’”
They concluded by saying: “The family asks for privacy at this time. Details of a memorial will be forthcoming.”
No cause of death was revealed and it is not known if Chino XL was suffering from ill health.
Tributes quickly poured in from around the Hip Hop community, with the likes of Chuck D, Joe Budden and ScHoolboy Q offering their condolences.
Chuck mourned Chino’s passing, along with the recent death of DJ Polo, by writing on X (formerly Twitter): “This ones a tough one. I admired Dj Polo as a @hiphopgods Peer. @CHINOXL was my brother in rhyme & Art. He encouraged my graphics forward. We exchanged art books. He looked out to protect my lyric books better. He supported my events. We supported his music.”
Budden simply added: “Damn… RIP to the legend Chino XL,” while Q wrote: “Rip CHino XL.”
KXNG Crooked, a frequent collaborator of Chino’s, posted a heartfelt message that read: “We spoke on the phone the other day and laughed. Our careers have been tied together since the Wake Up Show freestyles decades ago. I’m fucked up. Rest in Peace my brother Chino XL.”
On Instagram, Bun B penned a similarly touching tribute: “This is @chinoxl he was my brother. He was a man of the people. He was strong and proud. He was one of the greatest to ever write rhymes. Intimidation on two feet. But a heart of pure gold.
“I loved my brother and I will miss my brother. As many others will. My prayers for his soul, his family and friends and all who supported him. Hip hop sheds a tear tonight. Long live Chino XL. Rest in paradise.
Tributes also came from the likes of The Alchemist, Evidence, Skyzoo, R.A. the Rugged Man, Termanology and Dante Ross.
Chino XL is perhaps most renowned for his 1996 debut album Here to Save You All, which was released to critical acclaim and is responsible for kickstarting his legendary feud with 2Pac.
The New Jersey native was also known on the battle rap circuit and for his later pivot to acting, which saw him star in CSI: Miami and the soap opera The Young & The Restless.
He most recently appeared on Rakim‘s new album The God’s Network: Reb7rth, calling their collaboration an “honor” in one of his final Instagram posts.
